The church is a classroom. It is far more than a classroom, but it has always been a classroom. We read in the Bible that early Christians “devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching” (Acts 2:42). Bible teaching was at the center of church life in the beginning. It must always be at the center of church life. It is certainly at the center of life at Galilee.
We all learn differently, so we’re happy to offer a diverse selection of teaching ministries at Galilee. Some are led by our professional clergy. Others are facilitated by staff and volunteers. Still others are made possible by the passion and commitment of laity: ordinary people who are maturing through regular exploration of the Word.
Every week you’ll find opportunities to study Scripture in multiple ways:
SUNDAY WORSHIP
Our Sunday services are the chief way Galilee explores Scripture. We generally organize our sermons into series based on thematic, timely, or theological ideas. For instance, during Lent this year our worship series was called “24 Hours” and explored the meaning of Christ’s passion and resurrection. All sermons are written by our pastors and support the Scripture readings we do that Sunday. You can find all our services archived here and on YouTube.
GALILEE’S SMALL GROUPS
Probably most of the learning that happens at Galilee happens in small groups. The “small group” is a classic feature of American Methodism and consists of ordinary people getting together regularly to do Bible study or otherwise engage in the life of faith. Our website currently lists nine ongoing small groups, though that list may not be exhaustive. Because these groups are formed by ordinary church members, they come and go as season and spirit dictates. Click on the site and choose a group. You’ll find tremendous comfort, growth, and fellowship when you join the group that is the right fit for you. Don’t see one? Then maybe that’s a sign that you need to start a new group! Contact the office, we are eager to help.
CHILDREN’S CHURCH – YOUTH MINISTRY – AND SCOUTS
If you worship with us on Sunday, either in person or online, you know that a favorite part of service is the Children’s Message, which is given to us all in the sanctuary. You could be 85 years old and still feel the joy that comes to children who hear the good news for the first time. At Galilee, we offer Children’s Ministry to ensure that learning about faith begins early. This ministry includes Children’s Church, a Third Grade Bible Class, Faith Emblem Classes for boy and girl scouts, Vacation Bible School, and more.
Kids grow up, of course, and so we offer Youth Ministry for our middle school and high school students. The premier Youth Ministry event is Sunday Night Youth Group, where teens explore the more complicated aspects of faith along with their peers. We also engage in retreats and mission opportunities. We hold Confirmation Class for young persons wishing to become full members of the church; email Lisa for more information.
GALILEE LIBRARY AND MEDIA
Plenty of learning that we do in life is done solo, in what we choose to read or the media we consume. If you are a reader, you may want to avail yourself of the books we have in the Galilee Library, which is located in Room One in the original wing of our church. This library has recently been reordered by volunteers Tammy Mitchell and Kim Peterson. They keep a PDF of the library contents, which you can check out by signing books out in the library’s white binder. You’ll find books on church history, the Bible, parenting, relationships, apologetics, and more. You’ll also find movies and group studies. If you have books or studies that you’d like to donate to our library, please be mindful that the books need to be newer than 2004 or established classics. You can leave materials in the library (unshelved, please) or in the church office with a note for Chris.
PRESCHOOL
Galilee is a church with lots of classrooms and that’s for a very good reason! We launched the Galilee Christian School with its preschool and aftercare programs so that every student would be treated as a child of God and given a great education in a loving environment. If you’ve got a preschool age child or a child in one of the local elementary schools we serve who needs care after school, we’d love to welcome you and those children as members of our learning family. Click on this link to learn more.
MINISTRY
Finally, one of the best ways to learn is by doing. Getting involved in church means having skin in the game when we do outreach, charity service, fellowship, worship, or serve on a committee. Any way you get involved in the life of the church is a way to grow as a Christian and as a friend and neighbor. We have many opportunities to do ministry at Galilee.
Growing in faith brings concrete and eternal advantages to those who learn. We hope you’ll dive into the Word at Galilee and, by learning, help teach others.
