Sunday School and Christian Education

Christian education is a very important part of our mission at the Paoli United Methodist Church. Jesus said,
"Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age."
(Matthew 28:19-20 NASB)

As we study and learn what Jesus taught us, we will be more equipped to become His disciples and followers, and more able to share his Good News with others.

Because we take seriously Jesus' words in Matthew 19:14 when he said "Let the little children come to me...", we offer classes for children and teens age 4 through high school.

We also have a nursery where we welcome all newborns through 3-year-olds during both Sunday morning Bible Study classes and the Worship Service.

Jr/Sr High School Class

David Mathers teaches the Jr/Sr High School Class which also welcomes college students.

They typically use LinC or Living in Christ, part of Cokesbury's Digital Curriculum. LinC is an ecumenical youth study publication dealing with cutting edge issues.

LinC challenges youth to think about their faith and beliefs. With the immediacy of on-line technology and an exciting interactive approach, LinC provides relevant information about current issues that have immediate impact on youth.

Junior-Senior High School class at the Paoli United Methodist Church
Junior-Senior High School class at the Paoli United Methodist Church

This past fall they sent college care packages to some of the graduates from the class. One Sunday morning they met in the church kitchen and baked "homemade cookies" from scratch! They made oatmeal cookies, chocolate chip cookies and old fashion butter cookies. They made several batches, put them in containers along with other candies and microwave popcorn, etc., with a picture of the "cooks in the kitchen" and a note from the class. As they've gotten addresses, these are being mailed out. They plan to make it an annual event.

Junior-Senior High School class at the Paoli United Methodist Church
Junior-Senior High School class at the Paoli United Methodist Church

Christ's message in all its richness must live in your hearts. Teach and instruct one another with all wisdom. Sing psalms, hymns, and sacred songs; sing to God with thanksgiving in your hearts. (Colossians 3:16 Good News Translation)

So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. (Ephesians 4:9-13 Today's NIV)

Grades 4–6 Sunday School Class

The Grades 4–6 Sunday School Class is taught by Dee Ann Harmon.

Grades 4–6 Sunday School class

Grades 1–3 Sunday School Class

The Grades 1–3 Sunday School Class is taught by Abby Newkirk.

Grades 1–3 Sunday School class
Grades 1–3 Sunday School class
Grades 1–3 Sunday School class
Grades 1–3 Sunday School class

Kindergarten Class

The Kindergarten Class, taught by Jann Jones, is where children ages 4 and 5 have fun, share in fellowship, and receive a take-home leaflet with a Bible verse and Bible story. The children also have an activity page each week that corresponds to their leaflet. Music, playtime, and an occasional special activity round out the class. In good weather, they can go out into the central courtyard.

Sunday school room for children 4 and 5 years old.
Sunday school room for children 4 and 5 years old.
Sunday school room for children 4 and 5 years old.
Sunday school room for children 4 and 5 years old.