Learning and Fellowship are central to our ministry here at Saint Francis.  In addition to four unique Sunday school classes, Saint Francis offers many opportunities for fellowship and service.  Members and guests can participate in short-term Bible Studies and fellowship meals as well as local, regional and international mission projects.

Adult Sunday School

Sunday School classes gather every Sunday morning from 9:30-10:25am.  For more information on our adult classes, please contact our Christian Education Director, Lisa Richards.

Christian Discovery Class

The Christian Discovery Class is made up of singles and couples from a wide-range of age groups and interests. The class is self-taught, and focuses on Christian living, spiritual growth, seasonal selections and Bible study.

Harold King Class

This is the first Sunday School Class that was established at St. Francis Church and has a welcoming environment.  This class emphasizes Bible Study as well as the critical study of contemporary issues.

This We Believe

This We Believe is an adult Sunday School class whose curriculum is Biblically based and
encompasses all age groups. Participants' ages range from the early 20s- retirement. We have found this gives a wonderful perspective in discussions and life experiences.

Home Builders Class

This class consists primarily of families with children.  The class discusses a variety of topics ranging from current events to self and family improvement.  In addition, this class nurtures fellowship not only on Sunday mornings but also at informal social gatherings as planned.

Adult Bible Studies

Saint Francis offers a variety of adult Bible Studies throughout the year.  Current studies include:

The Mom's Bible Study meets Monday mornings and offers childcare.  For information, contact Lisa Richards.

The Friendship Bible Study meets Tuesday mornings.  For information, contact Jean Funderburk.

A Pastoral Study is offered on Monday evenings.  For information, contact Pastor Mark.   

Advent/Lenten Devotions and Lunches

During Advent and Lent, we gather for lunch, prayer and devotional time lead by Pastor Mark. This is a great opportunity to focus ourselves spiritually on the season and enjoy great food and fellowship.  All are welcome!

Stephen Ministry

Are you undergoing a time when you feel hurt, lost, or you wonder where God's guidance and presence are?  Would you like a special Christian friend to walk with you through this time, someone you can trust to be confidential and non-judgmental?  Someone who will pray with you, encourage you, and give you as long as you need to talk through all the “bad stuff” weighing down your heart?  A Stephen Minister may be the just what you need.

The motto of Stephen Ministry is “Christ Caring for People Through People.” Stephen Ministry is a program for providing high quality, one-to-one lay Christian care to anyone going through one of life's crises or significant challenges. Some examples are grief, divorce or separation, unemployment, and serious illness. A Stephen Minister undergoes 55 hours of training, and commits to continued supervision and continuing education as long as he/she continues as a Stephen Minister. Stephen Ministry is completely confidential.

How Stephen Ministers are paired with Care Receivers: All referrals are made through Pastor Mark or through the Referrals Coordinator, Catherine Covington-East. If you would like a Stephen Minister, simply contact one of them through the church office. But everyone in the congregation can be involved, by being the “eyes and ears of Christ” to help us be aware of possible needs!  If you know anyone who might be appropriate for a Stephen Minister, here's what to do: Ask that person if he/she would be interested, and if it would be OK to have either Pastor Mark or Catherine give him/her a call. Do not promise a Stephen Minister at this point – the Referrals Coordinator must determine, in a confidential way, if this is an appropriate situation.  If the potential care receiver agrees, call the church office. Then Pastor Mark or Catherine will call that person, explain how Stephen Ministry works, find out a bit more about the situation, and decide together with him or her whether a Stephen Minister would be appropriate.

United Methodist Women

The organized unit of United Methodist Women shall be a community of women whose purpose is to know God; to experience freedom as whole persons through Jesus Christ; to develop a creative supportive fellowship; and to expand concepts of mission through participation in the global ministries of the church.

UMW contributes to global missions, as well as local agencies and projects at Saint Francis.  UMW is committed to hands-on projects such as working with Bethlehem Center during the holidays, packing book bags and health kits, or collecting toiletries for women's shelters. UMW encourages spiritual growth and develops fellowship among members.  And membership is open to women of all ages.

Saint Francis UMW offers one circle that meets monthly from September through May:

Saint Francis Book Club

Do you enjoy a good book?  Do you enjoy great fellowship?  If yes, the Saint Francis Book Club is for you!  A group of women and friends meets the 2nd Saturday of every month at 10:00am to share great books and brunch.  We have a wonderfully diverse group of ladies, and our meetings are always full of laughter, good food and wonderful fellowship.  If you are interested in joining us, please contact Debra Pressley. 

Below is our schedule and book list for 2009:

Prayer Shawl Ministry

This group of women meets at 6:30pm on the third Thursday of each month to make shawls for those in need of extra care.  We knit or crochet Prayer Shawls by request for births, marriages, illness, death in family, etc.  In less than 2 years, we have delivered 143 shawls, including shawls to President & Mrs. Bush, a minister in South Africa, and many of our own members.  You don't have to knit or crochet to be a part of our group, so come join us!  We also appreciate any donations to be used for yarns and supplies.  For additional information, please contact Doris Jane King or Anna Miller.

Wrapped in Love Ministry

This group of church members and non-members meets at 7:00pm on the 4th Thursday of each month to plan projects and sew items for children with developmental disabilities.  The items are weighted and include small blankets, vests, bean bags and lap pads. They are customized for each child, so they appeal to the child and increase the likelihood the item will be accepted and used. 

You don't have to sew to be a part of the group as deliveries, shopping, record keeping, etc. are all involved.  Monetary donations may be made to the "Wrapped in Love Ministry at SFUMC" to help buy polly pellets, fabric, patterns, vests (which are modified) and other supplies.  For more information, please contact Judy Brett or Lindsay Kluttz.  To submit a special request for an item, please contact Judy Brett.