The Bishop Janes UMC Programs – in a Nutshell

Mission Statement…
As persons growing in Christian Discipleship, we encourage all people to grow in their relationship with god and one another so that all may experience the fullness of Christian life.

Worship…
Worship at Bishop Janes chruch can be compared to the hub of a wheel. It is from this devotional center that all the spokes of ministry project into the world. We gather each week for centering inspiration and encouragement of our faith, so that we might be effective ministers for Christ in our families, where we work, in the community and in the world around us.Worship services – the preaching of Pastor David Dutcher – are grounded in Biblical scripture.  At Bishop Janes our worship is filled with wonderful music provided by the choirs and congregational hymn-singing that is supported by the extrodinary talent of our church organist.Visitors are not only welcome – they are expected.  Nursery care is provided for all services.  Sunday 9:00 AM (school year)
A Family-Friendly Service. Children are welcome to the service or in Sunday school.Sunday 10:30 AM (school year).   A service in the more Traditional Mode. Holy Communion is offered every Sunday.  Summer Sundays 9:30 a.m. (summer).

During the summer months a single Service is offered.

Education…
Youth Education – Youth classes are provide weekly during the acedemic year from 9-10 a.m. rotational Sunday School lessons are offered for ages 3 to Grade 5 where students are given the chance to experience biblicat stories and concepts through audio-visual presentations, storytelling, games drama, art and cooking.  Junior High Sunday School Class – The Junior High Sunday school class (Grades 6-8) meets Sunday mornings 1-10:00 a.m. during the acedemic year.  Summer Youth Education – Students pre-school through Grade 3 participate in games, stories, science experiments, crafts and creative snacks. Parents and students Grade 4 and up can volunteer to help out.
Adult Education – Opportunities for Adult Education include: Bible Study, Book Discussion Group, Speakers, Mini-Series and Workshops.

Music Ministry…
The Music Ministry of the Bishop Janes UMC offers programs that strengthen the worship life of the community through music.Wesley Choir, ages four through first grade sings in worship several times a year.Hallelujah Raisers, grades two through five, are given opportunities to sing more advanced music and provide worship leadership several times during the year.GodSent, a contemporary praise choir is for High School aged youth, grades 9 through 12.Handbell Choir is a multi-generational group offering musical opportunities.Chancel Choir is the primary worship choir, and is open to adults and high school youth.

Community Outreach…
Little Lambs Toddler Center – Little Lambs is a New Jersey certified center serving children from 18 months through 3 years old.Vacation Bible School – Each summer in August Bishop Janes UMC offers a week ov Vacation Bible School for both church members and the community.Charter Day – Every year at Bernard Township’s Charter Day in May, Bishop Janes UMC serves up hot dogs, beverages and snacks to hungryfairgoers on the street in front of the church.  Divorce Care – Bishop Janes UMC partners with the Liberty Corner Presbyterian Church and the New Providence Presbyterian Church to offer a program of support and healing for people of the church and community experiencing separation and divorce.Other Community Programs – Include:  Health Screening, Annual Blood Drive, Alcoholics Anonymous, Boy Scouts/Girl Scouts, and Little Music Makers.

Missions…
Habitat for Humanity – In 2006/2007 Bishop Janes UMC and St. Mark’s Episcopal Church sponsored a new duplex home in Bernardsville as part of the Raritan Valley Habitat for Humanity program.  Interfaith Hospitality Network – IHN – The Somerset County Inerfaith Hospitality Network provides temporary housing, food and support to homeless families in Somerset County, New Jersey. Bishop Janes UMC has committed to host the guests of the Interfaith Hospitality Network five different weeks each year.Annual Mission Trip – Every year the youth and adults of the church travel to an area of the country in need of assistance to do all we can.Hearts2Hands Prayer Shawl Ministry – This group of knitters creates shawls, lap robes, scarves and blankets to donate to people facing life changes, be they difficult, sad or joyous.

Men’s Ministry…
The Men’s Ministries of Bishop Janes Church foster opportunities for all men of the church to encounter spiritual growth, to provide support for each other, and to become involved in community service.  Tower Club – The Tower Club sponsors several meetings per year, alternating between Saturday morning breakfasts and weekday evening networking meetings. All men and boys are invited to participate.  Small Discussion Groups – There are currently groups meeting early on weekday and Sunday mornings, at times that are convenient for the participants. The discussions center on social, moral, religious and personal issues so that a small group of men can get to know each other on a deeper level.Retired Men’s Breakfast – The ROMEOs (Retired Old Men Eating Out) as they call themselves meet every other Thursday at 8 a.m. at the Minuteman Restaurant in Bernardsville.  Christmas Tree Sales – This is an annual church event and community tradition that has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars over the past 50+ years. All net proceeds support local charities and community service organizations.

The United Methodist Women…
The United Methodist Womenis a community of women whose purpose is to know God and to experience freedom as whole persons through Jesus Christ, to develop a creative, supportive fellowship; and to expand concepts of mission through participation in the global ministries of the church.  Caring Hearts – Members of the Caring Hearts group reach out to congregational members eperiencing diffiult life junctures through phone calls, letters, cards, prayer and visitation.  Church World Service – The UMW assembles approximately two hundred hygene kitsfor Church World Service and also plans on school kits this year.  Homespun Holidays – Every November the UMW holds its largest annual fund-raiser, Homespun Holidays with beautiful handcrafted quilts, craft items, homemade baked goods, and gormet treats.  Rummage and Clothing Sales – The UMW sponsors a rummage sale in April and a clothing sale in September. Leftovers are donated to needy individuals and organizations.

Library Luncheons…
Luncheons are served Mondays in the fall and spring to senior citizens participating in the Leisure Learning Series at the Bernards Township Library.

United Methodist Women – Circles…
Grace Circle – Meets 4th Tuesday of each month, 9:30 a.m.- 11:00 p.m.

Naomi/Ruth Circle – Meets 3rd Tuesday of each month, 7:00 p.m.

Family Ministries…
Family Events at the Church—
   •  Halloween Pumpkin Carving
   •  Advent Festival
   •  Spring into Life Family Event

Mature Singles Group…
The MSG (Mature Singles Group) meets for a variety of social functions.

Youth Ministries…
“Splat” Junior High Ministry = Meets weekly Wednesday 7:30-8:30 p.m. for dinner and fellowship.  “Belay” Senior High Ministry – Meets Sunday evenings.

Confirmation Class…
Conformation classes for all eighth graders begins in September. Students are partnered with members preparatory to being confirmed as full members of the church.

Youth Fellowship…
The youth room is open at various times throughout the week for homework, fellowship and hanging out.

Music Theater Camp…
Veteran directors Jayne Bare and Marion Doerr lead a four week musical theater camp each summer for Grades 5 and up, culminating with three productions.