Forum Class

ST. PAUL'S UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

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FORUM CLASS

1 Corinthians 12:12-14 & 26

For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body--. Indeed, the body does not consist of one member but of many. If one member suffers, all suffer together with it; if one member is honored, all rejoice together with it.

TEACHERS: JERRY FAULKNER & JIM REYNOLDS

To share our faith walk through study of The Word, support of our church family and service to others.

CURRENT STUDIES:

The Forum Class is an open opportunity for adults to discuss a variety of topics that relate to our Christian walk in a secular world. Discussions may follow a video, book study, newspaper article or current issue. This class meets in the 1st room inside the "ramp door" from 9:30-10:30a.m. Sunday mornings. Join this circle of friends in spirited discussion and mission!

THE FORUM CLASS IN ACTION:

This class links with the Missions Team to collect money to purchase thanksgiving Turkeys for West Central Missouri Community Action Agency located in Belton, Missouri. The Agency serves citizens of Belton, Raymore and Peculiar. Seventy turkeys were purchased in 2008.

For twenty years, the Forum Sunday School Class of St. Paul's United Methodist Church has provided small Christmas gifts to children and adults who are served by West Central Missouri Community Action Agency (the Opportunity Center) located in Belton, Missouri. The Agency serves citizens of Belton, Raymore and Peculiar.

In the early years of this mission project, Christmas stockings were used. Over the years gift bags have been used to accommodate larger plush animals and coloring books. Toothbrushes, toothpaste, travel-size shampoo, soap and lotion plus sweet treats have always been included. Each bag also includes a hat or scarf and a pair of gloves. With generous contributions from the congregation, age-appropriate gifts range from receiving blankets for infants to school supplies for high school students.

Long-time members of the congregation have saved their travel toiletries for our project each year. Class members watch for and purchase bargains throughout the year to add to our inventory of gifts. The goal each year is for the storage cabinets in Fellowship Hall to be over-flowing. Early in October, a Christmas tree will appear in the narthex. The congregation is encouraged to take one or more of the paper stockings from the tree that shows a gift item that is requested. The gifts can be left in the marked, colored tubs in the narthex. After the class assembles the gift bags, they are delivered to West Central where they are given to families by their staff. Approximately 200 gift bags are provided each year.

Here are a few suggestions for various ages:

stocking caps, scarves & gloves; toothbrushes & toothpaste; shampoo, conditioner, lotion; baby wash, wipes, diaper ointment; deodorant, hair accessories; tube socks--boys & adult;nail polish, lip gloss, chap stick; coloring books, crayons; stuffed animals; school supplies; single serve coffee, herb teas, instant soup, cider, cocoa mix; books - all ages.