Bethel youth participate in worship as acolytes, as liturgists, by taking up the offering and by singing in the choir. Youth participate in and help lead special programs such as Vacation Bible School, Hanging of the Greens, and the annual Christmas Pageant. High Schoolers serve as delegates to Presbytery’s Youth Council, attend the annual youth Summit in Gatlinburg, and participate in summer mission trips and as leaders and participants at Camp John Knox.
Senior High Fellowship: Sundays 6 PM at the Church
Middle School Fellowship: Sundays 6 PM as announced
Presbyterian Adult Curriculum: The Present Word
Teacher: Bettie Shenk
Meets: classroom to the rear of the sanctuary.
This theme-oriented Bible study progresses through three years, with two quarters on the Old Testament and two on the New Testament each year. From June to August 2007, the focus is on 'committed to doing right.' (Various prophets; 2 Kings; 2 Chronicles)
Bettie Shenk has a BA in Bible from Rhodes College and has led Bible study for many years both at Bethel and at other churches. Bettie: 376-6326
Called as Partners in Christ's Service
Teacher: Mark Banker
Meets: 2nd. Floor of education building top of stairs.
Books are chosen that challenge the class to delve deeper into the Christian life and its implications for our lives. The adult class and the senior highs are currently studying the book, "Theology for Liberal Presbyterians and Other Endangered Species" by Douglas Ottati.
Mark Banker has a PhD in history and teaches at Webb School in Knoxville and at the University of Tennessee. Mark: 376-2188
The Issues Class:
Leader: Gary Griffith and others
Meets: 2nd. Floor of education building rear of stairs.
An informal gathering of members and friends of Bethel from all walks of life discuss current events and other topics of interest. “This class is driven by the people and the articles that they bring to the class,” Gary comments. All are welcome. Occasionally larger issues are addressed, and speakers are brought in for an all-church topical class on Sunday morning. Gary: 376-7507
The Bible Start to Finish:
Leader: Billie Stooksbury
Meets: below the sanctuary, rear of church.
For twenty-five years, this class has read through the Bible several times and engaged in lively discussion. “Our class was an outgrowth of the young adult class, the mixed adults class and now the mixed-up class,” according to George. The class reads a book of the Bible in depth, using commentaries and various translations. Recently they have studied the Gospels in parallel, the apocrypha, and are now reading in the New Testament. Billie: 717-3568
Parish Nurse Programs: Debbie Hyder, RN leads classes in health and wellness such as First Aid, CPR, and other areas of interest requested by the congregation. For current schedule: 376-6340
Bethel’s Presbyterian Women: Horizon Bible Studies. Circle II: 2nd Tuesdays 1PM; Rea Circle: 2nd & 4th Sundays 6 PM. (see PW insert)
Small Group Studies: Bethel offers small group studies occasionally during Advent and Lent. For current schedule: 376-6340
Church Library & Computer Lab: Educational Building 3rd Floor: books may be checked out on the honor system.
Inquirers/ New Members Classes: Our pastor, Marc Sherrod, meets with new members several times during the year for a series of six classes to help acquaint inquirers with the basic tenants of the Christian faith and Presbyterian doctrine, and to orient newcomers to Bethel’s programs. Those who attend are under no obligation to join the church, and all are welcome, including members who want to refresh their understanding of what it means to be a Presbyterian and meet newcomers.
Youth Communicants Class: Led by our Pastor, Marc Sherrod, and assisted by others, young people who are ready to consider membership study and explore together and with adult sponsors, meet in the spring for a period of about two months, prior to affirming their faith. “Confirmation is a time for serious study about faith, life, and the mission of the church. It is an opportunity to gain greater self-understanding, deepen existing relationships, and develop new ones. It is a time to consider accepting greater responsibility for the witness and mission of the church of Jesus Christ.” (From Roles and Responsibilities in Confirmation-Commissioning by Betty Crowell and David Ng, PCUSA)
Session Study: Currently our session spends a portion of each monthly meeting in a study of the Presbyterian Book of Order. We also have an annual retreat that incorporates study, as well as officer training.
