About Us

Joyful Noise is an adult Sunday School class that meets each Sunday morning from 9:30 - 10:30 at Brentwood United Methodist Church.  The class usually averages 80-100 in attendance. We consider ourselves “slightly aged,” mostly in our 60's and 70's, but try to act the way we feel -- much younger. A caring group of people, we welcome visitors with a smile and a warm greeting. Since our class is large, we also emphasize small group activities as a way of getting to know one another and bonding as Christians. During the week, we keep in touch with an email newsletter, Joyful News, and other email notices.

Joyful Noise is blessed to have the following as teachers: Dr. Bob Stammer, Bishop Joe Pennel, and Dr. Steve Bond. Each one is knowledgeable of the Bible, and they bring lessons to us based upon the Adult Bible Studies series approved by the General Board of Discipleship of the UMC.  Photos and brief background sketches of each teacher may be found on this website.

Our class is led by co-presidents who take office each September, rotating presiding duties monthly. We begin with a prayer and then join in singing a hymn led by a class member and accompanied by a pianist from the class. After announcements concerning class activities and business, our teacher brings us a thirty-minute lesson. The hour ends with members sharing prayer concerns and/or joys.

Praying for others, whether our class members, friends and families, or more far-reaching concerns, is a foundation of our class. In addition to concerns expressed in class or sent via email during the week, once a month, class members gather for a meal and a time to discuss concerns and pray for others.

We are proud of our Outreach Program. We have the largest Sunday school class budget at BUMC. With this budget we support a wide range of not for profit service organizations. Annually, we have volunteers sign up so that each member can participate in a hands-on project, for example, cooking or serving dinner at Room in the Inn. 

Not to be left out we have an active social program. Two chairpersons coordinate a variety of activities that allow us to meet and eat together (we have great cooks.)  Members meet often for dinner and card games, a book club,  for birthday celebrations, to play golf, and for other activities. Each activity is open to all; no special invitation is needed.

Everyone is welcome to the Joyful Noise class.