Information for Visitors to Our Site/Church
Choose one of the topics below to go directly to that information.
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ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASSES
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We offer eight 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 warm and friendly group include couples and singles that are involved in all aspects of church life including outreach, missions, and discipleship. They are very active in both church leadership and community activities that support our common Christian goals. Sunday School is taught by knowledgeable class members that enjoy sharing their gift of teaching. New members are enthusiastically welcomed and encouraged to join in Bible study, service, and Christian fellowship. The Drake class meets up the stairs that are across from the side entrance to the sanctuary.
- 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!
- 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.
- The Paul 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, The Lawton Class, and The Hut Class. These first two classes formally combined in January, 2005. The Hut Class joined in January, 2014. 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.
- 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.
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WEEKLY SCHEDULE
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Sunday
- 8:30 am Early Worship Service
- 9:15 am Breakfast
- 10:00 am Sunday School
- 11:00 am Traditional Worship Service
- 6:00 pm ELEVATE Youth
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
- 5:00 pm Gathering-Supper
- 6:00 pm Children's Choir
- 6:00 pm Adult Programs
- 6:00 pm Youth Discussion/Bible Study
- 7:15 pm Chancel Choir practice
Thursday
- 8:30 am-5:00 pm Office Open
Friday
- 8:30 am-1:00 pm Office Open
- 9:30 am-1:00 pm Soup Kitchen Volunteers
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OUR CHURCH STAFF
*********************************
- Pastor Phil Thrailkill
began his ministry at Main Street in June, 2012. Phil and his wife Lori come from St. Luke UMC in Hartsville. Pastor Phil graduated from Wake Forest University and earned his Masters of Divinity from Candler School of Theology at Emory University. Phil and Lori are parents of two grown children.
- 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.
- Josh Harrington
is the organist at Main Street. Josh joined the staff of Main Street in January of 2014. Josh is a student at Presbyterian College in Clinton majoring in Music Education with a concentration in organ. He plans to pursue a career in choral conducting..
- 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 and two daughters-in-law -- Cass and Lauren. Kathy and Jim also have three granddaughters - Selah, Moriah, and Clara
- Phil Saunders
is our Director of Youth & Young Adult Ministries here at Main Street United Methodist Church. He is originally from South Boston, VA but most recently resided in Harrisonburg, VA where he graduated from James Madison University in 2011. While in college, Phil obtained his degree in Media Arts & Design, as well as a minor in Theater and Dance. He joined the staff at First Presbyterian Church in Harrisonburg post-graduation as the Youth Program Assistant after volunteering and interning in the Youth Ministry there. Phil has a passion for missions and pushing youth to accept new challenges in their walk with Christ. He joined the staff in October, 2013.
- 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 office administrative assistant and we are glad she is back at Main Street. She is married to Jimmy and they are the parents of Elizabeth and Joey and grandparents to Drew, Emma Pearl, and Ruby Parrish.
- Linda Miller
is our financial secretary and works afternoons Monday through Friday.
- Jo Patterson
joined our staff in June, 2014 as part-time office assistant. She is married to Gary and they are the parents of Ryan and Kyle.
- Scott Parham
is our Building Superintendent. Scott oversees the physical plant of our church and coordinates needed work with the Board of Trustees.
- Benny Lewis
is our Building Caretaker. He joined our staff in November, 2004.
- Michael Fisher
is our Building Caretaker. He joined our staff in 2013.
Back to the Visitor Information Listing
*******************************
ADULT MINISTRIES
*******************************
- Disciple Bible Study - Over the last 20 years we have taught Disciple Bible Study beginning with a class of 12 and now have had over 200 graduates. 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.
- Radio Ministry - We provide a radio ministry on Sunday mornings by broadcasting our 11:00 am service on a delayed basis. 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 WZLA 92.9 FM at 12:00 noon on Sunday.
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
****************************************
- 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.
- 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 "Light in the Darkness" Service 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 ELEVATE Youth program (formerly 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 scavenger hunts for Bowers-Rodgers Home, Food Bank and the Soup Kitchen, packing care packages for our college students, and activities at Wesley Commons. 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
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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 Chnacel Bells. There are two different children/youth choirs available which sing/perform on a regular basis. The Main Street Celebration Singers is a children's choir for 5-year-olds through 5th 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 5:00 pm - 6:00 pm. Programs are provided for adults from 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm each week. These range from Bible study to "sit and chat" nights. A nursery is provided for preschoolers, and the children's choir (Celebration Singers) meet during the program time. The youth have a Discussion/Bible Study meeting from 6:00 - 7:00 pm.
Back to the Visitor Information Listing
*****************************************
UNITED METHODIST WOMEN
*****************************************
We currently have 4 adult circles that meet monthly every first Monday or Tuesday, September through May. General meetings are held quarterly. 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
Back to the Visitor Information Listing
********************************
WEEKLY SCHEDULE
********************************Sunday
- 8:30 am Early Worship Service
- 9:15 am Breakfast
- 10:00 am Sunday School
- 11:00 am Traditional Worship Service
- 6:00 pm ELEVATE Youth
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
- 5:00 pm Gathering-Supper
- 6:00 pm Children's Choir
- 6:00 pm Adult Programs
- 6:00 pm Youth Discussion/Bible Study
- 7:15 pm Chancel Choir practice
Thursday
- 8:30 am-5:00 pm Office Open
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
*********************************- Pastor Phil Thrailkill
began his ministry at Main Street in June, 2012. Phil and his wife Lori come from St. Luke UMC in Hartsville. Pastor Phil graduated from Wake Forest University and earned his Masters of Divinity from Candler School of Theology at Emory University. Phil and Lori are parents of two grown children. - 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. - Josh Harrington
is the organist at Main Street. Josh joined the staff of Main Street in January of 2014. Josh is a student at Presbyterian College in Clinton majoring in Music Education with a concentration in organ. He plans to pursue a career in choral conducting.. - 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 and two daughters-in-law -- Cass and Lauren. Kathy and Jim also have three granddaughters - Selah, Moriah, and Clara - Phil Saunders
is our Director of Youth & Young Adult Ministries here at Main Street United Methodist Church. He is originally from South Boston, VA but most recently resided in Harrisonburg, VA where he graduated from James Madison University in 2011. While in college, Phil obtained his degree in Media Arts & Design, as well as a minor in Theater and Dance. He joined the staff at First Presbyterian Church in Harrisonburg post-graduation as the Youth Program Assistant after volunteering and interning in the Youth Ministry there. Phil has a passion for missions and pushing youth to accept new challenges in their walk with Christ. He joined the staff in October, 2013. - 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 office administrative assistant and we are glad she is back at Main Street. She is married to Jimmy and they are the parents of Elizabeth and Joey and grandparents to Drew, Emma Pearl, and Ruby Parrish. - Linda Miller
is our financial secretary and works afternoons Monday through Friday. - Jo Patterson
joined our staff in June, 2014 as part-time office assistant. She is married to Gary and they are the parents of Ryan and Kyle.
- Scott Parham
is our Building Superintendent. Scott oversees the physical plant of our church and coordinates needed work with the Board of Trustees. - Benny Lewis
is our Building Caretaker. He joined our staff in November, 2004. - Michael Fisher
is our Building Caretaker. He joined our staff in 2013.
Back to the Visitor Information Listing
*******************************
ADULT MINISTRIES
*******************************- Disciple Bible Study - Over the last 20 years we have taught Disciple Bible Study beginning with a class of 12 and now have had over 200 graduates. 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.
- Radio Ministry - We provide a radio ministry on Sunday mornings by broadcasting our 11:00 am service on a delayed basis. 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 WZLA 92.9 FM at 12:00 noon on Sunday.
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
****************************************- 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.
- 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 "Light in the Darkness" Service 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 ELEVATE Youth program (formerly 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 scavenger hunts for Bowers-Rodgers Home, Food Bank and the Soup Kitchen, packing care packages for our college students, and activities at Wesley Commons. 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 Chnacel Bells. There are two different children/youth choirs available which sing/perform on a regular basis. The Main Street Celebration Singers is a children's choir for 5-year-olds through 5th 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 5:00 pm - 6:00 pm. Programs are provided for adults from 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm each week. These range from Bible study to "sit and chat" nights. A nursery is provided for preschoolers, and the children's choir (Celebration Singers) meet during the program time. The youth have a Discussion/Bible Study meeting from 6:00 - 7:00 pm.
Back to the Visitor Information Listing
*****************************************
UNITED METHODIST WOMEN
*****************************************We currently have 4 adult circles that meet monthly every first Monday or Tuesday, September through May. General meetings are held quarterly. 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