Phelps County Regional Medical Center will offer a Safe Sitter class for boys and girls ages 11 to 15 on Aug. 2 from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. in the Education Classrooms.   The Safe Sitter program is a medically accurate program that teaches young adolescents how to handle emergencies when caring for younger children. Thousands of young adolescents across the country have been trained by Safe Sitter instructors to handle life-threatening emergencies. During the course, students get hands-on practice in basic lifesaving techniques so they are prepared to act in a crisis.

Safe Sitters also receive helpful tips to make them more confident caregivers. They learn safety precautions, how to handle children of different ages, and even the business of babysitting. To successfully complete the Safe Sitter program, students must pass rigorous practical and written test to show they have mastered the key concepts and have the skills necessary to handle an emergency.

The cost for the class is $50. To register your son or daughter or your child’s babysitter, call 573-458-7692 before July 30.

Coming soon, we’ll be starting a new Bible study based on the book of Ruth.

It’ll be held here at Salem UMC on Tuesday evenings, June 22, July 6, July 20 and Aug 3.

Contact Carol Walter – 573-729-4572 by June 1, 2010.  Workbooks – $12.95 (plus tax)

Ruth: Loss, Love & Legacy –  by Kelly Minter is a women’s Bible study of Ruth’s journey of unbearable loss, redeeming love, and divine legacy. The second in the Living Room Series, this study delves into the virtuous character of Ruth, her unique relationship with her mother-in-law Naomi, and her blossoming love with Boaz. If you’ve ever felt devastated, struggled as a stranger, longed to be loved, or wept along the way, you’ll find a loyal sister in Ruth.

The Discovery Sunday School Adult Class will begin a new study starting Sunday, April 25^th.

The book is “Breakthrough Prayer” (The Power of Connecting with the Heart of God) by Jim Cymbala.

“Breakthrough Prayer is aimed at more than outlining the important biblical principles of seeking God’s help; it is about seeking the things we rarely pray for, even though God has promised them to all His children.”

If you’ve always wanted to have a better prayer life and learn how to pray better, this 13 week study is for you.

Books are available for all participants.

Have you feel you’ve been led to grow a bit?  We’ve talked about being a more well-rounded Christian and it may seem obvious (to some), but an active prayer ministry in your life and in the life of your church family can be amazingly powerful!

Starting April 6th (Tuesday) at 7pm (for 6 weeks), we’re starting an exciting study; “When God’s People Pray.”  This study by Jim Cymbala will help participants develop their personal prayer ministry and address topics like these:

• God’s Heart for Us
• The Amazing Power of Prayer
• Obedience in Prayer
• The Word of God and Prayer
• Creating a Prayer Ministry in your Church

Each session has a DVD message, discussion, and yes – PRAYER!  You are invited to be a part of this.  Participants will receive a notebook and prayer journal (with Scriptures!)  We’ll see you there!

A new 7-week study will begin April 8th based on Don Piper’s book, “90 Minutes in Heaven.”

The class will be held at the church, Room 100-102 at 3:30 p.m. each Thursday afternoon.  Each lesson will provide a DVD segment by Don Piper and discussion of video and reading material. The study deals with these relevant issues:

• Heaven in the Next Instant?
• Does God Still Work in Miraculous Ways?
• Who Will We See in Heaven?
• What is Heaven Like?
• Are Angels Real?
• Does Heaven Change Anything Now?
• Are You Longing for Heaven?

There is a workbook so if interested you’ll need to sign up so we can be sure to order you a book. Sign-up sheets are posted outside the Sanctuary and Worship Center. If you have any questions, please contact Dixie Norfleet at the church (729-4551). Please sign up by April 1st if you plan to attend.

Prayer is an important and powerful part of your Christian journey.  How to pray and having a purpose can be difficult, even if you’ve been a Christian all of your life!  Here’s an opportunity to grow!

Diane Sensintaffer, leader of the Salem UMC Prayer Ministry, is starting a new effort that can change your life!  You’re invited to participate in a planning meeting on Monday, March 22 at 7pm.  This will develop a series that will form the core of an active prayer group.

Please (prayerfully) consider joining this effort and growing in your faith.

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.