Our Community of Faith gathers each Sunday at 8:45 and 11 a.m. to declare the “Glory of God” and to proclaim the Good News of Jesus Christ. Both the Sermon and the music are related to the Biblical message of the day.

We feel our service is a joyous experience for persons of all ages and invite you to worship with us each Sunday. You will find that our two services differ somewhat. With the 8:45 a.m. service, you will enjoy a more contemporary-style "Praise and Worship format," while the 11 a.m. service incorporates a more "Traditional Format". A time for children is provided in various worship opportunities. Children’s Church is for ages 4 - grade 2. Nursery and childcare is also available for children up to 5 years of age. A children's sermon is also offered at both services.

Communion is celebrated on days of special significance in the church calendar and is observed on a regular basis. Everyone who professes Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, regardless of denominational affiliation is invited to receive Holy Communion.

Our 8:45 a.m. service is taped and broadcast at 11 a.m. on MTN cable television channel 18. Our 11 a.m. service is broadcast each Sunday on WATA AM Radio 1450. Back to top

The Children’s Ministry Team at Boone UMC believes in providing children with the formation for their faith and belief in God. To that purpose, we offer a varied program for those children God has entrusted in our care.

“Jesus called the children to him and said, “Let the children come to me and do not stop them, because the Kingdom of God belongs to such as these.” Luke 18:16

Preschool
At Boone United Methodist Preschool, we offer a Christian atmosphere where the whole child can grow and learn. Our teaching ministry is intended to supplement your love for the child God has given you. Our hours of operation are 9 a.m. - 12 p.m., Monday - Friday, September - May. (Summer session is also available.) For more information, contact Kathy Hardin at (828) 264-6092.

Our morning program is consistent with the highest quality of early childhood education, all within the guidance of the church. Developmentally-appropriate practices are stressed to enable each child to succeed. We follow Developmentally Appropriate Practices (DAP) as outlined by the National Assocation of Early Childhood Education (NAEYC).

We believe in a hands-on learning approach where children are encouraged to experiment, observe, question and discover for themselves. Above all, the Christian values of kindness, love and caring are an integral part of the curriculum.

Church School
Our church school classes, which are divided by age and grade, provide a meaningful and joyous experience to share God’s love and teach young boys and girls the stories of our faith. Through these stories, children can come to know God as a friend, and Jesus as their Savior.

Our Sunday morning Church School is now using Group’s Active Learning curriculum, which encourages children to investigate themes through activities that lead them to discover Bible truths for themselves and learn how to apply them to their lives. Back to top

Boone UMC Youth Ministry exists - above all else - to seek, praise, and enjoy the Lord in such a way as to invite others to join us in spreading the love of Christ as we seek to grow and mature in our faith. Visit us at www.booneyouth.org.

Our youth group is a dynamic, exciting, and growing group of youth in grades 7 - 12. We invite, and encourage anyone to come be a part of this amazing group of young people. It is not at all necessary, as a newcomer, for you come from a “Methodist” background. It is not necessary for you to come from a church background, and it is not necessary that you have a personal relationship with the Lord in order to be a part of this group. We hope, through our worship, programs, Bible Studies, and fellowship, to show and share Christ in a way that is appealing and exciting!

Here is a very general overview of what we offer. For a bigger picture of who we are, please visit our youth website at www.booneyouth.org

Youth Fellowship
Unless otherwise noted, our youth meet on Sunday nights in our Family Life Center from 5 - 7 p.m. We typically begin our time with games or some good ‘ol ?hang out time?, followed by a meal prepared by some of our parents. After dinner, we move into the evening’s program, which varies from week to week and may include, but is not limited to ?Game Night,? ?Faith in Film,? mission projects, studies on current issues, and worship. All of our youth in grades 7 - 12 gather for dinner, and depending upon the program may or may not split up into Junior High and Senior High groups for the evening.

Youth Bible Studies
Junior High Bible Study is on Wednesday afternoons from 3 - 4:30 p.m., Aug - May, in our Youth Loft. Our time begins with games and refreshments, and is followed by a look at The Word, and how we apply it to our lives. This is open to any youth in grades 7 and 8.

Senior High Bible Study
Held Wednesday nights from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. at Youth Minister Vern Collins’ house, this Bible study is for Senior High students in grades 9 - 12. We pursue topics which are relevant to the lives of high school students in order to learn how to apply our faith to everyday life, and how to live it effectively.

Youth Praise Team
Any youth interested in seeking the Lord through worship are invited to join us every Monday afternoon from 4:00 - 5:30 p.m. in the sanctuary. This is open to anyone desiring to sing (no experience necessary) or play as we come together as a group in leading our congregation in praising the Lord.

Carolina Cross Connection
Every summer our youth in grades 9 - 12 travel to one of six camps in Western North Carolina for a week of seeking the Lord through serving those in need. This continues to be one of our more popular trips, as well as one of the most challenging things we do.

DCLA
Every three years (2006 being one of them), Youth For Christ puts on a conference for evangelism for youth in grades 7 - 12. This is an opportunity to hear some of the world’s best and brightest contemporary Christian musicians and speakers, and is always a highlight for our youth!

Church League Basketball
Every year, from the end of December to the middle of February, our church is invited to play in the Three Forks Association youth basketball league. The teams are divided by age and gender. We have a girls team (grades 7 - 12), a junior guys team (grades 7 - 9) and a senior guys team (grades 10 - 12).

For further information or questions on these and other activities, or to be added to our mailing list to get updates and details on events for the youth at Boone UMC, please feel free to contact Vern Collins by e-mail or by phone at (828) 264-6090 or visit us at www.booneyouth.org Back to top Back to top

The adults of our church are encouraged to develop their understanding of the Bible and practice the spiritual disciplines of the faith. By developing adults of faith, entire families and our community are affected. For this reason, we offer a variety of programs for adults that encourage spiritual growth, authentic discipleship and a deeper relationship with God.

Adult Sunday Morning Sunday School
From 10 - 10:50 a.m., we have several classes geared toward Christian adult education at Boone UMC. We hope every one can find one that fits their needs. If not, please let us know and we will see how we can accommodate you.

Supper Clubs
Supper Club is a great way to get to know others better in our church or to meet them for the first time while enjoying a meal together. Each group consists of six to eight adults and meets approximately four times during the Spring/Summer and four times during the Fall/Winter. Each group, made up of both married and single folks, decides the times/places/dates of their get-togethers. For further information, call Nancy Henry at (828) 264-2270 or at the church office at (828) 264-6090.
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These class offerings are decided by the first of July with registration beginning in the middle of that month. Check this site in mid-July for next fall's offerings.

Disciple Bible Study
Disciple Bible Study is a nine-month study series that seeks to understand the Scriptures and lead one to active discipleship. This class meets weekly for 2.5 hours and requires a varying amount of reading between classes. The ideals that shape these studies are: high commitment, long-term, and disciplined study. Selected classes begin each fall with registration occurring in August. *Disciple I is a prerequisite for all the other classes.

Disciple I …..An overview of the Old and New Testaments

Disciple II ….Genesis, Exodus, Luke and Acts

Disciple III …The Old Testament Prophets and the New Testament Epistles

Disciple IV …Old Testament Writings, John, I, II, III, John and Revelation

Disciple – Second Generation Studies
The Second Generation Studies are about Jesus in the Gospels. This class focuses on the portraits of Jesus found in the four Gospels. The studies look at the way each Gospel writer presents events and teachings and at the picture of Jesus that emerges in each of the Gospels.

Christian Believer
This is a 30-week course based on the classic doctrines of the Christian faith. The class requires daily reading from the Bible and from writers of the faith. The group then meets weekly for 2.5 hours for discussion.

Companions in Christ
The Companions in Christ study is a 28-week journey in Spiritual Formation that requires daily spiritual exercises and journaling. This small group of 8 to 10 individuals meets once a week to discuss their week’s journey and to participate in a group spiritual formation experience.

Women's Bible Study
This study is open to all women in the church.
Meets: Thursdays, Aug - May
Time: 12:30 - 2 p.m.
Room: 123

Men's Bible Study
This study is open to all men in the church.
Leader: Dan Hill
Meets: Saturdays
Time: 7 a.m.
Room: 201

Senior Adult Opportinities
The Senior Adults in our church are active in ministry to one another through visitation, telephone reassurance, service opportunities and a monthly luncheon called the JOY (Just Older Youth) Group.

J.O.Y. Group
Meets the second Tuesday of the month at 12 p.m. in room 200. Just bring a covered dish and join us for food, fellowship and a great program on an interesting topic. We also take monthly trips during the warm months to both new and favorite places. These activities are open to all seniors in our church who are 55 and older. Watch this site for a listing of trips and J.O.Y. dates and programs. Back to top

Our homebound members, and those in the hospital and nursing home are dear to us. We provide a ministry of caring through visits by our pastors, and through other volunteers, “Lay Ministers”, who are called and trained for this ministry.

Hospitals can be unfamiliar and frightening places. A visit by a church friend is often welcome and wanted. Through this ministry of care, trained volunteers are prepared to share in this time when so much of life seems “out of control”. Back to top

The Ministry of Music exists to convey the love of Christ to others through music and the arts. It is an integral part of the total ministry and mission of the church, which strives to lead the congregation to worship God in "Spirit and in truth."

All parishioners - both young and old, professional musicians and beginners - are encouraged to take part in this ministry. For more information on any of the ensembles listed, please contact Ronnie Wise, Director of Woship and the Arts at (828) 264-6090.

Children and Youth

Cherub Choir
Rehearsals: Tuesdays from 3:15 - 4:00 p.m., Sept. - May, in room 115. The choir is for children in first and second grade. The choir receives valuable training in rhythm and matching pitch, and participates in worship several times each year. The choir is directed by Mary Greene.

Methodist-Presbyterian Children's Choir
Rehearsals: Tuesdays from 3:15 - 4:15 p.m., Aug - May, in the Chapel. The MPC Choir is composed of children in third - seventh grade. Members of this choir receive training in matching pitch and learn the fundamentals of being part of a choral ensemble. The choir sings 4 times each year at Boone UMC and First Presbyterian. The choir is directed by Dottie Sykes.

Chime Choir
Rehearsals: Tuesdays from 4:30 - 5:15 p.m., Sept. - May, in room 115. Chime Choir is for children in third - sixth grade. It provides children with an introduction to hand chime instruments. Basic rhythm, music theory, and coordination are stressed. Ringers are taught how to read music and basic music symbols. The group participates in worship four times each year. The choir is directed by Ronnie Wise.

Adults

Chancel Choir
Rehearsals: Tuesdays from 7:00 - 8:30 p.m., Sept. - May, in room 115. The Boone UMC Chancel Choir sings regularly for both Sunday morning worship services. The choral selections of the choir range from classical to contemporary. In addition to services, the choir performs two concerts each year with orchestra, a Pops Concert each Fall, and a Valentine’s Dinner each February. The choir accepts new members September through May, or you may sing in the Summer Choir which meets June through August on Sunday mornings at 8:20 and 10:40.  No audition is required to sing in the choir. The choir is under the direction of Ronnie Wise.

Worship Team
Rehearsals: Thursdays from 5:30 – 7:00 p.m., in room 115, and Sundays from 7:30 – 8:15 a.m. in the Sanctuary. The Worship Team is the primary musical leadership for the 8:45 a.m. blended service. The team is for anyone who plays keyboard, drums, percussion instruments, guitar or vocals. Contact Mary Greene at 262-5995 for an audition.

The Nexsen Handbell Ringers
Rehearsals:  Wednesdays from 5:10 – 6:10 p.m., in room 115. This auditioned handbell ensemble accepts ringers anytime a position opens in the group. They ring during the worship services four times each year and take a week-long tour each Summer. The group rings two concerts each year at Boone UMC and a concert at Christmas with the Watauga Community Band. The ensemble in directed by Ronnie Wise.

Handbell Quintet
Rehearsals:  Wednesdays from 12:30 – 1:15 p.m., in room 115. This auditioned group of five ringers from the Nexsen Handbell Ringers, rings regularly at concerts by the Nexsen Ringers. They ring several times each year during the worship services. The ensemble is directed by Ronnie Wise.

Chamber Orchestra
Rehearsals:  10:00 – 10:45 a.m. (on performance Sunday), in the Sanctuary. The Chamber Orchestra plays once each month and accompanies the hymns at the 11:00 a.m. service. The orchestra is open to anyone who plays an orchestral instrument at a high school proficiency level. The orchestra is directed by Ronnie Wise.

Organ Concert Series
The Boone United Methodist Church Sanctuary Organ leads hundreds of people in praise to Almighty God on a weekly basis. The organ is broadcast on television and radio each Sunday morning; making it the most visible pipe organ in this part of Western North Carolina. The organ builder is Schantz and the organ contains 37-ranks of pipes. Admission to all concerts is free.

Ralph Tilden - Sunday, July 1^st at 4:00 p.m.
Susan Landale - Sunday, August 5^th at 4:00 p.m.
John Mitchener - Sunday, September 30^th at 4:00 p.m.
Ronald D. Wise - Sunday, October 28^th at 4:00 p.m.

Three Fridays in Advent….Organ Recital Series
Each concert begins at 12:15 p.m., and last for 30 minutes.

Jonathan Poe - Friday, December 7^th
Joby Bell - Friday, December 14^th
Faye Ayers - Friday, December 21^st

Other Concerts and Events
Choral Evensong – sung by the Lenoir-Rhyne Youth Chorus - Sunday, July 22^nd at 4:00 p.m.

Sixth Annual Chancel Choir Pops Concert - Featuring “Oklahoma” by Rodgers & Hammerstein - Sunday, October 14^th at 4:00 p.m.

J. S. Bach’s “Christmas Oratorio” With soloists and full orchestra - Sunday, December 2^nd at 8:45 and 11:00 a.m.

INSTRUMENTAL

Praise Band
The praise band leads the congregation in worship at the 8:45 a.m. service. No audition is required, however, a high school proficiency level is needed. All instruments are welcome. For a rehearsal schedule contact Mary Greene at 262-5995.

Chamber Orchestra
Rehearsals: First Sunday of each month from 7:30-8:30 a.m. in the Sanctuary.  The chamber orchestra consists of any orchestral instrument. They accompany the chancel choir on the first Sunday of each month from September – May. A high school proficiency level is required to play. The group is directed by Ronnie Wise.Back to top