We have a number of interesting programs at Old South, all aimed at providing opportunities for people to share and explore their gifts and talents, and to be of service to the Church of Jesus Christ.  Some of our programs are ongoing and some are seasonal.  We hope that all Old South parishioners will find programming that is meaningful and fulfilling.  If there’s something that you would like to see happening at Old South that is not on the list, please speak with the pastor!

 
Sunday School
Old South provides weekly Sunday School for children and youth, preschool through high school.  Classes are grouped together by age and grade level.

The Sunday School is in session during the school year (although the church school generally does not meet on the first Sunday of school vacation weeks).  We use Living the Good News, a lectionary-based curriculum.  Our hope is that families will be able to talk together about the lessons each Sunday, with Sunday School lessons coordinated with the worship lesson(s).

On most Sundays, children begin Sunday mornings in the sanctuary (children and youth sit with their families).  Children participate in the beginning ritual of the worship service liturgy.  A “Faith Story” is also offered.  The children are then dismissed to their classes, which meet in the Parish House across the street from the sanctuary building.

On the first Sunday of each month, the children begin the day in their classrooms.  They are escorted to the sanctuary near the end of the worship service, in order to participate in our monthly communion service.

Adult Choir
The Adult Choir is active during the school year, rehearsing each week and singing during Sunday morning worship.  The choir rehearses on Thursday evenings at 7:00 in the sanctuary.  For more information, please contact Bunny Stanley, organist and choir director.

Bell Choir 
The Bell Choir, under the direction of Bunny Stanley, rehearses and participates in worship on a seasonal basis (Christmas and Easter).  When in session, the Bell Choir usually rehearses on Thursday evenings at 6:00 in the sanctuary.

Bible Study
Throughout the year, the pastor offers a variety of Bible Studies, primarily for adults.  Recent offerings have included:  Claiming the Promise (a study that focused on welcoming gays, lesbians, bisexuals and transgendered folk into the church); the names of Jesus; and, marriage.

Bible Study usually meets on Tuesdays, 11:30 until 1:00, in the Parish House.  Participants bring a bag lunch and we enjoy some fellowship at the start of our meetings.

Occasionally, the pastor also offers Bible Study on Monday evenings at 7:00 in the Parish House.

Please refer to the “News and Notes” section of the website for more information.

Boards and Committees
Old South has a number of Boards and Committees.  These groups make Old South work.

• The Beautification Committee decorates the sanctuary with flowers and plants throughout the year, especially during the seasons of Christmas and Easter.
• The Board of Trustees oversees the physical plant.
• The Christian Education oversees all aspects of the Christian Education program.
• The Board of Deacons works with the pastor in the worship and spiritual life of the church.
• The Missions Committee participates in service projects and special offerings.  The Committee also endeavors to raise awareness about particular justice issues.
• The Music Committee oversees the music program.
• The Pastoral Relations Committee works with the pastor to maintain a healthy relationship between the pastor and the congregation.
• The Standing Committee is comprised of all of the church’s officers and chairs of Committees.  This Committee strives to maintain good communication among all Committees and church programs.
• The Stewardship Committee works to raise money and pledges to support and meet the church’s budget, which is passed annually at a congregational meeting.

From time to time, the Standing Committee forms ad hoc committees to deal with particular issues.  At the current time, there is one ad hoc committee that is studying and guiding the congregation in a process to determine whether or not the church should adopt an Open and Affirming statement and policy.
 
Women’s Fellowship
The Women’s Fellowship meets occasionally for breakfast, providing a special time for the women of the church to gather together.
 
The Women’s Fellowship also endeavors to serve and support the church and its members by holding an annual rummage sale and by coordinating meals for families in crisis. 
 
Men’s Fellowship
The Men’s Fellowship group meets occasionally for breakfast.