Grace Sunday School Class
Mission Statement

The MISSION of the Grace Class is the study and exploration of the meaning of GRACE, as defined in the Bible, the teachings of the Church and the modern theological dialogue. In faith and life, the Class is guided by the "four mains sources and guidelines for Christian theology: Scripture, Tradition, Experience and Reason." (The Book of Discipline of the United Methodist Church).

The Grace Class is committed to participation in what The Book of Discipline calls Our Theological Task: "The continuously renewed grasp of the gospel of God's love in Christ and its application in the ceaseless crises of human existence." The task includes an invitation: "the invitation to theological reflection is open to all - young and old, unlettered and learned, persons from all cultures, ethnic groups, and races. Rightly understood, our history of doctrinal diversity in The United Methodist Church has been a source of strength, producing fruitful tension when accompanied with a genuine concern for the vital unity of Christian truth and life."

The Grace Class normally meets on Sunday mornings during the traditional Sunday School hour. Its focus is less on class membership and more on being a gathering of persons who study, explore, search, question, affirm and renew their faith journeys, incorporating the many paths of knowledge available to modern seekers. Our class operates from the assumption that the Christian journey is enhanced by the contemplation of new understandings of traditional Christian doctrine in light of the rich contribution of theological pioneers, science, and our fellow religious traditions. Inclusiveness and respectful diversity are inherent to the Class.

Beyond the regular Sunday meetings, the Class seeks to fulfill its mission in two additional ways:

Throughout the year, hosting short-term studies on specific topics, with an invitation issued to all members of the congregation and community.

Sponsoring the Grace For Daily Living webpage on the VHUMC Web Site.

For more information, contact:

Cheryl Knowles
knowlesc@shrp.uab.edu

Stephen Kirkemier
kirkmier@bellsouth.net

David Yother
dcyother@charter.net

Joe Elmore
jelmore@vhumc.org
(205) 979-9901, ext. 318