Other Educational Offerings
Every day we change, become a little different. The questions we ask and the answers we hear are not the same ones we asked when we were younger. Wherever you are on your faith journey, you are welcome here. First Church offers weekly classes for different interests and time flexibility. At different times of the year there may be occasional forums or small groups centered on specific topics.
Meditation
This group meets Monday nights in the Chapel, 7-8:30 p.m.
Meet at the front doors of the church (by the parking lot) at 6:55 to walk upstairs to the Chapel together.
Join others to explore the practice of meditation. The group begins and ends each session with short meditative readings. A time of silent meditation is also an important component of each class. If you need some peaceful, quiet time and some sharing of thoughts, this is a good place to be. For more information, call the church office at 608.256.9061.
In April the mediators will read and discuss the book, Proof of Heaven: A neurosurgeon's Journey into the Afterlife by Eben Alexander, M.D. It is laid out in chapters alternating between his near-death experience while in a deep, seven-day coma and what his family and friends were doing during his time in the hospital to keep him alive.
Faith and Reason
This group meets the second Tuesday of the month at Capitol Lakes in the Premier Room, 7:30-8:30 a.m.
The scientific and theological environments of the 21st century ought properly to be seen as not in conflict, but the lingering effects of bygone controversy still exert a corrosive influence in both theological and rational thought. Is not science merely that branch of theology which explores the manner in which God made the Universe? This question and a host of others are vetted in monthly Faith and Reason gatherings. Readings are often distributed prior to the meeting to provide direction and stimulate discussion. It is facilitated by various participants. All are welcome.
Yoga For Good
Mondays 11:45 a.m.-12:45 p.m.
and/or Wednesdays, 6:30-7:30 p.m., Chapel
During September of 2008, FUMC was approached by a young yoga instructor named Meg Wambach. Her concept was to teach yoga and, at the same time, give back to the community. Just as the practice of yoga facilitates healthy minds, bodies and spirits (it makes you feel good); the sharing of its monetary “fruits” to make the world a better
place takes that personal “goodness” and passes it on.
Meg charges a modest fee for her services; class fees over and above that are donated to our Food Pantry. If you are someone who has always wondered what yoga is like, Meg’s classes are for you. She is skilled at accommodating all levels of experience and fitness. No previous yoga experience is necessary. She has mats and supplies, so you simply need to come with comfortable clothing that you can easily move in. It is an open, relaxing and spirit-filled space. Classes take place in six-week “sessions”, but drop-ins are always welcome. The cost of the class is $30 for six sessions; or $6 per class if you drop in. For more information contact or call the church office at 608.256.9061.
Game Day
Meets the second and fourth Wednesdays of each month, Room 208, 1-3 p.m.
If you enjoy a good game of Scrabble, Cribbage, Euchre or a favorite board game, we’ve got just the spot for you! Join other church members and friends for afternoon game day twice a month. Competition and refreshments are light, but fellowship and laughs abound!
Agrace HospiceCare Grief Support
Since 1978, HospiceCare Inc. has been a nonprofit, community-based hospice service dedicated to providing expert physical, emotional and spiritual support to patients and families dealing with life limiting conditions.
For a schedule and descriptions of upcoming programs and to register please visit www.agracehospicecare.org or call Cheri Milton, Grief Services Manager at 608-276-4660.
Advanced Lay Servant Class: Leading Small Groups
Saturdays, June 22 and 29, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. at Dell United Methodist Church, Westby, WI
Teacher/Facilitator: Certified Lay Servant Dan Cary
Prerequisites: This course is open to anyone interested. To receive credit as a Certified Lay Servant a student must be an active member of a United Methodist Church and have already completed the Basic Course.
Prescribed/Suggested Text: The text for this class is "The Christian Small-Group Leadership" by Thomas R. Hawkins, available through the Upper Room for $11.
Registration: $15 (This will be used to cover the cost of lunch on both days.) Please Register by Saturday, June 8 by sending an email to or calling 608.625.2375.
Madison/Dane County Courage to Teach 2013-2014 Retreat Series
Applications are now being accepted for Courage to Teach, a four session professional development and renewal series especially designed for classroom teachers, support staff, and administrators. Educators apply to participate in four weekend sessions, beginning Friday evenings and ending Sunday afternoons, at Bethel Horizons, near Dodgeville. Dates of the four sessions are:
- November 8-10, 2013
- January 17-19, 2014
- March 21-23, 2014
- June 20-22, 2014
The program is rooted in the premise that good teaching flows from the identity and integrity of the teacher. Educators are offered ample time in a beautiful natural setting to reconnect with the passion that brought them into teaching. In an atmosphere that encourages honesty and compassion for themselves and others, they will be invited to make use of personal stories, reflections on classroom practice, insights from poets, storytellers, and various wisdom traditions as well as rich metaphors of the seasons to explore vocational and life questions.
Educators from Madison and Dane County pay a total of $850 (in three installments) for the series, which represents about 50% of the total cost of lodging, meals, facilitation, and materials. The remainder comes from a community match provided by local organizations and individuals who are committed to investing in educational excellence for our young people. Educators from other areas are accepted as space is available, paying a total of $1,050. Participants can also sign up for a maximum of four hours of graduate credit from Edgewood College, available at an additional cost of $160 per credit.
For further information and an application form, contact Barbara Hummel at or Bonnie Trudell at . Anyone interested is encouraged to apply by June 30 to ensure a spot. Applications will be accepted until all spots are full.
