Opportunities for learning, mission and worship

Announcements for THE WEEK of April 5, 2026

SMALL GROUPS FOR ADULTS

Sunday School for Adults: Currently there are two options. The Wharton Sunday School class meets in room #115 on the first floor at 9:45am, taught by Howard Hendricks. The other option for adults is the Friends in Faith class, which meets in the conference room at 10am. All adults are welcome.

UPCOMING OPPORTUNITIES

The Story Scholarship Committee will meet on April 5th at 3:00 p.m. to review the applications. Scholarship Awards will be announced on May 17th during both worship services.

Planning has begun for Vacation Bible School! This year’s theme is Rainforest Falls: Exploring the Nature of God. VBS will be held the week of June 15th to June 19th, from 5:30 to 8:15 p.m. each day. There is no cost to attend. Children currently in kindergarten through 5th grade are invited to attend, with youth currently in 8th grade or older invited to volunteer. More information and registration for volunteers and participants can be found here.

Mental Health Training: GUMC is holding a series of monthly conversations on mental health and emotional well-being. The first session is tonight from 4 to 5 p.m. followed by dinner. Our second session is April 12 from 4 to 5 p.m. with dinner after. Youth (4th to 8th grade) will talk about bullying and self-care. The adult discussion will focus on the importance of family and peer support. Childcare will be provided for children younger than 4th grade. Please contact

the church office or register online by April 8 so we can plan for dinner.

Outreach Opportunity-Blessing of 3 Meals a Day Food Drive-GUMC will partner with SAFE during the month of April to collect food items needed to supplement historically low donations during this time of year. The goal being that together with other faith-based

communities and civic groups in our area, we will keep SAFE shelves stocked for those in need. Items most needed include canned meats, cereal and oatmeal, pasta and sauce, cooking oil, spices, canned fruit, peanut butter, and jelly. Our drive will begin on April 12th and continue through May 3rd.

If you would like to help serve those in need, please bring your contributions and place them at the altar during this time. If you have questions, please see

Michelle Rash or Jane Deaton.

Poverty Awareness Training: April 18th from 1 to 4 p.m. Whether you have experienced poverty yourself or not, the Poverty Simulator is designed and

presented as an empathy exercise based on the distinct experience of rural poverty and its many facets to promote compassion and deeper understanding.

Mark your calendar and stretch your heart. It may just bless you with unexpected grace and insights for yourself. For more information, please click here.

The Trustees will meet Saturday April 18th at 10 a.m. in the conference room.

The SPRC will meet on April 13th at 7 p.m.

The Finance Committee will meet on April 20th at 6:30 p.m.

Do you like to garden? Are you interested in working in a Community Garden here at the church that can help feed our neighbors? With enough volunteers, it will be funded in coordination with a partner! Talk to Pastor Carol for more details.

Music Spring Break! There will be NO music rehearsals this week.

CHILDREN AND YOUTH

Nurseries: The nursery is available at both services for babies - 5 years old.

Kingdom Kids: Kingdom Kids meets on Thursdays from 5:30 to 6:45 pm. Dinner is provided each week for children and volunteers.

Children’s Sunday School: We are using the Sunday School curriculum “Two or More.” This curriculum provides children with Bible-rich experiences and grow in faith together. It is designed to be a one-room curriculum, bringing elementary-aged children together to be seen, known and loved. The elementary Sunday School class meets each Sunday morning on the second floor of the church.

Tween Youth Group: The tweens meet on Sundays from 4 to 5:15.

Tween Sunday School: On the 2nd and 4th Sundays of the month, we offer two separate tween Sunday School classes, one for 5th and 6th graders and one for 7th and 8thgraders. Both use the Bible Studies for Life curriculum and meet on the lower level of the church.

High School Ministry (9th through 12th grade): We are exploring options for a winter or spring retreat for our high school youth. We are also in early discussions with other local churches about doing collaborative events with their youth on a regular basis.

PRAYER REQUESTS