Prompted by a rapid increase in young adult membership in the post-World War II years, a new young adult class needed to be formed. The Tri-Phi class, which had been formed several years earlier, was becoming rather large and was outgrowing its meeting room space (the church kitchen). With the urging and encouragement of then pastor Leonard S. Cowan the new class was established in February of 1954. It was called the “Blenders Class.” The Aim and Purpose adopted for the class was:
We, the Blenders, hold as our purpose a threefold objective of uniting. Through our mutual love of God, we are endeavoring to blend together in harmony those of varying religious and economic backgrounds, those of varying ages and those of varying racial heritages, in the hope of building a better understanding of our fellow man, through which we may in turn increase our understanding and love of God. By each sharing his knowledge and understanding with the group, we may learn more of God’s plan and more wisely fill our place in his world.
Most of the members of the new class were in their late 20s. The class met in the east choir loft of the sanctuary since there were no classrooms available.
In the years since its formation the Class has continued to grow. Average Sunday morning attendance currently is between 40 and 50. Part of this growth was due to the merging in recent years of two other adult classes with the Blenders class.
The Blenders Class meets each Sunday morning from 9:45 to 10:45 in the beautiful TERRACE ROOM of the church, on the ground floor level.
We often invite teachers from other adult classes to teach our class.
Year 2005 officers of the class are:
Jerry
Taylor, President
(Click to enlarge)
Gladys
Johnson, Vice President
(Click to enlarge)
Jim Sagerty, Secretary/Treasurer
(Click to enlarge)
One of the fortunate characteristics of the class is that many of its members are excellent bible scholars and teachers, and these members take turns with the teaching assignments. In addition, members take turns at giving five-minute devotionals at the beginning of the class period. Most Sundays we also choose a favorite hymn to sing from the Methodist Hymnal. The class has several talented pianists who are always willing to play accompaniment. Another important characteristic is the loving concern for each other felt and expressed by class members.
On the third Sunday of each month a committee of volunteers provides hot and cold drinks and some wonderful snacks at the beginning of the class period. This provides a period for social interaction among the members and guests, and an opportunity to get better acquainted with the new members. Also, members volunteer to plan class parties, which are held four times each year. Mildred Damron, one of our long time members now deceased, made provision in her will to essentially pay the cost of our Christmas dinner party each year over a period of approximately ten years. We are very grateful for her establishment of this Mildred Damron Love Fund which began operation three years ago. Mildred’s sister, Peggy Thomas, also gave a memorial gift, in Mildred’s honor, of a carillon which is installed in the church’s bell tower and chimes on the hour each day as well as providing music to the neighborhood at special times throughout the week.
The class sponsors a number of mission projects, providing support for a missionary working in Kenya, South Africa and also a missionary at the McCurdy School in Espanola, New Mexico. Some members have done volunteer work at McCurdy School during the summer season. We also contribute financially each year to local organizations and charities such as the Indian Mission Methodist Church, United Methodist Urban Ministry, The Salvation Army, Methodist Youthville, Operation Holiday, Inter Faith Ministries, meals at Inter Faith’s Homeless Shelter, the Union Rescue Mission, and others.
Most Blenders are now in their retirement years. The class welcomes prospective members, new members and guests with open arms. Please come and join us as we work toward fulfilling our Aim and Purpose as stated above.
