ministries

In its mission to help Christ-followers become Rooted in Christ, Growing in Christ, and Bearing Fruit for Christ, Maple Springs United Methodist Church offers many different ways to support your spiritual formation including:



SPIRITUAL GIFTS ASSESSMENT

One of our goals is to have everyone involved in the ministries of Maple Springs UMC working in the areas of their highest spiritual gifts. Using our highest gifts in ministry gives us joy in service and creates opportunities for our community to flourish and grow. Should you wish to take an online version of the Spiritual Gifts assessment, a simple assessment is available at the Ministry Matters website

There is a link at the end where you can print or e-mail your results. If you wish, you can copy Pastor Jeff when you email yourself the results. He would love to know what you are discovering. 

It takes about 20-30 minutes to complete this assessment. Set aside some quiet time to do this, and enjoy! 

You may find that after taking this assessment, you will begin to embrace more lovingly ministries in which you are already participating. You may also find that you need to seek a better fit in another role or another ministry area. That is okay! Christ has many services to be done. In all of our work, God is to be glorified.


sunday school


Join us Sunday mornings from 9:55am to 10:45am for Sunday School! Each Sunday, Maple Springs UMC offers opportunities for study and fellowship. No matter your age or interests, we're sure you'll find a Sunday School class that's right for you. The following groups meet at various locations throughout the church. Check in with someone at the Information Desk in Craven Lobby for directions.


Children Sunday School Classes

Maples Springs UMC has adopted policies to safeguard children and youth. Download our Safe Sanctuaries Policies and Procedures. All children's Sunday School teachers undergo annual required Safe Sanctuary training. For questions or more information, contact Mary Taylor Setliff, Coordinator of Children and Family Ministries (336-722-7563, ext 405).


Infants (C9)
These volunteers provide wonderful care for your infant while you attend Sunday School.


Toddlers & Two Year Olds (C10)
Class time includes free play using imaginative toys, the reading of a short Bible story, coloring, and crafts.


Three & Four Years Olds (C15)
Class time begins and ends with free play. A Bible lesson is shared using the First Look curriculum. The lesson is further explored using a variety of methods including crafts, games, video bible story, and coloring sheets.


Kindergarten through 3rd Grade (C1, Childrens Assembly Room)
Our kindergarten through 3rd grade groups gather together to hear the bible story for the day as a large group and explore the day's lesson in small groups (kindergarten/1st and 2nd/3rd).  A Bible lesson is shared using the 252 Basics curriculum.


4th & 5th Grade (C26)
Our 4th and 5th graders use 252 Basics curriculum.  This curriculum incorporates hands-on involvement by the children in learning the Bible lesson for the day, including discussions and games.  This group also focuses on missions.


Youth Sunday School Class

Sunday School is an important time in the week for youth to grow their roots deeper in Jesus.  Get to know one another better and learn more about God’s love for you. Led by a team of teachers who love youth and are dedicated to helping them grow in love for God, the church, and all people. For questions or more information, contact Scott Andree Bowen, Youth & Next Generation Ministry Coordinator (336-722-7563, ext 407).


Middle School Youth (6th through 8th grade)
Location: Maple Room E25 Craven Hall Upper Level


High School Youth (9th through 12th grade)
Location: Spring Room E21 Craven Hall Upper


Adult Sunday School Classes

The below classes are for adults looking for fellowship and spiritual development. Maple Springs offers a range of formats and levels of development. Please feel free to drop in on any of the classes at any time during the Sunday school hour (9:55-10:45am), or if you're having trouble deciding, contact Erin Moses, our Adult Spiritual Formation Coordinator, for help (erin@maplesprings.org).

 

ASBURY

Location: C22 – Craven Hall, Upper Level

The Asbury class is open to all ages and welcomes couples and singles alike.  Our format is leader-directed group discussion.  Study topics will vary from direct study of a book of the Bible to a topical study of interest to the class.  We strive to rely on scripture as our guide in all studies.  We encourage members to research different commentaries and translations of the scripture being studied so that they can share them with the class and help broaden our perspective of God’s word.  We always have a lot of fun in class and enjoy occasional social gatherings away from church.  We would love anyone to come see what we’re all about!


 

EMPTY NESTERS

Location:  M25 - Adult Spiritual Formation Room – Main Building, Upper Level

We gather as a group of about 10 -12 individuals that are in the empty nester stage of our lives. Study topics will vary from direct study of a book of the Bible to a topical study of interest to the class.  We strive to rely on scripture as our guide in all studies.  We share the ups and downs of this stage of our lives, providing insight, real life experiences, and prayer for all.


  

FELLOWSHIP

Location: M2 - Main Building, Basement Level Koinonia Hall

This senior adult class, made up of approximately 40 members, studies the Uniform Lesson series and enjoys a variety of teachers. On the third Friday, they meet for games at 7:00 pm in the Cokesbury Room. They provide care and support for one another and also enjoy doing a number of volunteer service projects at the church and in the community.



FOCUS

Location: M26 – Main Building, Upper Level

Focus Class welcomes everyone! Many of us are empty nesters and recent retirees. We enjoy discussions of scripture and a variety of topics. Our socials include gatherings at members' homes and going out to dinner at restaurants. 


  

FOUNDATIONS

Location: M29 – Main Building, Upper Level

The Foundations class is comprised of individuals and couples with school-aged (K-12) children who seek to become better followers of Christ.  We seek to learn both from the Bible and from the example of John Wesley, founder of Methodism.  We develop and maintain strong friendships, and we participate in social events and mission opportunities with each other outside of the Sunday school hour.


 

INQUIRERS

Location: M107 – Main Building, Lower Level

This is a class of (mostly) retirees, but young at heart. We study topical series relating to our Christian beliefs, Biblically based DVD series, and freestanding lessons of special interest. All are welcome! 


 

LIQUID

Location: C23 – Craven Hall, Upper Level

The Liquid group welcomes all adult age groups. We typically use short DVD-based series or stand-alone lessons that help us apply biblical lessons and principals to our busy modern lives.


  

THE PATH

Location: Craven Hall, Glass Room

Meets at various times throughout the year; this is a class especially designed for visitors, newcomers, and new members and is an opportunity for you to meet and journey alongside other "newer" folks in the congregation as we seek to deepen our relationship with Christ and the church and discover what it means to be a disciple in the United Methodist tradition.


 

TRAVELERS

Location: M205 – Main Building, Upper Level

This is a class of couples and singles that varies topical discussion/DVD curriculum with more intense Bible studies, depending on the season. They share a variety of interests and share facilitation duties among those who enjoy leading and teaching.


 

UMAR CLASS

Location: M7 –Main Building, Basement Level

The UMAR class is for developmentally delayed adults.  There is Bible study, crafts, and fellowship on Sunday morning. Service projects include clipping coupons for Red Bird mission, offering for Nothing But Nets, and the Maple Springs Food Pantry, for which they shop once a year.  Birthdays and Christmas are celebrated with parties.








the path


At Maple Springs, we take spiritual growth and development seriously.  We believe we are truly called by God to a faith that is both believed and lived out.  To this end, we offer the PATH as one of the means to deepen our relationship with Christ and the church.

The Path to Membership Class is a series of classes that is especially designed for newcomers and new members of the church.  It is offered three times throughout the year in a five-week series. We meet on Sunday mornings in M25 during the Sunday school hour (10:00-10:45am).  Over the course of five weeks, we will discover what it means to be a disciple in the United Methodist tradition as we explore the membership vows of prayer, presence, gifts, service and witness.  We welcome you into this path of spiritual development as we seek to be rooted in Christ, grow in our faith walk with Christ, and bear fruit for Christ in the world. 

For more information, please contact Erin Moses

Please see our event calendar to find out when this class is being offered.


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children's minstries



Sunday School
On Sundays from 9:55am to 10:45am, Sunday School classes are offered for infants through 5th graders in the Craven Education Building. Detailed descriptions of the classes can be found on the Sunday school page.

Kid’s Club
Our kindergarten through 3rd graders gather for a time of games, fellowship and devotion each Sunday evening from 4:30pm to 5:10pm in the Children’s Assembly Room in Craven Fellowship Hall. All are welcome to join us!

Club 45
Our 4th and 5th graders gather each Sunday from 5:10-5:45pm.  We focus on serving others and having a good time together. We also gather on the weekends for special events.  Dates and times can be found on the event calendar. 

Children's Music Ministry
To register, please fill out the online registration form. For more information or to join, please contact Beth Juran(336-722-7563).

Cherub Choir - Rehearsals on Sundays (6:15pm – 6:45pm)
Location: TBA
The Cherub Choir is open to children ages 3 to Pre K who are interested in singing and learning fundamentals of music and steady beat and rhythm.

Joyful Noise Choir - Rehearsals on Sundays (6:15pm - 7:00pm)
Location: Room E22/Education Building

This Joyful Noise Choir is open to students grades K-5 who enjoy singing. Children learn fundamentals of music and singing, and perform in church services several times throughout the year. The children's choirs also present a musical once or twice per year.

Children’s Handbells - Rehearsals on Sundays (5:00pm - 5:45pm)

Location: TBA
The Children’s Handbell group is open to children grades 4-5 with an interest of learning the fundamentals of music and playing handbells.

Celestial Chimes - Rehearsals in Sundays (4:30-5:00pm)
Location: Room E23/Education Building

The Children's Handchimes group is open to children grades K-3. Children learn to read music while learning to play the handchimes.

Nursery/Childcare

During worship
Nursery is provided during all worship services for children preschool age and younger. Every child that comes into Maple Springs is a treasurer and we strive to provide childcare at such a level that parents are at ease leaving their children to attend worship. Nursery is staffed by church volunteers and is overseen by our employed nursery coordinator. Pagers are provided to parents as a safety precaution at check-in/check-out procedure.
Other times
It is important to us that a parent is not kept from attending a function at Maple Springs because of lack of childcare. We try our best to provide childcare for children up through 5th grade when there is a church event being offered.

Safe Sanctuary Policy
Maple Springs celebrates its children, youth, and the adults who serve with them. Safe Sanctuaries is an initiative of the United Methodist Church to adopt policies and procedures to reduce the risk of child abuse in the church. Maple Springs is committed to creating a caring, nurturing, and safe environment for all of our children, youth, and the adults who minister to them.

Vacation Bible School
Each summer, Maple Springs offers a spirit-filled week of high energy, creative learning about who God is and how He is working in their lives. Each night includes crafts, games, Bible story dramas, music, missions, and more! We are excited for this summer's VBS, Shipwrecked: Rescued by Jesus.  VBS is scheduled for Sunday, August 5 through Wednesday, August 8.  We will meet each night from 5:30pm to 8pm. If you’re interested in serving throughout the week, contact Mary Taylor Setliff

Relational Events
Throughout the year, children’s ministries celebrate a variety of special activities together. Events such as Pumpkin Patch Palooza, Advent workshop, Easter Eggstravaganza, and Mother/Daughter Brunch help keep us connected in fun ways.




rooted - youth ministry


"Plant your roots in Christ and let Him be the foundation of your life" (Colossians 2:7)


We invite and train youth to plant their roots in Jesus and let Him be the foundation for their life. Our heart is for youth and parents to have a life-long discipleship with Christ and His church. Where are you planted?


PsalmSupper (Seasonally every Monday, 6:00pm-7:30pm, Allen’s Dairy Treats, 3686 Reynolda Road)
Come out to PsalmSupper, where we enjoy dinner and psalms! We study a psalm each week and continue to work our way through the entire book of psalms. For those only able to come to part, please do! We will look at the psalm from 6:30pm - 7:00pm and hang out before and after. Give the psalm of the week a read and see if you can guess the one-phrase sum up. See you Monday nights for a great time in community and in God’s Word!


#GoodSoil (Seasonally every Wednesday, 5:30pm-7:00pm, Youth Room)
Middle-School youth meet each Wednesday for #GoodSoil. We study a Scripture passage and respond through different art mediums, as well as learn more about musical worship through a ukulele choir. All 6th, 7th, and 8th graders are invited to this special weekly event just for them!  We are studying the book of Matthew this semester. Dinner is included.

Sunday Night Youth (Seasonally, every Sunday, 4:30pm-7:00pm, Craven Fellowship Hall)
We will meet every Sunday Night. Open gym begins at 4:30 and group dinner & time from 5:00-6:30.   We order food. Youth will bring their own drinks, buy drinks out of the machine  Please bring a couple of dollars to help cover the cost of food.



Summer Mission Opportunities

 

 

Summer Middle School Mission Week

I have been in discussion with Camp Tekoa about a possible mission week for Middle School youth. Sunday, July 15-Saturday, July 21. We would stay at Camp Tekoa Foothills, work in the community during the day, and enjoy camp at night. This is the first year we have thought about this, and I am trying to gather interest. I am not 100% on cost, we will work on that. If you or your Middle School youth would be interested in this week long mission opportunity, sign up here http://signup.com/go/Xvtbryd

Highland Service Project
(for rising 10th graders through graduated Seniors)

Sun, July 22nd - Sat, July 28th

Highland Service Project began over 30 years ago at Highland UMC in Raleigh, NC. It's a mission experience that focuses on repairing/improving housing for low to no-income senior citizens of Wake County. Every summer, a group of youth and adults from several churches gather at Camp Lapihio in Umstead Park and spend a week working all over the county. Each afternoon the group meets back at camp for showers, free time, dinner, a program, and games.

 

For more information about the youth group, contact Scott Andree Bowen, Director of Youth.




WOMEN'S minstries


Women in the Word Bible Studies


Meeting Day & Time: Tuesdays (9:30am to 11:30am) in the Liquid Classroom and Wednesdays (6:30pm to 8:30pm) in the Liquid Classroom Contacts: Sue Ellen Thomas and Susie Gordon.
This women's group is focused on bringing Christ and His word into the lives of women, to enable them to grow and to glorify God. This group conducts Bible studies, meets for prayer, and organizes retreats and service projects. Everyone is welcome to attend! This group also welcomes those interested in being a small group leader, organizing service projects, and helping with finance, publicity, and music.

Maple Springs Women's Retreat
The Women's Retreat is organized annually in February to give women a Christian retreat experience that will grow their faith as they experience God's gifts through the scriptures, prayer, small group discussions, and music. Volunteers are welcome on the planning committee and all women are invited to attend the weekend retreat. For more information, contact Beverly Lyons (336-830-1040).


Other Women's Groups

All women are encouraged to join in one of out fellowship groups are the small groups.  These groups that allow us to fellowship and work together more closely to accomplish these goals. Each of these groups meet) at the church. Dates and times may vary on occasion, so please contact the leader of each circle for a current schedule. 

Circle of Friends: Meets on the 1st Thursday of each month (except June, July & August) at 1:00pm in the Cokesbury Room.  We support community organizations through donations of goods and services. Also, provide a support group of Christian women for the different problems faced by family and life situations. Assist with church programs/ events as the need arises. Please contact SueEllen Thomas at 336-922-6287 for more information.

Pat Rothrock Circle:  Meets on the 3rd Tuesday of each month (except June, July & August) at 9:30am in the Parlor.  Please contact Pat Craver at 336-724-6466  for more information.

Reading Circle: meets on the 4th Thursday of each month (except June, July & August) at 1:30pm, in the library. The members share and discuss the books that they have read during the month. We welcome new members who like to read and share their books. Please contact Betty Edwards at 336-765-5104 for more information.

Craft Group: meets each Friday at 1:30pm in Craven Hall lobby.  This group has been knitting and crocheting items for shut in, food pantry recipients and other groups.  Once a month they gather and make greeting cards to send out.  Please contact Nancy Karriker 336-760-5814 for more information.




MEN'S MINISTRIES


Usher Teams

Join an Usher team to help meet the needs of the 8:30am Contemporary Service in Craven Hall. Ushers are needed to help set up the worship space and organize the offering collection.
8:45am Contemporary Service Contact: Chuck Kupsky
11:00am Traditional Services Contact: Rod Back




SENIOR ADULT MINISTRIES


Maple Springers Monthly Luncheon
Maple Springers is our monthly luncheon for senior adults.  Come fellowship with us over a delicious sit-down lunch and enjoy a lively program. The cost of the lunch is $5. We meet every fourth Thursday (except for November and December when we meet the third Thursday) from 11:45am-1:00pm in Craven Fellowship Hall.  Please contact Erin Moses if you have questions.  We look forward to seeing you there!





music


Maple Springs band leads worship at the 8:45am service. We are a multi-generational, multi-ethnic collection of singers & musicians. You’ll likely hear us playing “modern Hymns” by the likes of Rend Collective, Crowder, Chris Tomlin, Hillsong, Matt Maher, etc. Want to join? We rehearse every Saturday morning in the glass room at the back of Craven Hall.