OPPORTUNITIES BEYOND SUNDAY MORNING

Alcoholics Anonymous: Meets every Wednesday at 7:30 PM in Room 307. For confidential information, call Leonard Zarda, 631-3093.

Ambassadors: A senior citizens’ fellowship for Shawnee Church members and the community, this group meets on the second Monday of each month for a potluck luncheon and program. For more information, call Jack Walton, 631-3175.

Boy Scouts: Troop 93 is sponsored by Shawnee United Methodist Church. The troop meets in Fellowship Hall each Monday evening at 7:30 PM. For information, call Myrl Wear, 268-9126, or Homer Ritter, 722-2493.

Cancer Service Group: From August through June this group meets every 4th Wednesday of the month at 12:30 PM in Room 307(the exception being Nov. -Dec. when there is one meeting on the first Wednesday of December). Working for Cancer Action of KCK, the group makes bed pads, pillows, head scarves and afghans for cancer patients. Supplies are provided. New members and visitors are welcome. For more information call Dorothy Christiansen, 631-8656.

Church Library: Is a quiet, comfortable and sometimes lively spot where you will find an extensive collection of books, video and audiotapes, C.D.s and other resources – from the current to the classics. Included are devotional materials, Bibles and commentaries, fiction, biographies, reference materials, children’s books, books for young adults, and more. In the hallway “book nook” are shelves of books which can be borrowed on an unlimited basis or which can be kept in exchange for another book. Storytime for children through third grade will be held at various times, as announced, during the year. Stories are read or told by various members of the congregation, simple crafts are done and there are always snacks! The library committee sponsors a variety of activities during the year and what has become a tradition on Epiphany Sunday – a display of Nativity sets belonging to congregation members. The library is available each Sunday morning and on Wednesday evenings, 6:30-8:00 pm, September through May. It is also available weekdays year-round – if you find it locked, just ask for help at the church office. This is the year of the library’s 80th anniversary. Watch for events that will help mark this milestone!

Dinners for Eight: An adult fellowship divided into groups of seven or eight who get together once a month either in host homes or in various restaurants. It’s a GREAT way to meet new people, especially if you are new to our church family. If you are interested in signing up for either “At Home Dinners” or “Out to Eat” dinners, call Suzanne Sedgwick, 583-3448 or Mary Shriner, 268-9275. If you have questions about the Dinners for Eight program, call Lynda Hurt, Minister of Youth/Young Adults and Congregational Activities, 631-2280 or email, lynda@shawneeumc.org.

Disciple Bible Study: A new shortened DISCIPLE study is now available and will be offered this fall at Shawnee. DISCIPLE is a unique Methodist study aimed not just at acquiring Biblical knowledge, but creating strong disciples of Jesus Christ. Beginning in mid September, an 8 week Old Testament class will meet from 6:30-8:00 p.m. on Monday nights. A Disciple IV class will meet on Monday nights from 6:30-8:30 pm. For more information or to sign up, call Leslie Van Blarcom, 631-2280.

Faithful Friends: A monthly fellowship group for married couples (average age 30-45). We meet one evening a month, most often at the church, for dinner and fellowship. Occasionally, there will be functions away from the church, such as barbecues and Christmas parties. Childcare is provided at no charge when we meet in the church. If you are interested in receiving monthly information about meetings, or if you would like to know more about Faithful Friends, please call Lynda Hurt, 631-2280 or Stacey King, 825-3556.

Garden Angels: Is a weekly group meeting on Tuesdays at 8:30 am and 6:30 pm during the growing season. Trimming, weeding, mulching and maintaining the shrubs and plants around the church building for about an hour is our idea of “good, clean fun”. Call Janet Chalk to volunteer – 631-1825

Helping Hands Ministry: “The hand of a friend is God’s hand on lend” (T.J. Mills) This ministry is a way of caring for members of our congregation who have a temporary need for physical help. We will provide transportation to doctors, church services, grocery stores, etc. run errands, provide respite care for caregivers, provide food for meals if needed, do simple home maintenance chores and make phone visits with homebound members. If you would like to be a part of this ministry or know of someone who needs “helping hands”, please call - Dee Nelson (962-5238) or June Caler (268-8484).

Interfaith Hospitality Network: Is an ecumenical organization providing shelter for homeless families in Johnson County, which began operation in the summer of 2004. Shawnee UMC provides one week of shelter for up to 14 persons in our church annex. The annex is staffed by volunteers who feed and host families from 5:00 pm to 7:00 am from Sunday to Sunday. For more information, or to volunteer for the next rotation, call chairperson Marilyn Davis.
 

Argentine Food Kitchen: Argentine Food Kitchen is a consortium of some 20 churches that provides noon meals for needy people in the Argentine district of Kansas City, Kansas. Various Shawnee UMC organizations prepare and serve the meals the first Monday of each month.

Kids in Mission: K.I.M. exists to enable children to experience Christian servanthood through hands-on mission projects in the local and global community. Children in grades kindergarten – 6th grades are invited to attend the monthly projects and are encouraged to bring a friend. For more information call Cindy Laluk at 913-667-3603.

Leadership Enrichment for Small Groups: In the midst of our groups we share fellowship, teach one another, pray for each other, and play and work together through Jesus Christ. Our small groups the place where seekers can connect and learn what the Christian life is all about. The Leadership Enrichment for Small Groups class offers both seasoned and new leaders from all areas of the church an opportunity to enhance leadership skills that will strengthen and nourish our ministries. This 10-week class explores how to create, develop, and sustain healthy small groups following the example set by John Wesley. The class will begin Thursday, September 2 at 7:30 PM in Room 305. For more information, contact Betty Huff, (913)782-2783.

Lectionary Bible Study: Meets weekly from 10:00-11:15 AM on Tuesdays in the church library to study and discuss the Scripture passage on which the next Sunday’s sermon will be based. Discussions are honest and thought provoking and bear contemporary relevance to our everyday lives. There are opportunities to participate in short-term mission projects through the group. Since sessions are independent of each other, feel free to come when it is convenient for you. No advance preparation for sessions is necessary. This is a place where fellowship, prayer, and a warm welcome greet both new and regular attendees each week. Call Judy Livingston, 631-6818, for more information.

Ministers of Care: are volunteers who have been trained to carry our church family to homebound persons by monthly visits. Responsibilities may include friendly visits, sharing communion and assisting persons through referrals. If you would interested in joining us, please contact June Caler: 268-8484.

Preschool Days:
Kids Day out: 2.5-5 years old
Three and a half hours of preschool fun, this class includes lunch. Children do not have to be enrolled in a class to attend Kids Day Out.
3 Year Old Class: 2 days a week (ages 2.5-3.5)
This is a theme based class. Units include: shapes, colors, numbers 1-5, pets, transportation, the five senses, etc. An important part of this class is learning to work and play together.
4 Year Old Class: Three Days a Week (ages 3.5-4.5)
We do many activities with each letter of the alphabet, including art projects, circle time, songs and games, and each child will make their own ABC book. Children will begin printing their name and learning their phone number. There is calendar time each day where the children begin learning the days of the week, and lots of time for creative play.
Pre-K: 4 or 5 Days a Week (Age 4 and up, who will be attending Kindergarten the following year)
This class is more structured and academic. They will work on printing their names, memorizing their phone numbers and birth dates. Children will work on letters one day a week, and will complete an ABC book, on page a week, by the end of the year. Early math skills will be introduced, such as sorting, simple graphing, and counting.
All Classes:
Gym Time-Music-Snack-Circle Time-Field Trips-Project Time. Please remember, though, that it is what children bring home in their hearts that is most important, not what they bring home in their hands! Children are treated with kindness and respect at all times, and they experience a loving, nurturing and safe environment.
Monica Roy, Administrator – 913-677-0774
Elizabeth Pate, Director-913-262-5662

Sports Ministry: We offer a variety of opportunities for team sports:
Adult Coed Volleyball: Thursday nights for 8 weeks from October-December and again in January- March.
Adult Coed Basketball: Tuesday nights, year round.
Adult Coed Softball: Fall and spring leagues.
If you are interested in participating in any of these or would like to form a sports-related team, please call Lynda Hurt at 631-2280.

Stephen Ministry: Stephen Ministry (STM) at Shawnee United Methodist Church is a Christ-centered one-on-one lay ministry offering support and care to persons experiencing difficult situations in their lives. Seven active Stephen Ministers are now trained and are available to offer STM care. In addition, four Stephen Leaders offer supervision, continuing education, initial 50 hour training courses, and management of the program. Stephen Ministry is part of the “Ministry of Care and Visitation” of the church. For further information, contact June Caler, Minister of Care and Visitation, 268-8484, or a Stephen Leader: Dee Nelson 962-5238, Linda Mooney 441-2568, Margie Voiles, 631-6836 or Sherry Hutchison, 631-2507.

T.O.P.S.: (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) A close knit support group open to men and women who are dealing with weight issues; meets every Thursday in Room 307. Weigh-in: 6:15-7:00 PM; Meeting: 7:00-8:00 PM. For more information, call Cathy Higgins, 764-8416 or Julie Beall, 341-1784.

United Methodist Men: Meets the third Tuesday of every month at 7:30 PM in Fellowship Hall. The programs feature current events, educational interests and life experiences as well as entertainment. Through this fellowship, we hope to develop important links to mission and ministry for each member. Over the past 10 years a growing number of men have contributed an increasing amount of spiritual, monetary and physical support to the church and the community through the United Methodist Men. We challenge each man of the church to become intentionally involved in establishing or re-enforcing their Christian values by “being doers of the Word and not hearers only”. Please come join us at our next meeting or for additional information call Bob Hurrelbrink, 631-3068, or Marshall Hendrickson, 262-4075.

United Methodist Women: The organized unit of United Methodist Women (UMW) at Shawnee is involved in knowing God through fellowship, service projects and Bible study and missions, locally, nationally and internationally. Some of the local missions supported are: Crosslines, Della Lamb Community Services, Spofford and Johnson County Christmas Bureau. Every Methodist woman and older teen is encouraged to become a member of UMW. General meetings are usually the second Thursday of each month at 10:00 AM or 7:00 PM. There are several special meetings or affairs throughout the year that will be announced. Most fellowship groups meet the third week of the month: Esther –Monday at 7:30 PM, Deborah, Tuesday at 7:00 PM, , Mary Ruth – Wednesday 1:00 PM, Martha – Thursday 1:00 PM, Saturday Morning Fellowship – Saturday at 8:30 AM. There are two Reading Fellowships groups that meet the fourth Thursday of the month at 1:00 pm and 7:00 pm. You are welcome to attend any and all events. For further information, call Mary McCoy, 248-0073.

United Methodist Youth: We have a dynamic group of enthusiastic youth who get together on a regular basis for a wide variety of activities. We are an inclusive Christian community where all are welcomed and affirmed. Our mission is centered in worship and praise, outreach, fellowship, exploring our faith and being a light in the world. Our regular meetings, called UMYF (United Methodist Youth Fellowship), are on Sunday evenings for grades seven through twelve. FISH is an after-school program for youth in the 7th and 8th grade that meets on Wednesday afternoon from 4:00-5:00 in the gym. Food, games, group discussion and devotion are all part of the hour we are together. Other activities throughout the year include mission trips, community service projects, Confirmation (for 7th & 8th graders), sports, worship opportunities, overnight retreats, small group studies, picnics and more! We encourage youth to bring friends to all our activities. For more information about the youth program at Shawnee UMC, call Nancy Larkin, Minister of Youth/Young Adult and Congregational Activities , 631-2280 or email, nancyl@shawneeumc.org.

What is a United Methodist? Sometime after January 1, 2006 Senior Minister Fritz Clark will lead a four week study of our United Methodist faith. The study will explore our beliefs, history, organization, structure and future. This provides a terrific opportunity to learn more about who we are as United Methodist Christians. Watch for more information after the first of the year.

Young Adult Ministry: Young adults (18-35) at SUMC meet periodically for fellowship, community service projects, worship opportunities and retreat/mission trips. If you are interested in being placed on the young adult mailing list or want more information please call Jeff Hammons, Young Adult Council President, 384-6818, or Nancy Larkin, our Minister of Youth/Young Adult and Congregational Activities, 631-2280.