Braddock Street UMC- Programs

Braddock Street offers a wide-range of programs that meet the needs of the many different groups that make up our church.

You are welcome to join any of our wide range of small group learning experiences for all ages where your faith will be strengthened and lasting friendships will be made. These are led by a wide variety of members with significant training and talent or by our staff.

Our Sunday morning classes are held in the Education Building, which is the building connected to the sanctuary with the covered walkway. You can enter here or from Braddock Street.

Programs for the children and youth are essential to our church. Each is taught by caring and dedicated teachers who seek to build a strong Christian foundation in the young lives of our congregation.

"The Blessing Place" Nursery is available for children from infant to 5 years old.
Open from 8:15 a.m.-12:30 p.m. every Sunday, in room 124.

Grades move at the start of each school year

What is Confirmation Class?
This yearlong experience is one of the ways that youth (upon reaching 7th grade) can learn about and join the United Methodist Church. They are taught by a broad range of teachers, clergy and congregational mentors on the basics of Christianity and Methodism.

For adults there is a wide range of classes from which to choose. You will be warmly greeted and made to feel at home, so visit any of these classes to find the one that best suits who you are and your interests and needs. Infant and toddler care is provided from 8:45 a.m. until noon on Sunday.

Open Door to Braddock Street (Church Parlor/Room 103)
This weekly class focuses upon our Church and Methodism for those considering joining the church or who simply wish to learn more about Braddock Street. Designed as a new member orientation, it is not limited to new church members. The uniqueness of the United Methodist Church as well as Bible study and spiritual formation are key class topics.

Asbury Fellowship (Room 134)
This is a lively discussion group focusing on faith-building and Christian perspective on social issues and family concerns. Strong emphasis is placed on sound Biblical studies. The members enjoy a broad range of service projects.

Wesley/Golden Rule Class (Room 138)
Organized in 1906, this is the longest standing adult class. The International Lesson Series is used with a lecture and discussion format.

Donnelly Class (Room 133)
The Donnelly Class is comprised of members between the ages of 35 and 65 who are interested in discussing current events with Biblical applications. Discussion leaders are selected based on the study guide or topic that is selected in advance.

The Donnelly class currently supports community missions such as The Evans Home, Fremont Street Nursery, C-CAP, and such other needs as come to our attention. These outreach activities are funded by selling seats for the Apple Blossom Parade.

Fellowship activities include bowling team for the UMM spring fundraiser, an annual soup supper, and Christmas caroling as a class to shut-ins.

Oglesby Class (Room 214)
Decidedly diverse in age, stage of life and background, the Oglesby Class is bound together by common interests in spiritual growth and fellowship. Started in 1962 to offer "new young couples" a class to foster Christian spiritual growth and development, the composition of the class membership includes a core group of approximately 40 active members, spanning some 40 years in age difference.

Class curriculum is based on Bible studies, the power of prayer, application of Christian principles in contemporary life, and our position on current events. Lively discussion, spirited laughter, emotional growth and Christian learning are the norm in each class session.

Outreach and mission are integral parts of the class, and serve to complement lessons taught primarily by church members or clergy. Class projects include support of The Evans Home for Children, C-Cap, and Habitat for Humanity, among others.

Koinonia (Room 132)
Koinonia means "circle of friends" in Greek. This class is very diverse, having a wide range of ages, singles and married couples, varied outside interests, all types of employment and a multitude of talents. The Koinonias often read and discuss contemporary Christian writers, with these studies being applied to real life, everyday situations.

Their commitment to community mission can be found in their special Mystery Dinner Theatre, giving to the Men's Rescue Mission, and participating in all aspects of this church and its ministry.

Other Christian Learning opportunities include:

Vacation Bible School
A fun-filled week of Christian learning and fellowship normally held in the middle of the summer. We welcome elementary school age children from throughout the Winchester community.

Disciple Bible Study
Braddock Street members are active in the Disciple Bible and Christian Believer Studies. Starting in the fall of each year, the Disciple Bible Studies and Christian Believer classes are offered. These in-depth studies of the Bible and Christian Doctrine meet weekly for 2 ½ hours for study, discussion and fellowship.

C.L.A.S.S.
C.L.A.S.S. (Christian Living And Spiritual Seeking) is an opportunity for study, reflection & spiritual formation. With interest based workshops and leadership training on a wide variety of topics, C.L.A.S.S. is tailored to inform and enrich those who attend.

Group formats will vary from seminars, reflection and discussion, workshops, and study courses. All will be short-term (4-6 weeks) small groups. Study areas will be:
· Foundation of Faith Courses
· Bible Studies, Spiritual Formation
· Christian Lifestyle Issues
· Leadership Training

Alive Now (Room 202, 11 a.m.-12 noon)
Alive Now is a Spiritual Formation reflection group for those who hunger for a sacred way of living out the gospel of Jesus Christ. The group uses a mixture of readings from scripture, prose, poetry and devotions to prepare us to receive or reflect upon the worship experience and to build one another up in the Word and in the Way.

Boy and Cub Scouts
Scouting has a long-standing relationship with Braddock Street. Boy Scout Troop 3 has a 75-year service to the community. More than 60 members have achieved Eagle Scout. Cub Pack 10 was founded in 1950 and has been an integral part of the church's scouting program. Scouts meet every Thursday at 6:30 p.m. Membership is open to all boys in the Winchester area.

United Methodist Men
This fellowship and service organization is open to all men of the church. They meet every second Saturday at 8 a.m. in the upstairs recreation room. They sponsor two major fund raising events: an annual Bowl-A-Thon and an Apple Blossom Festival refreshments center.

United Methodist Women (UMW)
This active and vital group's purposes are to:
· Experience freedom as whole persons though Jesus Christ,
· Develop a supportive and creative fellowship,
· Participate in the global ministries of the Church.
All women are invited to join one of the five circles that meet monthly. There are four general meetings a year as well as the UMW Recognition Sunday Service.

Senior Adults
Our older members are an integral part of our congregation who are involved in many inter-generation activities within our church's life. Fellowship events and group travel are among the popular Senior Adult activities. We also assist with transportation and visit homebound persons.

Adult Care Center
Braddock Street houses the Adult Care Center of the Northern Shenandoah Valley. This center provides daycare to people with functional and health problems who are 18 years and older. Dealing primarily with the elderly, the Center provides respite care for families who have loved ones with Alzheimer's and other disabilities. Licensed by the Department of Social Services, its hours of operation are 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Monday-Friday.