Crossroads Contemporary Worship

Worship in a casual atmosphere. Sing along with our Praise Band and Praise Choir. Modern songs for modern times. Meets in the Family Life Center (also know as the gymnasium!) on Sunday mornings at 8:45 and 11:00.

Traditional Worship

Traditional worship at its best. A fantastic choir, inspirational sermons, a moving time to share of celebrations and concerns, heartfelt prayers, and insightful responsive readings. Join us at 8:30 and 11:00 a.m. every Sunday. Communion on the first Sunday of each month!

9:45 A.M. Sunday School

We offer a variety of adult Sunday School classes at 9:45 a.m. Contact the MPUMC office to get help in finding a class that fits your needs in terms of age group, class focus, level of interactivity/homework, or a specific leader.

Believers Class

• Teachers: Betty Earl and Al Henry
• Age group: 30 – 80 yrs.
• Topics: Class uses a variety of books and Bible studies using scripture and video series
• Location: Room 30
  

Fellowship Class

• Teacher: Glen Beets
• Age group: Over 60 yrs.
• Topics: Class studies the quarterly  Cokesbury curriculum
• Location: Education Building - Library (Room 27)

Pilgrims Class

• Teacher: Larry Scollard
• Age group: 45 yrs and up.
• Topics: Class uses a variety of studies, video series and books and incorporates class discussion
• Location: Old Sanctuary Building (ground floor–Classroom 2)

Seekers Class

• Teachers: Kenn Nobinger
• Age group: 45 – Retirement
• Topics: Class uses a variety of religious studies, videos, books, historical study of NT and other Christian Gospels and writings
• Location: Youth Hall (Room 51)

Experiencing God Class (ALL FEMALE CLASS!)

• Contact: Ann Knox
• Age group: 45 yrs. – retirement
• Topics: Class will usually do a book study with a video
• Location: Room off choir room

Open Door Class

• Teachers: Kevin Slimp and Phil Moore
• Age group: All ages—young parents to retirement
• Topics: Discussions based on study of books ranging from contemporary theology to church history to Bible studies.
• Location: Large conference room (Office complex)

New Beginnings Class

• Contact: Sandra Valukas
• Age group: 30 – 50 yrs.
• Topics: Class enjoys a variety of  book studies from contemporary living to Bible studies
• Location: Old Sanctuary Building (ground floor)

Genesis Class

• Teachers: Shelia Cooper, Ron Uglow, and John Buchheit
• Age group: all ages
• Topics: Class explores a variety of books and Bible studies
• Location – Room 31

Ragamuffins Class

• Teacher: Stan Atkins, Linda Murawski
• Age group: Various
• Topics: Class explores a variety of books and topics and encourages discussion
• Location: Education Building, Room 21

Marriage Enrichment Class

• Teacher: Tammy Ellison, John Voss
• Age group: Designed for married couples
• Topics: Class offers a variety of studies, video series, and books
• Location: Education Building, Room 23

Sunday Morning Live

• Teacher: Leigh Stivers
• Age group: 20s – 40s
• Topics: Group provides support for young people and families. Studies and discusses the Bible and current events/life issues.
• Location: Youth Game Room

New Life Class

• Teacher: Kent Milsaps
• Age group: All ages
• Topics: Class is a study of a scripture and discussion of how it applies to our daily lives. Class uses Cokesbury curriculum.
• Location: Education Building, Room 22

Disciple 1: Becoming Disciples through Bible Study

Beginning with Genesis and continuing through Revelation, participants will read approximately 80% of the Bible during this life-changing study. It is designed not only to increase your knowledge of the Bible, but to lead you into a deeper faith and more committed discipleship on your faith journey. During this class, you will discover your spiritual gifts and where God is calling you in ministry. This study involves about an hour of reading time each day, as well as participation in a 2.5 hour small group time each week. There is no prerequisite required.

Disciple 2: Into the Word, Into the World

Completion of DBS 1 is required to take this class. An in-depth study of Genesis, Exodus, Luke and Acts. In Genesis and Exodus you will explore the foundations of our faith. In Luke and Acts you will watch your faith explode into action with the coming of Jesus and the Holy Spirit. This study is designed to both help you understand the text (Into the Word) and to allow the text to challenge and inspire you to respond in practical ways (Into the World).

Disciple 3: Remember Who You Are

Completion of DBS 1 is required to take this class. A study concentrating on the Books of Prophecy in the Old Testament and the Letters of Paul in the New Testament. By remembering our faith heritage as explained by the Prophets, we are better prepared to follow Paul’s teachings on the Christian life and to use these teachings to respond to our world today.

Disciple 4: Under the Tree of Life

Completion of DBS 1 is required to take this class. This study explores the Faith Community and its relation to us. In the Old Testament writings, the narrative books tell of the Community of Israel during their time of exile and return and the poetry and wisdom books tell of the Community's worship and praise. In the New Testament, study of the writings of John lead us into a better understanding of how the Christian Faith Community can respond to challenges in our world today.

Beth Moore Bible Study

A Bible study course tailored to women, featuring video tapes of Beth Moore, a moving speaker with valuable insights into Christianity and the Bible in today's world. Men looking for inspiration should look elsewhere.

United Methodist Women

UMW, which  has four circles to meet the growing needs of the women at Middlebrook Pike UMC, support numerous mission activities. All women of the church are invited to become a member of a circle. You do not have to be a church member to join a circle. Please contact Barbara Cope (539-0720) or Charlene Tarvin (694-8194) if you would like more information about UMW or any of the circles.

• Now Circle meets the last Thursday of the month at 7:00 p.m.
  at various locations for fellowship, mission projects, outings and support. Contact: Amy Gibson (584-6996) or Kathy Rinaca
  (691-9145)
• Mary Rayfield Circle meets at 7:00 p.m. on the 2nd Tuesday of the month, usually at member’s homes. This circle is active in all UMW activities. Contact: Sara Cullison (691-4978)
• Selah Circle is the newest UMW circle and is comprised mostly of women with small children. The circle meets on the 2nd Thursday of month at 6:30, usually at the church but with some meetings at other locations. Contact: Becky Brown (671-3647)
• Willing Workers Circle, currently the only daytime circle, meets on the 3rd Wednesday of each month in the church Fellowship Hall for Bible study and a potluck lunch. They have a great time of fellowship and interest in church service activities. Contact: Elaine McGinn (693-7629)

In 2007, Middlebrook Pike UMC began a Stephen Ministry to provide one-to-one caring to others in time of need. Through this program, MPUMC lay members receive extensive training to become
skilled caregivers who are equipped to bring Christ’s healing love to people who are grieving, in crisis, or experiencing other stresses in life. These caregivers are an extension to, not a replacement of pastoral care.

This web page answers the following questions you may have about our Stephen Ministry Program:

• What is the Stephen Ministry program?
• Who is a Stephen Minister?
• What training do they have?
• Am I assured of confidentiality?
• What types of problems do Stephen Ministers address?
• How do I get a Stephen Minister?
• How do I become a Stephen Minister?
• Where can I get additional information?

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What is the Stephen Ministry Program?

Stephen Ministry is a nationwide program named after Stephen, the first of the deacons in the early church, commissioned by the apostles to provide care and comfort for the needs of people in the Christian community. Today, volunteer lay ministers around the world have completed the intensive training required to provide this free, confidential, caring ministry to those experiencing a wide range of life needs or crises.

If you are experiencing difficulties that you would like to discuss with someone, you may request that a Stephen Minister through a pastor or the Stephen Ministry Coordinator.

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Who is a Stephen Minister?

Anyone can serve as a Stephen Minister. They are dedicated lay people who have received extensive training to:

• Provide one-to-one caring, in-depth ministry to their assigned care receiver(s)
• Extend the hand of Christian friendship
• Visit weekly, or as needed
• Care enough to commit to a caring relationship as long as the need exists
• Listen empathetically and retaincare receiver confidentiality
• Help a person work through problems
• Encourage a care receiver to take positive steps
• Use Christian resources such as scripture and prayer

Stephen Ministers are not professional counselors, psychologists, social workers, or care-giving experts. Stephen Ministers are trained to be caring Christian friends who can help hurting individuals identify options. They do not give advice or provide solutions.

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What training do they have?

Stephen Ministers receive an initial 50 hours of training to ensure they understand how to:

• Listen effectively and without criticism
• Deal openly with feelings
• Be professional and confidential
• Express honesty, warmth, and care
• Help in times of crisis
• Minister to those dealing with grief, divorce, death, depression, illness, and many other areas

In addition to the intensive initial training, Stephen Ministers meet bi-monthly to receive peer supervision and continuing education. Here, they discuss their caring relationships (maintaining complete anonymity of the care receivers, and staying away from details of the care receiver's situation) and receive consultation and support from other Stephen Ministers.

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Am I assured of confidentiality?

Confidentiality is the basis of all Stephen Ministry relationships. Anyone receiving care can be assured that his or her identity—and what is shared in a caring relationship—will remain private at all times.

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What types of problems do Stephen Ministers address?

There are no restrictions on what you may want to talk about with a Stephen Minister. If you are experiencing grief, loneliness, divorce, hospitalization, disability, job loss, relocation, or other stressful changes or difficulties in your life and need a good listener that is not directly involved, a Stephen Minister can help. While not limited to the following items, Stephen Ministers are often requested for:

• Crisis care, such as hospitalization, terminal illness, death of a loved one, unemployment, divorce, natural disaster, severe financial setback, etc.
• Follow-up care, such as support during after-shocks following the initial crisis
• Chronic care for long-term problems such as chronic illness or suffering, disability, age-related issues, homebound individuals, degenerative diseases, loneliness
• Preventive care to help people anticipate and prepare for potentially difficult events, such as the approach of retirement, marriage in the near future, college students away from home, women expecting their first child
• Supportive care for care-givers, such as a spouse caring for a dying wife, persons placing an senior in a long-term facility, parents of a special-needs child, children supporting a grieving parent, a parent supporting a child facing divorce

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How do I get a Stephen Minister?

Simply call the Middlebrook Pike United Methodist Church office at  865-690-8641 and ask to speak to one of our pastors. Once they are aware of your need, they can discuss with you the assignment of a Stephen Minister. Should you decide to proceed, the pastor will involve one of our Stephen Minister Coordinators to match your needs with one of our trained Stephen Ministers.

As an alternative, you may contact one of the Stephen Minister Coordinators directly to discuss your desire for a Stephen Minister. Bill Swaggerty can be reached by phone at 898-3207 or by e-mail at bswagg70@aol.com. Lynne Harr can be reached by phone at 584-1624 or by e-mail at LynneHarr@comcast.net.

As soon as you have been matched to a Stephen Minister, that individual will initiate contact with you to begin meeting confidentially on a weekly, or as-needed, basis. This relationship will continue until you choose to discontinue it.

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How do I become a Stephen Minister?

If you feel the Lord is calling you to be a part of Stephen Ministry, please call the church office at 865-690-8641. Or, you can contact one of the Stephen Minister Coordinators directly. Bill Swaggerty can be reached by phone at 898-3207 or by e-mail at bswagg70@aol.com. Lynne Harr can be reached by phone at 584-1624 or by e-mail at LynneHarr@comcast.net.

When there is an appropriate number of volunteers, the Coordinators will schedule the required 50 hours of specialized training in Christian care-giving that is required to prepare Stephen Ministers to provide confidential, one-to-one Christian care to people in need.

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Prayer Around the Altar

Every Tuesday morning at 10:30, the MPUMC staff gathers in the Sanctuary for a time of prayer. Everyone is invited to attend and participate in this special time of communication with our Lord.

Emmaus

Every year, several MPUMC members participate in the life-changing Walk to Emmaus program. This is a spiritual renewal experience to re-introduce us to the fundamentals of Christianity and its role in our lives.

Creation Care Ministry

A new program aimed at helping us all find ways to care for the environment, save energy, and be better stewards of God’s beautiful creation. For more information, contact Chris Trueblood at 769-0115 or Chris@christrueblood.com. For tips on how you can improve your environmental stewardship, visit our Creation Care web page.

Men's and Women's Coffee Club

Why can't we all just get along? Since coffee and the two genders apparently don't mix, we offer separate coffee clubs for men and women. Get together with your own kind by checking the Messenger for dates and times. Leave your better half at home.

Tuesday Lunch Bunch

Anyone can attend this lunchtime get together. Meets the first Tuesday of every month at some local restaurant, which is announced in the Messenger.

Sewing Circle

If you enjoy sewing, bring it to church. Our sewing circle meets Wednesdays for a stitch in time. This group gets the credit for those fantastic costumes you see on our children each year in the Christmas Pageant.

Forgiveness Class

A unique class led by Dr. Ann Slimp. Focuses on the role forgiveness plays in our lives—helping us work through issues that may be keeping us from getting closer to Christ.

Mother's Support Group

Mothers' Support Group meets the first Tuesday of each month during the school year at local restaurants for a lunch meeting, with an occasional night meeting or get together at a member's home. There is typically an overnight retreat once a year. The group also delivers a homemade dinner to the home of any church member following a birth and sends money to UMCOR mother/child-related missions as needed. Mothers of all ages are welcome.

Toastmaster

Master your phobia about speaking in public. Smooth out your communication skills. Join a Toastmaster class that meets at MPUMC.

Pointe of Praise

Join this MPUMC dance troupe and help invigorate various worship services with the beauty of modern dance. Open to all ages!

F-Troupe

A perfect outlet for the ham in you. This adult (sort of) drama troupe acts out on a regular basis in our various worship services to help reinforce that day's themes.