When I was a kid, my parents and I went to church every Sunday.  To me, "church" was a building you went to, sat in uncomfortable seats, and tried to find things to do while some guy gave a talk about things that had nothing to do with me.  What does the word "church" mean to you?    The church is more than a building, it is the people .  We define the church is a community of believers across the world who come together to glorify Jesus Christ and do His work.  If you believe in Jesus Christ and give Him your heart , you are a part of  the church.  That's it!  There is no other way to join the church...it's not like Survivor , where others can decide if you are "good

enough" to be a part of the tribe. 

            A Christian is a follower of Jesus Christ .  The church is made up of Christians.  However, the Church is organized in many different ways all over the world .  The different ways to organize are known as denominations.  Our church, for example, is United Methodist .  Name 3 other denominations: .  The thing that always used to confuse me was; if we are all  followers of Christ , why are there so many different denominations? 

            It was explained to me like this: there are many, many, many different flavors of ice cream out there.  Why?  Because people have different preferences (things they like)...some people like to hear a LOT of Bible reading , and sing Hymns.  Some people want to stand and clap, others want to dance .  Some people don't want to have a sermon at all, and some people want to have 30 minute sermons.  Because people are so different, different denominations came up.  We could spend a LOT of time talking about the differences between denominations and how they came to be, but since we don't have that kind of time (10 weeks is NOT a lot!) I'll let you ask Kelly or Pastor Randy those questions!

            Something we will be talking about is how the United Methodist Church  (I will be calling that the UMC from now on, because it is easier to type!) came to be, how it works, how it is structured, and how you fit into it.  The UMC is made up of a few different groups (committees) that make decisions and help things happen in the church.  Click HERE for a diagram of how our church is set up.

            In 1 Corinthians 12:12-20 and Colossians 1:18, Paul (the apostle who wrote both books) says that the church is the body  of Christ. (click those, you need to read them!).  How is the church like a body?

          Paul also talks about different people having different gifts .  What are three things you are good at? What is one way God can use one (or all) of those gifts for the church?

           A church is about people, but not just the people who attend the church.  Have you ever heard of the Great Commission?  It is the job that Jesus gave His Disciples (His followers) when he left the earth. 
 (click the link to read it) What does this mean to you?

           Ok, you have finished session one!  Not too difficult, right?  Just type your name in the box below, and hit submit, and your answers will be sent to Denise. 

 See you at Session Two!