ministries

 
New Albany Methodist offers a way to connect in ministry for just about everyone! It doesn’t matter if you are new to our community or if you have been with for a long time, connecting with others in ministry is a meaningful way for growing in community and in your faith. Choose a ministry on the left for more information on how to get connected.

children’s ministry

Our Mission for Children’s Ministry

Jesus said “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the Kingdom of God belongs to such as these.” Here at New Albany Methodist, these words are the foundation of our Children’s Ministry. Pastor Amy Wood and her faithful volunteers celebrate every child. Whether at Sunday Children’s Worship, Vacation Bible School, Low Stress Christmas Play, the Easter Egg Hunt, Harvest Hullabaloo or any of our other many exciting events, children are taught over and over again about a loving and accepting God. Come and let your child experience the unconditional love of God.

Sunday Mornings for children

Families are invited to attend any of our three worship services. Nursery care is available at all services for infants through 3 years old. Though children are welcome to stay in the service with their parents, during our 9:30 and 11:00 AM services all children ages 3-12 are invited to participate in a Children’s Worship program. This program is led by Pastor Amy Wood. Each week children are given the opportunity to worship and learn about God in ways that encourage their creativity and energy. For more information about Sunday mornings for children, please contact Pastor Amy Wood:  pastoramywood@gmail.com.
 

Nursery

 
Ages: Birth-Age 3
When: Sundays,
9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
 
At New Albany Methodist Church, we love serving you and your family and are pleased to provide quality care and love for your child during our worship services.
 
We provide safe, gentle care for your child while surrounding them with the love of God. In our church nursery, your child will learn that he/she is a precious, beloved child of God and an important part of our church family.

Preschoolers

 
Who: Ages 3-Pre K
When: Sundays, 9:30 a.m. and 11 a.m.
We begin each week with a time of singing, dancing, and worshipping God.
Then, we move into our own class where we learn through age appropriate video,
crafts, movement, music, and more.
 
Our Goal: We want preschoolers to take a first look at who God is and understand…
God made me.
God loves me.
Jesus wants to be my friend forever.

Elementary

 
Who: Grades K-4 When: Sundays, 9:30 a.m. and 11 a.m.
Each Sunday, our children worship together in a service designed just for them by Pastor Amy, our Children’s Pastor. We begin with all children (preschool and elementary) together for a time of praise and celebration. Then, our small age-related groups move into a time and space that allows them to experience the Bible story in a developmentally appropriate way through crafts, games, drama, and more.
 
 

Preteens

 
Who: 5th and 6th Graders
When: Sundays, 9:30 a.m. and other times TBD
The students first engage in a large group session where they learn the same Biblical lessons that are presented in the worship services, but in age-appropriate, creative ways. Hands-on activities, video clips, skits, and games make these teachings come alive for our older kids.
 
Once a month, these students experience our 9:30 contemporary worship service and discuss what they have seen and heard.
 
Other activities include: leading worship for younger elementary and preschool, cooking at the church for faith mission (homeless ministry), Operation Christmas Child shoebox ministry, and more. Social outings occur periodically.
 

Vacation Bible School

June 23-27, 2019

2 Sessions:
 
Evening
Preschool (ages 3 1/2* – Starting K): 6-8:15 pm Elementary (Entering 1st-6th):
6-8:30 pm *Must have birthdate before 1/1/16 and be potty trained
 
Morning (Preschool Only)
Preschool (ages 3 1/2*–
Starting K)

9:30-11:30 am

 
*Must have birthdate before 1/1/16 and be potty trained
 
 

youth ministry

Every week at New Albany Methodist, teens in grades 7-12 are invited to participate in high energy, unpredictable and meaningful fun. Whether you’re in middle school or high school, New Albany Methodist is the place for you to meet friends, grow in faith and make a difference.
 

11th Hour Sunday 11am

Jesus modeled an upside down way of responding to people who were enemies.
And He did it in the middle of extreme, unfair torture and pain. What should we do with that when it comes to our enemies?
 
 

Lifeline Youth Group

Sundays: 5-7 pm
Grades 7-12

 
Join us for Worship, Games, Message and Small Groups
Our Mission for Lifeline Youth Ministry: is to live a full life of wonder, discovery and passion in and through Christ
Middle School and High School teens are not only taught that God’s love is real, they are encouraged to apply what they learn to their everyday lives. Pastor Jean Schafer leads the teens through real and practical ways to live as a Christian at school, home and in the world. Through Sunday morning classes, weekly youth group gatherings, mission trips and special events, teens are equipped and encouraged to develop and grow their own individual relationship with God.
 
UPCOMING EVENTS
 
 

Face to Face Middle School Youth Group

 
Face to Face is a time to build strong relationships that will help teens weather through some of the trials of middle school life.
Activities include: Group Talks, games, after school snack, ministry within the church, and baking for various ministries.
 
Age Group: 6-8th graders with HS students as leaders. Day of the Week: Thursday Time: Approximately 3:00 – 4:30
Students can walk or Carpooling can be arranged between parents. We will not meet when School has early dismissal or cancelled school Questions?: contact Pastor Jean at 614-354-6631 or
schaferjean75@gmail.com. schaferjean75@gmail.com.

Confirmation

 
… is an opportunity for teens to continue their faith journey and begin their covenant relationship with the church. Confirmation is not an end in itself. It is not just a series of classes. Confirmands will be fully engaged in the life of the church through worship, service, small groups and involvement in other ministries. The intent of the confirmation experience is for our confirmands to emerge prepared for a life of Christian discipleship.
 
Next opporuntiy for Confirmation is Fall 2019. 

Youth Mission and Service

 
Help fill Flood Buckets with cleaning supplies
Use signup genius below http://signup.com/go/JnbRRnq
 

Transformation Zone 2019 for 5th-12th grades

Summer mission in Central Ohio

July 14-19, 2019
– 7th-12th grades
 
July 14-16, 2019 –
5th and 6th grades
 
Deposit $50 due in March 2019
 

Health and Medical Consent Form

Each youth must have a Health and Medical Consent Form on file with the youth pastor. This form must be updated annually to insure the safety of each youth. Thank you! Forms can be brought in to church or emailed to Pastor Jean Schafer.

Forms

 
 
 
 
Liability/ Health Form
 
 
 
 
 
Pastor Jean Schafer, youth and missions pastor
Email: schaferjean75@gmail.com
Phone: 614-354-6631
Website: newalbanyumc.com
Address: 20 third st,
P.O. Box 428
new Albany, OH 43054

Outreach Christian Preschool

Welcome to Outreach Christian Preschool!

Register now for the 2019-2020 school year.  To register, please mail us a completed registration form and fee. To schedule a tour you may contact us by phone or email.
 
Parent orientation meeting is Wednesday, September 4th at 6:30pm.  Meet the Teacher for students and parents is scheduled for Thursday, September 5th, or Friday, September 6th.  School will begin the week of September 9th.  Parents are invited to the church cafe for refreshments on your child’s first drop-off day.
 
Morning space is limited for all age groups.  Classes and tuition are listed on the registration form.
 
Outreach Christian Preschool (OCP) began in the church in 1979 and has been an outreach of the church for families in New Albany and surrounding communities. Although our program continues to grow, our philosophy has remained the same:
Outreach
…reach out and involve children and their families in fellowship;
 
Christian
… a way of life the Bible teaches – warm, loving, and caring; Preschool
… 2 ½, 3, 4 and 5 year olds learning through a quality, age-appropriate, meaningful curriculum.
Classes are available 1 to 5 days a week, morning or afternoon depending on the age of the child.
 
Morning sessions are 9:00-11:30 and afternoon sessions are 12:30-3:00. Extended Days until 3:00 are available for an additional monthly fee for children attending a morning 3-year-old class or Pre-K class. Tot Time for 2 ½ year olds meets 9:15-11:15.
 
Classes will begin in September and will conclude the end of May. OCP follows New Albany-Plain Local School holiday schedule and bad weather days.
 
During class children have opportunities to engage in play with other children, discover God’s love through Bible stories and prayer, and participate in educational enrichment activities through:
  • hands-on experiences in math, science and readiness skills
  • literature
  • music
  • social studies
Julie Bouza
Co-Director for Outreach Christian Preschool
Email: ocpnapreschool@gmail.com
Lynn Ried
Co-Director for Outreach Christian Preschool
Email: ocpnapreschool@gmail.com
For more information call us at 614-855-4100 or email Outreach Christian Preschool at ocpnaspreschool@gmail.com.
 
 
 

Adult Ministries

Family Nights at NAM

 
where there’s something for everyone! Family Nights for 2018 are on Sunday evenings beginning at 5pm.
 
What are Family Nights? Dinner is served at 5:00pm in the cafe. The entree is provided, just bring a side dish or dessert. At 5:45pm, Children ages 3-12 are invited to Musical choir rehearsal! Parents gather in a small group for fun fellowship and inspirational biblical discussion! Middle and High school youth are invited to participate in Lifeline youth group! Family Nights are a great way to meet other families in the church as well as get our hearts and minds prepared for the week ahead as individuals and as a family. Come and be inspired through connection to God and God’s people.
5:00pm: Dinner is served.
5:45pm:  Choir rehearsal will begin and the adults can gather for small group.  Youth, grades 6-12 are invited to join Pastor Jean for LifeLine programming.
7:00pm: Lifeline youth is finished.

Advent and Lent Study Groups

 
 
Come and join in one of these groups to learn and grow your faith. Books can be purchased for $15 at church or electronic books can be downloaded online.
 
The groups:
 
During Advent and Lent Seasons
Sunday 5:00pm: This group is a part of our Family Nights program.
 
Saturday 8:00am …all are invited.
 
Sunday 7:00pm …all are invited.
 
Tuesday 1:30pm…all are invited.
 
Times may vary.  Watch the bulletin for details.

Sunday Morning Classes

 
9:30 AM Sunday Mornings:
Fred’s class: This group is welcoming to adults of all ages who want to study God’s Word. Through scripture and thought provoking discussion, we study Biblical and contemporary subjects. The changing topics and evolving discussion keep the class new and exciting. This class meets in room #201.
Helen’s class: This group is welcoming to adults of all ages. The class is based on a biblical topic or question that the class poses. Then each week, Dave will find pertinent scripture and questions to spur a deeper understanding of the question raised. Though the question may last for weeks, each week is a new scripture and set of questions. This means no one ever has to ‘catch up’ as the discussion is new each week. This class meets in the Library.
 Jeanne’s class: This class uses the Quarterly Lessons from the David C. Cook Bible Study. This group of faithful and intellectual adults enjoy studying both Old and New Testament scripture related to worship, faith, prayer and more. Join in anytime on Sunday mornings beginning at 9:30am.
Women’s Book Group: This group meets once a month to discuss a recently read religious and/or secular book. This fun group of women welcome you anytime to this group. If you like to read and then talk about it, this is a great group for you.
For more information on joining one of these classes on Sunday morning, please contact Pastor Carol Betts.

Chancel Choir

 
If you have a heart for worship and a soul for music, then the Chancel Choir is the group for you. Each week from September through May, with direction from Dr. Michael Martin, the choir brings creativity and beauty into worship. Whether the song is slow groove gospel, a traditional Latin hymn, an up-tempo arrangement or a soothing choral melody, this choir elevates the worship experience each week. In addition to weekly worship, the choir also performs a Christmas special and a Palm Sunday Cantata.
Take our music survey! Print out the form below and bring it with you to church Sunday.
This group practices every Thursday evening from 7:00-9:00pm. For more information on how you can join in the fun, email Director Mike Martin.

Harmony Ringers

Handbell Choir

A wonderful group of faithful ringers! Our Handbell Choir is simply the best. Full of people who love to make music and laugh together, it is a wonderful place to connect in this family of faith.

This group practices on Thursday evenings at 6:00pm and play for pre-scheduled worship services and special holiday services. For more information about how to join in the creative fun of this group, email Pastor Carol Betts.
 

Choral Scholar Ministry

Our Choral Scholars ministry benefits both the church members and music students enrolled in local universities. Selected students experience a church family while singing in our choir. In addition to vocal contributions, scholars find a vibrant fellowship with lasting benefits. Several have held their senior recital in our sanctuary, because scholars have great support from choir members and the congregation. Our scholars develop vocal leadership skills, learn many traditional church hymns, and participate in two full worship services each week in addition to the weekly choir practices on Thursdays.

Scholars bring youthful enthusiasm that energizes our members of the choir. Personal relationships between students and choir members is another common result, as the choir members enjoy taking the students under their wing. Choral scholars commit to a full choir year. Several choose to participate multiple years.

How it works: Select music students participate in our two traditional worship services and practice with the choir on Thursday evenings. Students are given a stipend which helps with transportation costs from three universities: Capital University, Otterbein, and The Ohio State University.

 

Women’s Retreat

 
 

Framing Our Faith  in 2019

 
 
 
Retreat Speaker for 2019
Pastor Keri Schmidt
 
 
Most of us know Keri from past retreats, and as a previous Pastor at New Albany Methodist.  Keri and her family have recently moved to Morgantown West Virginia to start a new adventure in their lives  : (
Keri is a wife, mother, trainer, and super athlete!  Keri is returning for our special Women’s Retreat weekend to spend some precious time with us and share  her infectious and authentic love for Christ.  She will make this retreat very special indeed.
 
 
 
Retreat Speaker for 2019
Rev. Nikki Baker of
StonyBrook UMC
 
Nikki is a fabulous pastor and woman of God. She is passionate about prayer and is excited to share her own stories and experiences of her prayer journey. Nikki is a wife, mother, cancer survivor, and full-time superhero. You will love her open spirit, her love of God and her tremendous heart.
This will be a meaningful and memorable weekend for all.

 

When:

March 15-16, 2019.
Retreat begins March 15 at 6:00pm and ends March 16 at 4:00pm.
 

Where:

Nationwide Hotel and Conference Center
(near Polaris)
                      100 Green Meadow Drive South, Lewis Center, Ohio 43035  
 

Cost:

Commuter Option: Retreat package of 3 Meals, snacks, supplies,
and massage (if desired) – $110
 
                                   Rooming Options:  Retreat package as above, with…
                                                                    1 person in room – $220         
                                                                    2 people in room – $175
                                                                    3 people in room – $165
                                                                    4 people in room – $155
 
     Scholarships are available. Please contact Carol Betts
(cbetts001@gmail.com)    for more information.
 

How do I sign up?

 
Sign up online (above) but registration forms are available in the lobby at church, or can be downloaded here…
 
                            
 
 
DEADLINE FOR REGISTRATION IS FEBRUARY 20TH
 

 

 

 

Mom’s Group

 
Mom’s Moment:
Mom’s moment is a monthly e-newsletter that offers moms scriptural encouragement while also keeping them informed about mom and family events at church. In particular, moms will receive information about the up and coming Moms Meet Up events. Sign up below to receive the next Mom’s Moment email and stay up to date on all the ways to connect with NAM moms.
 
New Albany UMC Mom’s Facebook Group:
Are you on Facebook? New Albany UMC mom’s have a private group for sharing stories, swapping kid gear, giving support and keeping up with moms at church! This is a great way to stay connected to faithful moms all week long. Search @NAUMC on Facebook and send a request to join the group.
 
Mom’s Meet Up:
Ever need an evening out with other moms to laugh, share war stories, share ideas or just to vent in a safe place?! This is your opportunity. Every month, moms from NAUMC gather together to do all of those things and more. Join us at anytime and feel free to come as you are! Laughs and chocolate guaranteed at each event!
 
Mom’s Meet UP!
Fun events once a month!
 
 

 

Small Groups

Men’s Bible Study Group:
Tuesdays in the Fall and Spring from 10:30am-12:00 noon at the church. Don Prince will facilitate the study. You don’t have to be a Bible scholar. Just come with a desire to learn. No lecture… just great conversation about applying the Bible to our everyday lives.
 
 
Women’s Study Group:
NEED A LITTLE MORE JOY IN YOUR LIFE? This group meets the 2nd and 4th Tuesday at the church. Pastor Carol leads this fun and energetic group. Make new friends while letting the Bible speak to your life.
 
New Albany Mom’s Group:
Mom’s are invited to come and gather together the second Friday of each month for food, fellowship and faithful conversation. This group is intended to connect mother’s for relevant discussions on parenting, coping, relationships, and more. Each month is a new adventure, so you are encouraged to join in at anytime. Please contact Pastor Carol Betts with any questions.
 
Family Nights:
Some fun for the whole family! Bring the entire family for a fun night at church. The fun begins on 1/31/16 at 5:00. Children are invited to go to choir and rehearse for the upcoming Children’s musical. Parents and adults are invited to a small group during that time when we will laugh, talk and enjoy getting to know each other. At 6:00, everyone is invited to a potluck style dinner. Youth ages 6th grade through 12th grade are invited for fun, games and meaningful fellowship in the Lifeline! Youth Group. For more information about Family Nights, please contact pastor Keri Schmidt .
 
Parents of Teens:
This special group is designed for parents of teenagers. Pastor Jean will lead this group beginning Mid Feb, 2019 with a discussion topic to TBA.
 
Agape
A group of faithful, mature adults who enjoy gathering together for Bible study, prayer and fellowship. This groups meets on Wednesday nights at the church. If you are looking for a group of faithful friends, this is the group for you!
 
Calling and Caring
This group has a special mission to visit homebound, sick and elderly members of our church and community. This team of compassionate people deliver flowers and cards throughout the year as well as share in communion, prayer and conversation with those who for health reasons are unable to attend church regularly. If you would like to participate in this group, or would like to add your loved one to the list of those visited, please contact Pastor Carol Betts.
 
Alethians
A faithful group of senior adult women who gather once a month for fellowship, devotion, prayer and service.
 

Living Life

For those who share a common season of life…retired or near retirement
 
 
Live Life Abundantly
 
To provide opportunities for people in their retirement years to live in the abundant love of God as they Connect…Learn/Grow…and Serve.
To Connect Lunch Group–1st Thursday of each month at 11:30 in the Honey Baked Ham Cafe (Morse & Cherry Bottom Rds.) Coffee and Conversation Groups
 

To Learn/Grow Various classes offered throughout the year, facilitated by Pastor Carol Betts.

 
To Grow Spiritually Sunday Morning Bible Study Classes at 9:30 at the east end of the building Jeanne Russell’s Class in room #201 Fred Szumlic’s Class in room #200 Helen Pestel’s Class in room #202 Tuesday morning Men’s Bible Study at 10:30 in the church Conference Room, Don Prince, facilitator 2nd & 4th Tuesdays Women’s Bible Study at 7 p.m. in room #202, Pastor Carol Betts, facilitator