First United Methodist Church of Elmhurst will host its annual Grace Gathering on Sunday, September 9 to kick off its program year for children and adults. Everyone is invited to celebrate the joys of welcoming the fall season! This is a wonderful time to reconnect with one another, share summer happenings, and make plans to attend the Education programs offered during 2012-2013.
The day begins with a church-wide continental breakfast from 9:15-10:15 a.m. in the church’s Wesley Hall, sponsored by the Fellowship team.
At 10:00, children will visit their classrooms and meet their teachers, in preparation for the beginning of classes Sunday, September 16. The curriculum this year will be Grow, Proclaim, Serve! and is a DVD-based teaching series that includes puzzles, drama and crafts to help children relate Bible stories to their everyday lives.
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Adults may sign up for the fall education classes and the church’s new Small Group Ministry which identifies special interest areas for member activity. Information will be available for the many Sunday morning and mid-week adult education opportunities, which are also open to the community. Adult classes begin on Sunday, September 16.
Ruth Zervas, who is starting her 18th year as Director of Christian Education at First Church, will preach the sermon at both 8:15 and 10:30 worship services.
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The new music year also starts at First Church in September and Music Director Debbie Hatmaker invites community members and Elmhurst College students to participate in the fine music program at First Church.
“We have an adult Chancel Choir, a children’s choir, youth choir, handbell choir and orchestra for special events,” said Hatmaker, who coordinates all the music programs. “There are opportunities for everyone.” Music rehearsals begin the week of September 6.
Rev. Dr. Norma Lee Kerns Barnhart, pastor at First United Methodist, invites all friends and newcomers to stop by and visit. Worship services are at 8:15 a.m. and 10:30 a.m., with announcements beginning five minutes beforehand. For more information, call the church at (630) 834-2440 or log onto www.umcelmhurst.org.
First United Methodist Church of Elmhurst is located at 232 S. York Road in Elmhurst.
