Kim Adams has taught the 3rd, 4th & 5th Grade Girls Sunday School class for the past 7 years. She comes to NWC from her hometown of Logan where she lives with her husband John and daughter Alex.

Kim has attended at NWC for the last 20 years. During that time she worked as an assistant with Phyllis O’Nail in this same class. After a year, Phyllis decided to retire and going with the natural progression of things, Kim became the teacher.

Kim loves working with children; a lot of her experience comes from her career as an Orthodontic Assistant. She has a gentle nature that puts children quickly at ease in her class.

Kim’s favorite Sunday School Teacher is Fred Adams. She loved Fred’s class because he made everything so interesting, “every class was interesting and thought provoking,… the discussions were great!”

Working with the girls brings Kim lots of fun and excitement. The crafts are probably one of the favorite activities, especially the painting. The girls are very creative and Kim loves watching where they go with their enthusiasm.

In the upcoming year, Kim would like to see her class grow in numbers and in their knowledge of the Bible.

She loves to teach the Christmas story, and loves working with her “wonderful assistant,” Barb Dane.

Barbara “Barb” Dane has attended at NWC for the past 11 years. During that time she has helped with VBS, and the Sunday School Department for the last 4 years. Just a little over a year ago Barb found her home with Kim Adams in the 3rd, 4th & 5th Grade Girls class. This was due in part to her daughter who wouldn’t stay in the class without her. Yet her daughter eventually moved into the next class but Barb stayed because she enjoyed Kim and the girls so very much.

Barb was born in Chauncey and now lives in Buchtel with her husband Scott, and their children Brandon and Alexis ~ her son J.D. lives in Nelsonville.

Barb works at Ohio University as a Custodian. Her hobbies and interests include: roller skating, bowling, reading, flower gardening and walking.

Barb’s favorite Sunday School teacher was Gary Alton. He taught the teens class and made Sunday School interesting and fun! Barb loves sharing that same enthusiasm with her class! “We just have a great mix in our class and it makes it great fun!” said Barb. She enjoys the crafts and especially the skits, “the girls make learning fun!”

Barb would love to see the class grow in numbers and spirituality this year. They are currently working on the creation story, however Barb is always surprising herself with new things she learns through the lessons ~ such as the water/rain remained on the earth 150 days after the flood and Noah was 600 years old when it happened!

One of Barb’s favorite memorable moments from Sunday School is,... one Sunday while leaving church, her nephew looked at Barb and said “Aunt Barb, I miss Dave (his S.S. Teacher) already. I can’t wait to come back next week.”

What a great story to make you look forward to next Sunday and coming to Sunday School!

And as Barb says, “I love Nelsonville Wesleyan Church Sunday School, it’s just awesome!”

Teachers Dave & Shirley Tripplett

Dave and Shirley Triplett live in Nelsonville and both work at Ohio University. Dave works as a Printer in the Print Shop; while Shirley works in Institutional Research.

Shirley’s hobbies and interests include: dining out, shopping and spending time with family. Dave’s hobbies and interests include: motorcycle riding, biking and dining out.

Dave has been teaching the 3rd, 4th & 5th Grade Boys for the last 11 years, while Shirley has been helping for the last 3 years. Their teaching experiences have come at the encouragement of others and the need for a teacher.

The thing that Dave and Shirley enjoy most about their class is watching the kids come and learn and feel the presence of the Lord in what they do. The experience is a learning one for both Dave and Shirley and the kids together. The questions and class participation, comments and input always make the class interesting. Together their hope for this upcoming year is for the kids to grow closer to the Lord and know that he’s always there for them. The message of hope brought through the Christmas story is one of the class favorites.

As for a most memorable moment in the class, Dave remembers a boy who was being very distracting. Dave felt the spirit of the Lord move on him, and when the young boy looked directly at Dave he fell backward onto the floor with a startled look. Needless to say the boy felt the spirit too and never acted up in class again! WOW! God can move mountains and little boys too!

Rich and April Hedges are enjoying working with the teens and watching them grow in their service to the Lord. “The kids are ornery and fun and we teach each other in the process” , said Rich.

Rich comes to NWC originally from Laurelville, while April is from Logan ~ where this couple now makes their home.

Rich works as a carpenter, while April works for the State of Ohio in the area of Child Support. April loves walking, shopping and cleaning; Rich enjoys anything outdoors such as hunting, rock climbing and sports.

The couple wanted to be more involved with church, so when asked to take on the Teens Class the answer was “Yes!” One of the most enjoyable events for this class is the Christian concerts they attend. “The kids really get excited when we go to a concert or on a field trip. They really want to learn more about the Lord,” said Rich.

As for their favorite S.S. Teachers, April’s is her aunt Ruth Six; and Rich’s was his grandmother. Both are Godly women who know their Bible. These influences have led Rich and April to encourage their class to grow closer to God and live completely for him in the upcoming year and years to come. Also they want their class to witness more to non-believers. This goal came to fruition on a recent camping trip while they were rock climbing (which was a real nail-biter!). “They class got to witness and share their faith, which was awesome!” said April.

Their favorite section of the Bible to teach from is the New Testament and the stories of the prophets.

Pastor Andy has just begun his “new” journey with the Young Adults Class within the last month. Pastor Andy had attended at NWC for 15 years.

He was born in Brunswick, Pennsylvania and now lives in Nelsonville with his wife Jennifer and their children Alex and Emily.

His hobbies and interests include: computers, family and reading ~ lots of great books about history and religion. As for his career, Pastor Andy is a full-time soldier with the United States Army.

Pastor Andy loves being active in the church and always enjoys teaching the Bible and helping people understand Gods word. Hence when he was asked to teach he didn’t even hesitate.

His favorite S.S. Teacher was Mike Todd. Mike made Christianity easy to understand and interesting for the entire class. That same level of interesting is where Pastor Andy likes to take his class. He enjoys most watching their faces “when the light goes on ~ you can see it in their eyes!”, says Pastor Andy. The discussions in the class are done in a casual atmosphere, “kitchen table style, complete with coffee & lattes.” This allows the students to feel comfortable which will help the class to grow and expand their ministry to the Hocking College students in the upcoming year.

Pastor Andy’s favorite story to teach is of Balaam’s donkey. The donkey speaks to Balaam about stubbornness and how we get set in our ways ~ Numbers 22: 21-41.

As for a most memorable moment,… that’s yet to come for Pastor Andy and our Young Adults.

Robin Witham was born in Louisville Kentucky and now lives in Tuppers Plains with her husband Clint and son John Morgan. She has taught the Young Adults Class for the last 3 years and attended at NWC for the last 15 years.

Robin works as our church secretary. Her hobbies and interests include: cross stitching and reading Christian authors.

When asked to serve as a S.S. teacher Robin felt the call and wanted to fill the need. She has most enjoyed watching her students grow in the Lord. The class discussions were focused around how to apply and handle Christian values in the world today; and Robin always enjoyed listening to the students perspectives. Robin always tried to focus her students in on the knowledge that it’s a relationship you should have with Christ, not a religion.

As for her favorite S.S.Teacher, it brought to mind two,… Fred Adams and Dave Triplett. “They both have such a genuine heart for the Lord,” said Robin. Their inspiration is leading Robin to have insight to create possibly a class for the 25-35 age group soon at NWC! (Sounds like the Lord has a new direction for Robin on the horizon!)

Chris Jolley is originally from Athens and now lives in New Marshfield with her husband Greg and children Katie and Adam. Chris works as a Dietetic Technician with the Athens County WIC Office. She enjoys baking and sewing.

She has been working with Robin for the last 3 years and attended NWC for the last 12 years.

Chris began helping in the Young Adult Class because there was a need and she felt it was where she was supposed to be. She has enjoyed the class discussions. She has seen in-depth discussions that have talked about the relevance of having the Lord in your life and just how to apply the Bible’s lessons. The series of tapes and discussions have taught not only the students, but Chris as well. One of Chris’ favorite lessons was the study of John. “It was a great tool studying chapter by chapter with the class,” said Chris.

She would love to see the class grow in number this next year and see them grow closer to their walk with the Lord.

Adult Sunday School Classes

Pastor Shelley Phillips leads our Abundant Life Class, primarily adults age 30 yrs and up.

She was born in Carroll and now lives in Buchtel with her husband Jerry and her son Corbin. She also has a grown son Tyler who is married to Kala (Dupler) Phillips.

Pastor Shelley’s hobbies and interests include: writing poetry, reading history – true to life factual books and WWII novels, flower and herb gardening and cooking organic holistic foods.

Her teaching experiences have included: Club House Ministries, 3-5th Grade Girls, Sr. High Teens S.S., Youth Group Leader and Adult S.S. Seminars. Pastor Shelley has always loved to teach, “God has shown me my knack for teaching” said Pastor Shelley.

As for her favorite Sunday School Teacher Pastor Shelley said, “Fred Adams. He was my first truly solid Sunday School teacher.” His style of teaching made the subjects interesting and opened up discussions.

As for her class Pastor Shelley loves the give and take within the class. “We are like an onion. We peel back the layers of a subject and examine them as we go. It can take us to many different levels.”

Pastor Shelley loves to surprise her class and take them out of their comfort zones. She wants to stretch her class in their walk with the Lord. One of her most memorable moments came when she gave the class a blob of clay and asked them to shape it into what they thought God saw them as. It was a moving and memorable experience that blessed the class.

Pastor Shelley most wants her class to grow in outreach and evangelism this next year. She is emphasizing this through the Old Testament ~ her favorite to teach from because of the enriching foundations within it.

Pastor Shelley loves her class and wants to train them up to be leaders and to go where God leads them.

Lora was born and raised in Nelsonville. She continues to live in Nelsonville with her husband Bill and her children Billie, Courtney and Ann.

Lora works at Ohio University as a Police Dispatcher. Her hobbies and interests include: biking, fitness, and being a student at Ohio Christian University.

The Johnson’s have attended NWC for the last 5 ½ yrs, and Lora has helped in the Abundant Life Class for almost a year now. Previously she has helped with VBS and the Christmas In July celebration each year.

God had put it on Lora’s heart to help within the Sunday School, so when she was asked to assist Pastor Shelley ~ she accepted. Lora sees herself more as a facilitator in her class than a teacher. She loves the diversity in age, experience and discussions with her class. The discussion are always insightful, especially the one in relation to Revelations (one of Lora’s favorite chapters in the Bible). Lora’s favorite activity with her class is the class parties because of the fellowship that takes place. “It’s fun to get together and spend time together.”

In the upcoming year Lora would love to see the class grow in the Lord’s service. Despite the fact that Lora didn’t really see herself as a teacher she’s enjoyed the opportunity and would love to see her students follow the Lord directions as well. Being asked to teach was a very humbling experience for Lora which she is looking forward to with each and every Sunday.

Fred Adams has led the Discovery Class for over 20 years now. He has attended NWC since 1968. He previously has taught the 7-9th Grade Boys class.

Fred lives in his hometown of Nelsonville with his wife Lucretia. Together they have three sons John, Tim and Chuck . During his career Fred worked for AEP in telecommunications.

His hobbies and interests include: remodeling projects, trucks – trains & airplanes, and singing with Bound For Glory.

When asked who is favorite Sunday School Teacher was Fred responded, “Wanda Sabo. She has a great personality and truly filled with the spirit of the Lord.”

Fred became a S.S. Teacher because he believed it to be the natural progression for him after he became saved. He felt the call when Lillian Kensey retired from teaching. When Fred feels his most sense of accomplishment is in watching his students become S.S. Teachers themselves. This step gives Fred great joy in seeing the students do the Lords’ work.

Fred loves to study his Bible. He believes Bible study is the thrust behind his class ~ it helps the class to interact well and believes they end up teaching each others through their perspectives and views. He loves to teach the gospels because these are Jesus’ teachings. The gospels bring the word to a more personal level.

Fred says the class was named after the Discovery Channel and tends to be a non-traditional class. “Everyone participates, despite our differences sometimes, but we always walk away with respect for each other.” said Fred.

Gary Flory is originally from Defiance County and now lives in Logan with his wife Cathye. Together they have one daughter Amory.

He has been attending NWC for 25 years now and assisting with the Discovery Class for 9 years.

Gary is retired from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources; he served as the Assistant Manager at Tar Hollow Park. His hobbies and interests include: motorcycle riding, wood crafts and computers – with special interests in web pages.

Gary became a helper when asked by Fred to assist him. And because Fred is Gary’s favorite Sunday School Teacher he couldn’t refuse. Gary enjoys seeing how much Fred loves the Lord. He knows that when Fred shares something with the class that is knowledge and levels of study are true. Gary calls Fred his best friend and knows it as well to be true.

Gary loves the class participation and opinions that are expressed in class. He appreciates the opinions for what they are and sometimes how they challenge his thinking. Yet Gary's favorite activity with the class is the studying of the Bible ~ “Studying the word of God is always the best.” Several of Gary’s favorite stories are the book of Jonah and the works of Paul in the New Testament.

Gary believes that God's word is a living word that still applies today, it has never changed.

Wanda Sabo has attended NWC for the last 47 years and can’t remember how long she’s been teaching the Reachout Class. But one thing Wanda does know about her class is that she enjoys teaching and loves her students.

Prior to teaching the Reachout Class, Wanda taught the older ladies class. This was when she first felt the call to teach.

Wanda has lived in Nelsonville all her life. Here she was married to Lewis Sabo and together they raised two sons Mark and Keith. Now she has additions to her family of 2 grand daughters and 1 great- grand daughter.

Wanda enjoys quilting, reading, playing the piano and her nursing home ministries. Her love of stitching was also her career with the Brooks Shoe Company – from which she retired.

Her favorite S.S. Teacher was Bob Gastin. “His way of teaching is what inspired me to teach,” said Wanda.

She loves teaching and working with the people in her class. However, she is never satisfied for anyone to stop growing in the Lord ~ she believe this to be an on-going process. To see her class grow in numbers and spirituality is Wanda's goal for this year.

Wanda is proud of her class’ levels of outreach and ways in which they met needs brought to the class. She also proud of the class members who help her each Sunday ~ Diana Todd, opens the class; Greg Jolley provides music; Ruby Hayden, Ruth Six and Charlotte Tennehill take care of our paperwork and offerings and Irene Collins teaches once a month. “It takes us all to make the class work so well.”

Wanda is proud of serving on the church board for the last 47 years and looks forward to serving the Lord every day!

Irene lives in her hometown of The Plains. She has two grown children Kelly and Jeff. She works at O’Bleness Memorial Hospital as the Assistant Director of Patient Registration.

Irene has been attending NWC for the last 19 years, and teaching for the past 8 years. Previously she has taught children’s classes, one adult class and filled in whenever needed.

Her situation was unique because God spoke to Irene’s heart and told her “Wanda needs help.” Irene learned long ago to listen and do what God says, hence began her time with the Reachout Class. In her spare time Irene enjoys quilting, oil painting and spending time with her family.

Irene’s favorite S.S. Teacher was Ruthie Simson ~ she made us like Sunday School by making it interesting and exciting. Irene feels that when she teaches, she learns as much as the class. “When the class participates and interacts with comments and questions we all learn something.”

Her most memorable time with her class was her first lesson, she had been struggling over the study. Irene was nervous but the students jumped right in and made her feel comfortable and took all the nervousness away. God led her right where he wanted her.

Her favorite activity with the class is the Christmas Party each year when the class bonds together for a time of fellowship. And her favorite story to teach is the Easter Story because it goes from sadness to hope and a promise for new life! Irene would love to see her class grow in numbers and prayers for those not attending church. She believes prayer to be a most powerful tool.

Miriam Thomas is originally from Bellfontaine but for the past 20 years has called Nelsonville home. She and her husband Pastor Mike have raised three daughters Nicole, Jennifer and Michelle. Their family has grown to include a son-in-law Andy and two grand children Alex and Emily.

Her career is working at Ohio University College of Medicine as an H.R. Administrative Assistant. Her hobbies include: sewing, movies (chick flicks of course!), fine dining and vacations at the beach or in Tennessee.

Miriam has taught the Ladies Venice Class for the last 18 years and she loves the ladies in her class. The ladies are interested and participate in discussions and keep God’s word relevant to today and the way we live. She has also previously taught in the children’s classes, Jr. Church and VBS.

Miriam is proud of the ladies who help her within her class; June Powell opens the class, Mary Margaret Gastin leads the singing while Juanita Oliver and Martha Adams work with the offering and paperwork. They all do a great work for the Lord.

Miriam’s favorite S.S. Teacher was Mr. Witter, a science teacher who applied science to the church and made it applicable to today. “He was exciting to listen to.”

Although Miriam never felt she wanted to be a S.S. Teacher, she was encouraged to become one. Now,… she loves the discussions. They open up people’s ideas and views in a non-intimidating manner – we all ended up respecting each other at the end of the lessons. The class is also active in prayer. Often they anoint prayer cloths and send them to class members with a personal card.

Miriam’s favorite stories to teach are those of Esther, it’s a love story that’s a faith story. It shares how trusting God and stepping out in faith can lead to many wonderful paths. Miriam believes God put her on an adventure with the Ladies Venice Class and she looks forward to it all!

Charlene is retired but worked as a beautician for 25 years and at Goodies before retiring. She enjoys quilting, crocheting and any type of crafts.

Charlene has taught Kids Club, 5th & 6th Grade Girls and started the CYC at NWC.

Her background and faith come naturally for Charlene because he father was a pastor. Hence when she was asked assist with the Ladies Venice Class, she welcomed the opportunity to serve the Lord.

Charlene enjoys the ladies and the helpful nature; and their curiosity about the lessons. The levels of learning never seem to stop growing with the class. Yet, Charlene’s favorite time with the ladies is during the Birthday Dinners. “This is a special time for the ladies to celebrate how much they mean to our class.”

In the upcoming year Charlene would love to see her class grow in numbers, and wants to invite any ladies that might be interested to stop by the Ladies Venice Class. “We a good group of women, with a strong faith in the Lord.”

Pastor Mike Thomas is originally from Bellfontaine and now lives in Nelsonville with his wife Miriam. Together they have three daughters Nicole, Jennifer and Michelle; a son-in-law Andy, and two grandchildren Alex and Emily.

His hobbies and interests include: golf, coin collecting, and watching sports on TV.

Pastor Mike has been at NWC for 20 years, and taught the Men’s Bible Class for the last 17 years. Prior to coming to Nelsonville, Pastor Mike taught a singles class in Bellfountaine and an adult’s class at Mount Vernon and Canard. His calling to follow the Lord brought him into the pastorate and the natural progression was into S.S. Teaching.

Pastor Mike believes his class works so well together because of the support he receives. Those who assist with class include: Charles Gastin, secretary; Emmett Davis, treasurer, Thurman Breeze, president and helper; Roy Davis, reading of the lesson; Terry Taggart, leads singing; Vera Davis, piano; and Don Yost the offerings. Through their efforts Pastor Mike would love to see his class grow in numbers and reachout this year.

Pastor Mike’s favorite S.S. Teacher was Mr. Witter. He was a science teacher that made the Bible real to his students ~ plus he knew Jimmy Jones. His influence inspiring Pastor Mike to make his lesson applicable to today’s life. His favorite lesson to teach is the book of Jonah. “It teaches the need to be obedient, but if we stumble there is a second chance of us!”

His favorite time of fellowship with the class is during the Birthday dinners. “The men truly enjoy themselves and we share a lot during those dinners.”

Yet, a most memorable time for the class was pumping water out of the basement with Jake Elliott, Emmett Davis, Clarence O’Nail and Thurman Breeze. “What an all nighter that was!”

Thurman is originally from Nelsonville and now lives with his wife Dolores (she’s from Rhode Island!) in Buchtel. Together they have four daughters, Sharon, Sandra, Shirley and Sue Ann.

Thurman is a retired fork-lift operator for Anchor Hocking. Thurman also served in WWII as a Pharmacist’s Mate on a hospital ship in the Pacific. He enjoys working with nursing home ministries at Logan Health Care and Hickory Creek.

Billy Joe Powell was the class helper but retired and encouraged Thurman to step up and take his place. Ever since Thurman has been enjoying working with the Men’s Class and loves watching the men get engrossed in the lessons and discussions.

Thurman’s inspiration for teaching didn’t come from a teacher but from a man he admired,… George Call (“Poppy Call” to many of the young folks!). George was a man to be admired. He knew his Bible and was always willing to share his knowledge.

Thurman took George’s influence and shared it in class as well as at the Birthday dinners, cook-outs, turkey shoots and Christmas Dinner. Wherever Thurman goes he teaches the lesson of the cross and what it means to mankind and that we must believe in Christ to have eternal life. Thurman loves to invite people to the alter to help them with their problems. He truly seeks the truth in God’s word.

For the upcoming year Thurman would like to see his class grow in numbers and attendance.