Upper Room Sunday School Class

Studies the Bible, Experience, Reason, and Tradition               

There are no typical classes.  We are a larger group of about 10-40 people.  We meet in the chapel at 10:30am, except for special occasions.  The format of the presentation varies from Lecture to Book Reviews to Videos to Games/Simulations to Script-in-Hand Play-Readings to Bible Study.  The topics are religion, history, social responsibility and current topics. Whatever the format, the presentation is always a basis for discussion and sharing of ideas and thoughts.

Guest speakers from academia and there are many members of the class that have We tend to have a major theme for the year, but we also participate in the church wide Small Group emphases, on a topic by topic basis.  This fall we will be participating in an indepth review of  The Great Emergence.  The theme for the Summer-Fall has been The Great Emergence, what it is and how it plays into our lives, where we are going as Christians.  We have had recorded video lectures on the relationship of Science and Religion.  There was a study in the earlier on Forgiveness  

We have frequently invited pastors and former pastors to lead the class for a Sunday.  We have made presentations, led discussions or participated in the Play-Readings.  The class tries to maintain a balance between topics of a religious nature and those that are more social and secular in nature.

Looking to 2009, there are plans to study new topics.  There will be some looking at the Scriptures with "new eyes".  And we will certainly look at some social issues concerning us.

One of the outcomes of our Sunday school lessons was a workshop called Millennial Strategies, dealing with generational issues, with invited speaker and author Neil Howe.  We occasionally have fundraisers, like book sales, or square dancing in support of missions.

We support a variety of activities, including providing gifts to families at Christmas, and supporting the Salvation Army, giving funds to various missions.

The Adult 4UMs participates in the Good Works Program.  Several of our members have provided both administrative and physical help via the Good Neighbors extension of Good Works and the Church’s Dinner Discussion Grou;s

The Adult 4UMs has a President, Social Chairs, Treasurer, Program Committee, and Sunshine Person.  We generally spend a few minutes on announcements each week.