equipping people through

Sunday school

When you learn more about your faith you become better equipped to be a disciple of Christ.  That's one of the main  ideas behind Sunday School, a tradition in churches dating back to the 1700's.  


During Sunday School we read and hear the stories from the Bible and work to understand how they relate to the world we live in today.  Time spent in Sunday School fosters discussion and understanding and gives us new tools to share those stories with others we encounter. 


Here at 1st UMC Maryville,  people of ALL ages are a part of the Sunday School program.  Scroll down on this page for more information about each of the Sunday School classes offered.


Sunday School begins at 9:15 am and wraps up around 10:20 am. We hope to see you in Sunday School soon!


1st Kids SUNDAY SCHOOL


first future youth SUNDAY SCHOOL


ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL


ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASSES

Adult Sunday School is from 9:15 am to 10:20 am.

No matter your age you can find an Adult Sunday School class to welcome you. 

See classes offered below.  

Rev. Nathan Irwin is our Minister of Discipleship.

Contact him to help find the Sunday School Class that's right for you. 


reach out to Nathan

  • bIBLE STUDY BUDDIES class

    mEETs IN ROOM 201 &  ZOOM

    This is a smaller group that does an in-depth study of books of the Bible, verse by verse using Study Bibles, Commentaries, and online Bible resources. Zoom is available for class members that live out of town or are homebound (computer, webcam, microphone, and speaker are required for Zoom). 

  • bible survey class

    mEETS IN ROOM 205 & Zoom

    Bible Survey is a close-knit in-person class with Zoom available for those with physical limitations or Immuno-compromised. Studies include interactive quarterly curriculum and biblical topics with nurturing moments for prayer requests and discussing life experiences.

  • challengers class

    MEETS IN ROOM 254

    Challengers are constantly challenging ourselves to live our faith according to the example and words of Jesus. Members represent a variety of ages, life experience and viewpoints. We are committed to study, pray and fellowship as a group with Jesus as our core. We encourage and support one another to service our congregation and community. Volunteer class members as well as guest speakers lead each week. Average attendance is 25-30.

  • Christian Living

    Meets in Room 153

    Christian Living defines our mission, which is to live our faith daily. Our discussion-based studies are a balance of biblical topics to deepen our faith, and studies that explore how to put our belief into action. With studies, missions, and social as a focus, our group serves with projects such as a Christmas party for Blount County inmates and their families. Most of our members arrived in this community with little family support. We are family to each other both inside and outside the church and would love to add you to our family.

  • compass class

    meets in room 124

    Compass Class is a Sunday School class that welcomes young adults with careers and children.

  • heritage class

    meets in room 152

    Heritage was formed in the early 1960’s and transformed over the years into a larger diverse class made up of singles and couples from all walks of life. We are a loyal, loving, and caring group who fast become friends. Lessons range from Scripture to diverse lessons and often host guest speakers, all of which are based on our Christian beliefs. Opportunities are plentiful for volunteering, prayers, and financial support of missions and local projects. Heritage offers quarterly social gatherings. Many of our current members represent the mature age bracket, but we welcome all ages.

  • inspiration class

    meets in room 126

    Inspiration is a great source of encouragement and support and meets weekly to study lessons from the Bible and discuss how to apply these lessons to everyday life. We enjoy the fellowship during class as well as class socials and serving and volunteering for many of 1st UMC’s programming such as Welcome Table, 1st Kids, Choir, as well as in our communities. Average age of members is between 30-50 including both singles and couples.

  • open arms

    meets in room 119

    Open Arms is a class of progressive Christians of all ages and backgrounds. Our arms are open to anyone who would like to attend! We believe in the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion, as well as the love and compassion of Christ. The class facilitator prepares slides summarizing a chapter of a book and poses questions to promote discussion. We aim to provide a safe space for sharing, being honest and vulnerable, and keeping minds open to possibilities. The United Methodist Church proclaims "Open Minds. Open Hearts. Open Doors." We aim to gain a deeper understanding of our faith and show God's love to others through Open Arms.

  • sojourners

    meets in room 204

    Sojourners is an adult coed Sunday School Class that uses the United Methodist Sunday School Curriculum for weekly studies.  With multiple facilitators, the class has variety in scope and style, creating a fun and exciting learning environment.  Discussion and participation by the whole class is encouraged and takes advantage of the knowledge, viewpoints, and perspectives of all our members. Besides studying together, we are a Life-group that regularly spends social time together, growing in relationship with Christ and supporting each other through good times and hard.  We welcome guests and new members.

  • trendsetters

    meets in room 202

    Trendsetters are a group of active adult singles and couples committed to deepening our walk with Christ through Bible study.  Our group is actively involved in the ministries of First Church.  We seek to encourage and challenge each other each Sunday morning through our study using a discussion format that allows us to share experiences about our faith journey.  All are welcome. "Go and be perfect" is our constant goal and weekly challenge.



geared for growth

1ST KIDS SUNDAY SCHOOL

9:15 AM EACH SUNDAY

Sunday School classes for Children meet on the lower level of the church.  When you arrive please check-in your children at the 1st Kids Welcome Desk prior to taking them to the classroom.  


Directions to 1st Kids Welcome Center:

As you come into the parking lot from Montvale Station Road look for the sign that says "Church Office, Elevator, Wesley Hall." Come in that door then take the stairwell straight down to the Welcome Desk. 

*You will not be able to go that way on weekdays when Wesley Day School is in session.   


If you come in on the lower level from the covered walkway from the parking area, go down to the end of the hall and take a left.  If you come in the covered walkway on the left side of the church, just go straight down the hallway to check-in. 


KRISTI ALTON - 1ST KIDS MINISTRIES


equipped for the future

first future sunday school

students 6th - 12th grades

At 1st Church we work to EQUIP students for a future rooted in faith.  Each Sunday morning at 9:15 am, students in 6th through 12th grade meet in Wesley Hall (on the upper level) for a little fun and learning about the ways God can use us to make the world a better place. 


Text "INFO" to 865-999-0099 for updates from First Future or contact 1st Student Ministries Director, Chris Jacobs. 


reach out to Chris