Would you like to deepen you knowledge, be a better speaker, and equip yourself for service?  How about attending an official Basic and Advanced Lay Speaker Course?

• Sat, March 27^th at Boliver United Methodist Church – 8:30am-5:30 pm – Cost is $30.00 – lunch included  (Register and pay before March 19^th)
  - Basic Course: “Leading, Caring, & Communicating”
  - Advanced Course #1: “Our United Methodist Heritage
  - Advanced Course #2: “ United Methodist Theology, Doctrine, & Polity
• Sat, April 17^th at Ozark United Methodist Church – 8:30am-5:00 pm – Cost is $30.00 – lunch included (Register and pay by April 1^st)   
  - Basic Course: “Leading, Caring, & Communicating”
  - Advanced Course: “Each One a Minister: Using God’s Gifts for Ministry”

If you need more information or registration forms contact Dixie Norfleet at the church 729-4551.

If you were a part of the last Beth Moore study on Esther, or missed it and would like to have a great growth opportunity,  a new study is starting February 2nd -  Tuesday evenings at 6:30pm!  This is for women and men!

Join Beth Moore in a faith-building study of prophecy, and learn how to shine for Christ in our modern culture. Just as the prophet Daniel faced unbelievable pressures— to compromise his faith, to live in a hostile culture, and confront temptations and threats—today’s believers face many of the same trials.  Daniel: Lives of Integrity, Words of Prophecy is a study on how individuals can live with integrity in today’s self-absorbed society.

To register and get a book, call Carol Walter.

A new six week study on the book Fruit of the Spirit: Kindness by Calvin Miller will begin on Thursday, January 14th at 3:30 p.m. Class will meet in room 100-102 at the church.

If you would like to be a part of this six week study or would like more information contact Dixie Norfleet at 729-4551 or 729-2616 or just show up at the class.

Come and beat the winter blahs with friends! Everyone is welcome.

You may remember from Pastor Doug’s “Methodist 101″ series that the primary element of the Wesleyan Quadrilateral is Scripture.  There’s a study series coming up that will let you grow in your understanding of Scripture and how the whole Bible can bring you closer to God.  “Route 66″ is a practical, book-by-book survey of the entire Bible. (66 books, Route 66, get it?)

This study answers fascinating questions, such as: Who wrote the Bible? What is the theme of the Bible? Why is there an Old and New Testament? Why did God want Moses to build a tabernacle? What is the Ark of the Covenant? What is God’s special name when He is dealing with people? What are the Lost Ten Tribes of Israel? Why are there four Gospels? How can I be certain I am going to heaven? There are also lessons on the book of Revelation to help you find yourself in the seven churches, and to learn about the Second Coming, the Rapture, the Tribulation, the Battle of Armageddon, and heaven.

You can learn more about the Bible in this study than the average Christian will learn in a lifetime.

This study will unfold throughout the year and will give you a basic understanding of every book in the Bible and why each book is where it is in the Bible. You will also know something about every major character in the Bible.

“Route 66″ will start right after the New Year and will be held in the Worship Center during the normal Sunday School period. Please prayerfully consider making this a part of your Christian growth goals.

Beginning on Thursday October 22, 2009 at noon, there will be a Men’s Bible Study group that will begin with an in-depth study of the book of LUKE.

We will meet at Common Grounds so those who wish to order lunch can do so. If you are interested, please contact either Ken McGrail or Doug Walter, or be there on the 22nd.

The next shelter planning meeting will be at Salem UMC at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, September 22, 2009.  This is extremely important, since we need to be prepared for winter, which will arrive all too soon!

Please plan to attend – you make a difference!  Contact Dixie (programs@salemmoumc.com) if you have any questions.

The Salem UMC writing class will resume meetings on the first Tuesday in September (1st) at 5:15pm.

Anyone with a flair for and/or love of writing is invited to attend.  This is a very informal (and congenial) group that meets twice per month and each member prepares a writing based on an assigned topic.  Sometimes we’re serious, sometimes funny, at other times sentimental… or philosophical… or nostalgic… or inventive.

This is a fun way to learn how to express your thoughts without fear of criticism or embarrassment.  Come on in – YOU’LL LOVE IT!

ATTENTION ALL SALEM UMC MEMBERS:

Saturday morning, September 19th, there will be a Church Spectacular from 9am-12. (Snacks at 8:30!)

This is a going to be a sharing of ideas and information that will be critical to our church life and YOU are cordially invited.  There will be a 30-minute introduction, followed by small groups dealing with the Who, When, Where, and Why of your church board and pastor.

The scheduling will allow you to attend two of the four small group sessions.  PLEASE attend!

If you’ve been paying attention, Pastor Doug’s messages have drawn from Brian McLaren’s book “Everything must change.”

Here’s the link to the website: everythingmustchange.org Lots of good stuff there along the lines of the practical ministry we’ve been hearing about.

Enjoy!

The church library has been the recipient of a large number of Christian fiction books, as well as non-fiction.  Sara Pines was the generous donor (thanks!).  The books have all been processed and can be found in the first section of shelves in the door.   Come get some!!!