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Life At Barnitz |
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Life At Barnitz |
Education |
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Again we come back to the general purpose for Barnitz UMC to foster educational opportunities for those who come seeking. We start again with The Great Commission: “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (Matt. 28: 19-20) To become a disciple means to be a student, learner or pupil add to that the context of the bible meaning one who is a follower of Jesus. Jesus was an educator. It took Jesus 3 years to teach 12 so that they could in turn reach, teach and preach to others. For anyone to become a follower they must be steeped in the ways of Jesus. Discipleship is a process that comes through education and participation in the life of the community. Educational opportunities are not only a way to reach out to the community at large with programs that enrich the quality of life, but also to inform those who are seeking to become a follower of Jesus, deepening the understanding of the seasoned follower, and enabling the community to reach out in faith, understanding, compassion, and love. Vacation Bible School – is a two fold, week long, educational opportunity. It brings the knowledge of Christ to the children of Barnitz in practical and fun ways. It also serves as an outreach to the community to provide an opportunity to investigate the life of the church and what it means to be a member of Barnitz UMC in a non-threatening environment. The whole of Barnitz is involved in the planning, implementation and fun. Sunday School – Youth, Adult, Children 9:00 AM Discipleship Bible Study – Junior Church – Free Devotionals – Both the “Upper Room” and “Our Daily Bread” are available in regular and large print edition in the foyer of the main sanctuary. |
Fellowship
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Fellowship can be defined as communion – a sharing of common interests, goals, experiences or views. The same attributes can be said of society in general or on a personal level in companionship. Those who profess to follow the way of Jesus, have a deeper purpose to their fellowship. It does represent a sharing of common interests, goals, experiences and views but does so with the objective of showing God’s love in practical, caring and sharing. It supports and celebrates. It comforts and lifts up. It does so because God loved us first – human frailties and all – to accept us as a vital part of the complete picture of God’s purpose. |
| Barnitz offers unique opportunities to share common interests in all phases of life. The church incorporates these social activities into the life of the community at large. |
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Safe Sanctuaries |
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When the crowd tried to keep the children away from Jesus, he was quick to respond, "Let the children come to me." Jesus taught that children were to be included and provided for within the community of faith. Today, the church may be the only place where some children find the unconditional love and care they so desperately need to grow and thrive. As Christians, we must take our responsibilities to our children very seriously. We fail in our responsibilities if we neglect to take adequate precautions against abuse in our churches. It is unlikely that we can completely prevent child abuse in every situation, but it is possible for us to greatly reduce the risk by following a thorough practical policy of prevention. This policy attempts to do just that for Barnitz UMC as we deal with children, youth and vulnerable adults. It is based on our understanding of the widespread problem of abuse throughout our country. All those who work with children and youth must complete an application listing standard contact information, their gifts for that particular ministry, and 3 unrelated references. As a part of the process they are interviewed by the pastor before they begin. All references are contacted. All workers will have demonstrated an active relationship with Barnitz UMC before being allowed to supervise children. All new workers will basked to complete a PA request for Criminal Background Check and Child Abuse History Clearance. All of these forms and reference reports are kept as a part of the applicant’s confidential personnel file. All forms are kept confidential in a locked file on church premises. There are to be two unrelated adults in each classroom. No person under 16 shall be considered as one of the two adults. When this is not possible, there will be a roving teacher who moves amid the classrooms during the period. No person will supervise a group unless they are at least 5 years older than the oldest student. Each room will have a window or door that will be left open at all times. Training will occur at least once a year and teachers shall be trained to recognize signs of abuse. Registration materials for activities in which the children are outside direct supervision of their parents/guardians shall require signed written permission forms that include pertinent health information in order to participate. If the participants are old enough to understand, they shall sign a covenant of participation listing rules for all trips, overnights, etc. Upon receiving information of abuse, the teacher will report immediately to the pastor who will call the Child Line and Abuse Registry. If the abuse happened of church property by church volunteers or staff, they will immediately be removed from contact with children until the incident reported has been resolved. This will be handled in a discreet manner. A quick compassionate and unified response to an alleged incident of child abuse will be initiated. All allegations will be taken seriously and nothing will be covered up. The media director of the of the Central PA Conference is the only person’s authorized to make statements to representatives of the media. All requests for statements should be directed to the lead pastor. If the allegation is against a staff person or pastor, the District Superintendent will be contacted immediately and pastoral support will be available to all persons involved in the incident as indicated. |
Service |
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The people of the church generally refer to this area as ministry – how we serve the people of the church, the community that surrounds Barnitz UMC, the state, the country and the world. You might ask then what the difference between what the church does is and a social organization? It comes down to the teachings of Jesus in how we are to serve each other. Leadership in the church is service. This is Jesus’ concept of the life of those who follow Him. Jesus clearly states that He came not to be served but to serve. We who follow Him must pick up His example. Thus those who are the most privileged in talents, time, money, ability, and gifts are to use those things to aid, assist, help, educate and promote all those who are lacking in those areas. Since we all are lacking in some areas, each of us has something to offer and support others. God sees us all equally as valuable. He made us to be interdependent so that none is greater than the other. Jesus put it in these terms of The Great Commandment. Here Jesus tells us that we are to; “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it ‘Love your neighbor as yourself’. All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” (Matt. 22:37-40) It is because we love God that we honor Him by serving others and all He has made and holds valuable. The difference between Barnitz and other charitable or fraternal organizations is our love of God expressed in service to one another because of God’s love for us. We are to be God’s practical way of showing His love for the world. Barnitz does this through: Missions: Barnitz as a community of God supports the work of hundreds of missionaries throughout the world through our offerings to The United Methodist General Board of Ministries. Its purpose is to be a responsible to witness to Jesus Christ throughout the world, to recruit and send missionaries, to raise the awareness and support of persons in local churches for global mission, and to assist in the development of Christian churches and leadership. Barnitz UMC organizes weeklong work camps around the country and locally to help individuals and families in need, maintain, repair and even some cases build new homes. Barnitz also reaches out to provide assistance for individuals and families in times of crisis and offers some financial aid. Also they organize work days to support the work of the Districts Mission Central Warehouse for disaster supply distribution. Barnitz UMC actively supports the United Methodist Home for Children in Mechanicsburg as well as support for: Hunger Relief, local food banks, Project Share and The Prison Ministry of Pete Einstein. There is an active Shut-in Visitation Program in which both the Youth Fellowship and the Shut-In Nurture Committee. Gifts are passed out during the holidays and Communion is taken by the people of the church to them. Communication is maintained by mailing bulletins and church literature. |
Worship |
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Worship is the act of loving and praising God. The church was created to be a worshipping community. The way we do it is by publicly expressing ourselves through prayer, singing, reading and explaining scripture, and by participating in the sacraments (Baptism, Confirmation, and Communion). We further express our times of worship by living as members of the church in devotion and service to/with each other, our community and most importantly to God. As a community we recognize that there are different ways to express our worship. In order to aid one another in that expression we offer two types of worship experiences that are bible based, relevant, and inspirational.
Son Shine Service – 9:30 AM
Traditions Service – 10:30 AM Special Worship Events
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Adult |
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The Men of Barnitz – Affectionately known as the M.O.B., gather together in fellowship and service to support missions and other church ministries through Chicken BBQ’s and other fund raisers. They also hold a monthly breakfast for males of all ages that is a time of fellowship, food, and devotion. The Women of Barnitz – initiated a prayer chain, provide fruit baskets to shut-ins, support Project Share and other church needs. Stepping Stones Ministry – This is the ministry to the college students and college age military personnel of Barnitz and Mt. Zion UMC congregations. Cards, gift packages, letters of encouragement and emails are regularly sent to those who are away from home getting an education or serving their country. Charge Women - This consists of women of Barnitz and Mt. Zion UMC. They meet upon the second Wednesday of each month. They prepare and provide meals for funerals, frozen meals to those who are ill or in need. They make food baskets and gifts for those families in need around the holidays. They support the United Methodist Children’s Home and support local and international missions. |
Youth |
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Youth Fellowship– meets every Wednesday night from 7:15 to 8:15 pm during the school year at Mt. Zion UMC. It involves the youth of the area from several UMC churches in the area. They meet for a time of praise and prayer, Bible study (Jr. & Sr. High groups), refreshments, games and social time. During the summer they meet on Wednesdays for fun and fellowship activities or all types. The youth are involved in various mission events supporting “Operation Christmas Child”, “30 Hour Famine” to benefit World Vision, “Soup or Bowl” to benefit Project Share and help support a child overseas. They also provide assistance during the Vacation Bible School program each year. They will also have the opportunity through the United Methodist Church Conference to attend youth rallies, retreats, summer camps (Barnitz pays for ½ the cost of camp), trainings, mission trips and leadership roles. Confirmation Classes – This prepares those who are ready to profess their Christian faith and enter into full membership of Barnitz UMC. It is a time of reflection and developing a deeper understanding of what it means to profess Jesus as your personal Lord and Savior. Discipleship Bible Study – This is a year long study of the Bible that promotes a deeper and active walk as a follower of Jesus. It is offered to those who are in 9th grade or older. |
Tweeners |
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Tweeners – This is for ages 3 through 5th grade. It is a time of music, games, Bible lessons, and crafts all to prepare the child for full participation in the life of the church. They participate with the older youth in some mission events as a part of their training that will lead them to a full and purposeful Christian life. |
Worship |
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Ushers – An Usher is an adult who provides a ministry of hospitality, service, and order for the Barnitz UMC. Primary duties include: Helping individuals find their seats or other areas. Ushers notifies medical personnel and/or staff if an individual is injured or ill. They keep an eye out for potentially dangerous situations or problems. Coordinate the movement of the congregation during times of communion or special service events, and the collection of tithes and offering during the services. Record attendance each service and place record in the offering plate. Assist acolytes in lighting and extinguishing the chancel candles if needed. Adult Choir – Practices Wednesday nights from 6 to 7 pm. They assist in the worship service by presenting special music during the 10:30 Traditions Service. Youth Choir – Practice Wednesday night at Mt. Zion UMC between 6:30 to 7pm. They will be providing special musical selections during the 10:30 Traditions Service through out the year. Children’s Choir – Meets every Wednesday at Mt. Zion UMC at 6:30 to 7 pm. They provide special music during the 10:30 Traditions Service at special times through the year. Acolytes – This is an opportunity for those between the ages of to to participate in the preparation of the sanctuary for services. Greeters – Serve 30 minutes prior to service by offering a warm smile and friendly welcome to our many guests and members who enter the doors of Barnitz. Give directions if needed to the various areas of the church, and hand church bulletins. Hand out visitors packages to those new to our worshipping community. Lay Speaking Ministry – The laity of Barnitz assist in both worship services (Traditions and Son Shine) through the reading of scriptures, making special announcements and deliver sermons when the pastor is absent. This requires the acquisition of credentials through participation in regional training classes and keeping those credentials current through recertification courses offered regionally. Prayer Chain – This group confidentially brings the needs for specific people to be lifted to God in times of need for discernment, healing, direction, grief, need and praise. They do this individually in their homes or gather together at special times and events to petition the Lord in prayer. Counseling – It is provided by the Senior Pastor or in the cases where the need is discerned professional counseling is provided for as needed.
For more information where you can serve, call the church office |