Christian Education for Youth

Student Ministries -- Christian Education

Sunday School - Sundays at 10 a.m.
The sixth grade class meets in room 243 upstairs in the gym building. See the Classroom Map for room locations.

Sudents in all other grades meet in the Youth Wing, first gathering in the 11th and 12th grade room (room 215) for announcements and then breaking out into other classes. The youth discuss relevant topics that affect their daily life at school and help them with their daily walk with the Lord.

Bethany Bash Bible Studies - Wednesdays from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
The Bethany family gathers on Wednesday evenings for a meal, fellowship and learning opportunities. This gathering, which we call "Bethany Bash," is held each Wednesday from mid-August to the end of April, with a short break for Christmas. After a reasonably priced meal, youth attend programming including study and chat sessions, while adults attend classes in a variety of subjects.

Student Ministries' Disciple Bible Study (High school only!) -- Tuesdays at 7 p.m.
This group meets in the Youth Wing on Tuesday evenings (beginning in the fall and concluding in May). Through Bible study, the youth encounter both the Old and New Testaments including Revelation. The Youth Disciple Bible Study is a 34-week encounter with God's Living Word -- The Bible.

Confirmation Class
The most important moment in a person's life is when he or she decides to receive Jesus Christ as Lord and becomes a full member of the church. Therefore, Bethany provides membership classes that span a 15-week period to prepare our young people, seventh grade and older, for this vital decision.

Our teaching team involves all ministry staff members, the Lay Leader, the Council On Ministries chairperson and the Worship Work Area chairperson. Our pastors and other church leaders teach the classes, which include the history of Bethany and the United Methodist Church, baptism and the Lord's Supper, faith and the actual decision to become a Christian. Pastors provide oversight for the entire experience.

Young people must complete confirmation to be considered for church membership. An impressive celebration service during Sunday morning worship culminates this invaluable experience. We encourage the participating families to plan their own home celebration by including relatives and special friends.

Acolyte and Crucifer Program
Youth are trained twice each year to help with worship services – lighting candles and assisting with offering and Communion. Such participation helps youth develop leadership skills and ensures young people that they are an integral part of the worship at Bethany.