Information for Visitors to Our Site/Church
Choose one of the topics below to go directly to that information.
*********************************************
ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASSES
*********************************************
We offer eleven different adult Sunday School classes to choose from on Sunday morning. Each one offers something different!
- Bible Class - Originally formed in 1975 as a commitment to intense Bible study, this class contains men and women between ages 45 and 65. A supportive group of individuals who are in varying stages of relationships from marriage to widowhood, members use a variety of materials focused on the Bible. This group has a card ministry for all sick members of the church and provides food and medicine to community families, particularly children, who are experiencing financial difficulties. The class enjoys social get-togethers about once each quarter.
- Drake Class - Members of this class range in age from late 20's to mid 50's with a mixture of couples and singles. Teachers use participatory lesson styles. The class is very active in the church as well as in community projects.
- Genesis to Revelation Class - This class, newly formed in the fall of 1999, is a self-paced study of all 66 books of the bible over a unspecified amount of time. Interested persons are welcome to join at any time, and the class circles back to Genesis at the end of the study. Estimated completion time is around six years!
- Hut Class - This class (so named because of it original meeting place) is for those free spirits, women and men, who like to choose their own study material and discuss the lesson for the day. Meeting informally around the table in the church library, members do not mind disagreeing with each other. Leadership of the discussion rotates among several class members. An ongoing project is supporting the Bethlehem Community Center in Columbia.
- Mason Class - This class was organized in 1945 and was originally the Young Married Couples Class. Currently most members are over 55 and they welcome all visitors, couples or singles, any time. They are also taught by members of the class.
- New Horizon Class - This class is diverse in its composition and creative in the exploration of God's word. Class members join a core of regular teachers to study not only programmed lessons, but selected topics of importance to all Christians in modern society. Together they have examined poverty in America and in the local community, ethics, church organization, and family values. The class composition is couples and singles from late 30's and up.
- The Paul D. Frey Class - Class members list as their purpose "to come together in Christian fellowship to support each other, to study Biblical truths applied to everyday living, and to further the work of the church." Members include singles and couples in various ages and stages of life. Regular social activities help members get to know each other on a deeper level. Class members rotate teaching responsibilities and teach from a variety of Christian literature and the Bible.
- Trinity Class - Formerly the Upper Room-Featherstone Class and The Lawton Class. These two classes formally combined in January, 2005. The class is made up of mostly retired men and women. They use the Adult Bible Study Series as the basis for their lessons taught by a few of their members. They participate in a number of mission projects each year.
- The Coach Dula Class - Members of this class are a diverse group of young adults who are searching for God's will in their lives. From college age to mid-thirties, they are individuals launching into life's journeys including school, marriage, parenthood and career. Through discussion-orientated Bible study led by Shell Dula, they seek discipleship. Their fellowship together also provides opportunities to develop friendships that offer support and encouragement to each other as they discover God.
- Common Ground - This class meets each Sunday over coffee to pray for one aother and explore the biblical passages that Reverend Dennis will be covering in his sermons. This is a "come as you are" class for the casual at heart -- even jeans!
- Cornerstone Class - So then we are no longer strangers…but you are fellow members in the household of God…Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone (Ephesians 2:19-20). Members of this class are students, parents, and professionals who support each other as they grow together spiritually and socially. Through class-led discussions centered on improving their knowledge of the Bible, this class offers a relaxed environment that encourages members to openly ask questions and share their experiences. The class meets in the Susanna Wesley Building.
Back to the Visitor Information Listing
********************************
WEEKLY SCHEDULE
********************************
Sunday
- 9:00 am OutLoud - contemporary worship service
- 9:15 am Breakfast
- 10:00 am Sunday School
- 11:00 am Traditional Worship Service
- 6:00 pm UMYF
Monday
- 8:30 am-5:00 pm Office Open
- 7:00 pm Boy Scout Troop 911
Tuesday
- 8:30 am-5:00 pm Office Open
Wednesday
- 8:30 am-5:00 pm Office Open
- 5:15 pm Gathering-Supper
- 6:00 pm Program
- 6:00 pm Children's Choir
- 6:15 pm Youth Discussion/Bible Study
- 7:15 pm Chancel Choir practice
Thursday
- 8:30 am-5:00 pm Office Open
- 6:00 pm Girl Scouts, Brownies, Daisy Troop
Friday
- 8:30 am-1:00 pm Office Open
- 9:30 am-1:00 pm Soup Kitchen Volunteers
Back to the Visitor Information Listing
*********************************
OUR CHURCH STAFF
*********************************
- The Reverend James D. Dennis, Jr.
began his ministry at Main Street in June, 2004. Jim and his wife Caroline come from Trinity UMC in Bamberg where they served for the last seven years. Rev. Dennis graduated from Wofford College with a B.S. degree in Biology and a B.A. degree in Religion. He earned his Masters of Divinity from Duke Divinity School. Jim is clergy founder of three Salkehatchie Camps and former Secretary of the SC United Methodist Advocate Board of Trustees and former Secretary of the SC United Methodist Conference Commission on Communication. Jim and Caroline are parents of Dave, Alison, and Christina
- Larry Moore
serves as our Director of Music Ministries. Larry joined the staff on October 29, 2007, coming to us from First United Methodist Church in Modesto, California where he served as Director of Music. Despite his former California address, Larry has actually returned to his roots as a native of the Palmetto State. Larry earned his Bachelor of Music Degree in Music Education from Mars Hill College in North Carolina and is an active member of the American Choral Director's Association, The Fellowship of United Methodists in Music and Worship Arts, and the American Guild of English Handbell Ringers.
- Joyce Nickles
serves as our church orgainst. Joyce also directs the Kindermusik programs which are housed in Main Street's Asbury Outreach Center. Joyce, her husband, Phil, as well as her son Philip and his wife, Patty and their three children, Nick, Jackson, Sophie Beth are all members of Main Street.
- Kathy Kelly
began as Children's Ministries Director in 1990 and became Director of Programs in July of 1996. She oversees the programming of all areas. She is married to Jim and they have three sons, Jeremy, Patrick and Wesley.
- Jessica Morris
is our Director of Youth Ministries. Jessica is originally from Summerville, SC and moved to Greenwood in 2003 for school. She has been working with the youth since 2005. In the summer of '07, she became the Interim Director of Youth Ministries and is now full-time. Jessica also works on the Conference level with the Youth and Young Adult Networks, planning and implementing programs and spiritual growth for the Youth and Young Adults of South Carolina.
- Lee Robirds
joined the staff at Main Street in October, 2003 as our Congregational Nurse. She and her husband Mark are members of Main Street. They have three children, Nathan, Darcy, and Lauren.
- Emmie Burns
came "back home" in June of 1998 having grown up at Main Street. She is the secretary for the office and we are glad she is back at Main Street. She is married to Jimmy and they are the parents of Elizabeth and Joey.
- Gail Carnes
is our financial secretary and works on Monday and Tuesday. She and her husband, Perry, live in Anderson and are the proud parents of Lee Ann and Carla and the proud grandparents of Eric and Tyler.
- Bill White
is our Building Superintendent. Bill oversees the physical plant of our church and coordinates needed work with the Board of Trustees.
- Benny Lewis
is our Church Janitor. He joined our staff in November, 2004.
- Shirley Wilson
is our Church Janitor. She joined our staff in August, 2007.
Back to the Visitor Information Listing
*******************************
ADULT MINISTRIES
*******************************
- Disciple Bible Study - Over the last 12 years we have taught Disciple Bible Study beginning with a class of 12 and now have had over 178 graduates. Through Spring, 2005, 38 students have taken all four years of the Disciple Bible Study series. In 2001-2002 Disciple I, II, III and for the first time Disciple IV was offered. In the past we have had several “students” who are members at other churches. We have numerous people who have been to the training and are qualified to teach a class. We always welcome interested people to become a member of a class that usually begins at the end of August.
- Christian Believer - This class was offered in the fall of 2000. Eleanor and Larry Jenkins are our trained leaders. The program has an emphasis on the history of theology. This class lasts for 30 weeks with the group meeting once a week for 2 hours.
- Stephen Ministries - We are proud to be part of the Stephen Ministries program and have 7 Stephen ministers and 6 Stephen leaders trained. This ministry is a lay person-led caring and outreach program that trains laypersons to be caregivers. We are excited about the prospects and are already have care receivers in place.
- Prayer Chain - We have an active group of persons who form a prayer chain to pray for special prayer concerns of our congregation and community. They always welcome any new members!
- Radio Ministry - We provide a radio ministry on Sunday mornings by broadcasting our 11:00 am service. Many of our shut-ins, recuperating members and others in the community enjoy being able to have this weekly link to the church family. We are broadcast over WYOR 94.1 FM at 11:00 am on Sunday mornings.
Back to the Visitor Information Listing
*************************************
CHILDREN'S MINISTRIES
*************************************
- We have Sunday School classes for each age group beginning with the 2-year-olds. A nursery is provided for children younger than two. We have a beeper system to give parents more security in leaving their children in the nursery. Our children's classes all follow the Cokesbury curriculum that includes a take-home sheet for most ages. Because of our very mobile congregation, during the summer the 3-year-olds through 5-year-olds are combined for our special program called “Summer School”. The 1st-5th graders join together for the summer for “Games At Main Street” or “GAMeS”. Different Bible stories are shared with games, relays, and/or fun food making incorporated into the lesson. All children are encouraged to dress much more casually for our summer programs.
- We are very proud to have installed a new computer lab with 2 computers in our children's department upstairs for additional learning opportunities.
- We also have Extended Session for preschoolers during the last half of the worship service.
- In September, our 3rd-5th graders can go through acolyte training and our 6th-8th graders can go through crucifer training and serve in these spots for the year.
- We have Worship Readiness for our new 1st graders during September to help them learn how, where and why we worship the way we do.
- Our new 3-year-olds go through a program during Sunday School in September called Welcome Wigglers and are taught what to expect when they begin coming to “big church”.
- In December, our preschoolers and elementary children can participate in our Parents Night Out program held on a Friday night filled with fun, fellowship and crafts.
Back to the Visitor Information Listing
****************************************
OUTREACH OPPORTUNITIES
****************************************
- Backyard Bible Club - We started a Backyard Bible Club at Magnolia Park in 1997 and it meets every 3rd Saturday from 11:00 am until 1:00 pm. Neighborhood children come and enjoy games, a Bible story, a craft and a light lunch. It has grown to include up to 60 children.
- Prayer Warriors Ministry - This ministry began to give our children protection and power of God as they face so many obstacles in their precious lives. Every child of our congregation from birth through 22 years is prayed for by name, daily.
- Bereavement Meals - A large group of over 80 ladies is involved with outreach ministry to the families of our members who pass away. A sandwich tray is taken the day of the death and a meal is prepared and delivered the day of the funeral.
- Habitat for Humanity - We participate in many outreach programs here at Main Street. We help with Habitat for Humanity every second Saturday.
- Soup Kitchen - We have teams that work at the Soup Kitchen each week on Fridays.
- Special drives are made during different times of the year for the Bowers-Rodgers Home for Abused Children, the Food Bank, United Ministries, and the women's prison. We also have members who volunteer on a regular basis at each of these programs.
Back to the Visitor Information Listing
*************************************
SPECIAL CELEBRATIONS
*************************************
There are several special services that are annually held which have become an important part of our tradition at Main Street:
- In the spring we have the very moving Tenebrae Service on Maundy Thursday.
- The first Sunday in October we celebrate World Communion Sunday with other Christians around the world beginning with a flag procession by our children. The flags used represent some of the countries around the world that have United Methodist mission fields in them.
- The second Sunday in October we join others by celebrating Children's Sabbath. Through this service we try to heighten the awareness of the congregation to problems surrounding the children of today.
- The first Sunday in November we remember those loved ones who have passed away over the last year through our All Saints Service.
- Our annual Hanging of the Greens service is held on the first Sunday night of Advent. Our sanctuary is beautifully decorated during the service.
- Other services of the Advent season include the Service of Nine Lessons and Carols and our Christmas Eve Candlelight Service with Communion.
Back to the Visitor Information Listing
********************************
YOUTH MINISTRIES
********************************
Main Street is proud to have a service-oriented United Methodist Youth Fellowship (UMYF). They meet on Sunday evenings and programming is done by the Youth Director and a Youth Council which meets monthly. Service projects locally have included Backyard Bible Club, scavenger hunts for Bowers-Rodgers Home, Food Bank and the Soup Kitchen, packing care packages for our college students, activities at Wesley Commons, and Habitat Blitz Week. A group of youth and adults are also active in the Salkehatchie Summer Service in South Carolina in the summer.
Back to the Visitor Information Listing
********************************************
MILESTONES & ADOPT-A-CLASS
********************************************
Two programs that originated at Main Street were designed to help our children become “Bible literate” and to help form some inter-generational bonds. Our Milestone program is set up so that each child's age group from 2-year-olds through 5th grade has a different “milestone” to learn ranging from the “Doxology” to verses of scripture. Our Adopt-a-Class pairs each children's class with an adult class and they share their talents with each other from parties with home-made goodies to self-portraits drawn by the children.
Back to the Visitor Information Listing
***********************
SCOUTING
***********************
We are proud to sponsor several different levels of scouting at Main Street. We have Boy Scout Troop 911 that meets on Monday nights in the basement. We have a Brownie Scout Troop, a Girl Scout Troop, and a Daisy Troop that meet on Thursday afternoons. All of these groups have done service projects around Greenwood and here at Main Street. They take numerous field trips and participate in many regional activities. They are recognized on Scout Sunday during our 11:00 am service once a year.
Back to the Visitor Information Listing
*******************************
MUSIC MINISTRIES
*******************************
We have a large active music ministry program at Main Street. For adults we have the Chancel Choir and Adult Hand Bells. There are two different children/youth choirs available which sing/perform on a regular basis. The Main Street Music Makers is a children's choir for 3-year-olds through 1st graders that meets on Wednesday evenings.
Back to the Visitor Information Listing
*****************************************
FAMILY NIGHT GATHERINGS
*****************************************
We have Family Night Gatherings on Wednesday nights during the school year. We meet for a catered meal from 5:15 pm - 6:15 pm. Different Sunday School classes help with the serving and cleaning up each week. A program is provided for adults from 6:15 pm - 7:00 pm each week. These range from Bible study to game nights. A nursery is provided for preschoolers, and choirs for 3-year-olds through 5th grade meet during the program time. The youth have a Discussion/Bible Study meeting from 6:15 - 7:00 pm.
Back to the Visitor Information Listing
*****************************************
UNITED METHODIST WOMEN
*****************************************
We currently have 7 adult circles that meet monthly every first Monday or Tuesday, September through May. General meetings are held quarterly. We are proud to have a new “teen circle” led by Elise Rogers Collins. They meet every first Sunday after church, September through May. All circles do many service projects through the individual circles and also through UMW as a whole. Many mission fields are supported through donations from UMW.
Back to the Visitor Information Listing
The Cross and Flame is a registered trademark and the use is supervised by the General
Council on Finance and Administration of The United Methodist Church. Permission to use
the Cross and Flame must be obtained from the General Council on Finance and
Administration of The United Methodist Church - Legal Department, 1200 Davis Street,
Evanston, IL 60201.