Community Groups

These new groups will gather weekly in locations throughout our community for fellowship, faith formation, and authentic relationships. If you’re looking for a place to grow as a disciple of Jesus and to make a meaningful connection with others, a Community Group is for you!

Classes for Adults

The Good & Beautiful Life

Sundays from 9:50-10:50 AM
13-week class starts August 9

In The Good and Beautiful Life, James Bryan Smith explores Jesus’ teachings in the Sermon on the Mount and the false narratives that keep us from living fully in God’s kingdom. Through accessible teaching and practical exercises, this class will help participants put Jesus’ words into practice and grow in lives shaped by love, truth, and grace. Having read The Good and Beautiful God is helpful but is not required. Led by Virginia Guffey and Shan Schatzle.

Growing With

Sundays at 5:00-6:30 PM
9-week class starts September 13

In Growing With, Kara Powell and Steven Argue help parents navigate their changing relationships with children as they move into adulthood. This class will offer empty nesters practical, faith-centered ways to stay connected, encourage independence, and build relationships that continue to grow through every season. Led by Lauren Serpas.

Making Sense of the Bible

Wednesdays from 6:00-7:30 PM
12-week class starts August 19

Making Sense of the Bible explores how Scripture was written, what it means for the Bible to be inspired, and how Christians can interpret difficult passages faithfully. This class will help participants engage the Bible’s challenging questions while rediscovering its power to guide us toward God and the life revealed in Jesus. Led by Rev. Brady Whitton. Zoom available.

No registration needed. For the Zoom link, please email Virginia Guffey.

Pastor's Bible Study

Thursdays from Noon-1 PM
Ongoing, resumes August 6

This pastor-led Bible study explores the Scripture on which the week’s sermon is based, offering a deeper understanding of the text and its meaning for our lives. Participants may attend in person or by Zoom.

Sunday School Series

FUMC has 16 ongoing adult Sunday school classes with participants from every age and stage of life. Most meet from 9:50-10:50 AM, with one that meets from 11:00 AM to noon. Information on the various classes and their meeting locations can be obtained from Rev. Brady Whitton at bwhitton@firstmethodist.org. A few Sunday School featured series are listed below:

Rings & Ivy

Join Rings and Ivy class in their study of the book The Holy Spirit, led by Brian Snyder. United Methodist pastor Adam Hamilton discusses the Holy Spirit including how the authors of the Hebrew Scriptures understood God's spirit and the similarities and differences with how the New Testament writers spoke about the Holy Spirit. Meets in Room 117 of the Adult Building. Study begins July 26 - no registration needed.

August 30, join Rings and Ivy with leader Brian Snyder as they begin their study of Who Wrote the Bible by Joel Baden.

Journey

Deep with feelings of joy, fear, shame, and at times, inconsolable rage, the Psalms help readers express a range of emotions in their prayers and daily lives. We will learn how the Psalms teach our hearts how to express our feelings before God. Meets in the McKenzie Library. Study begins August 2 - no registration needed.

Good News

The Good News Sunday School class will be led by Dr. Tasha Whitton in a study of Nevi'im II: The Prophets. This series brings the prophetic books to life through visual timelines, maps, historical context, and thematic connections. We will explore the messages of the prophets, including their calls to repentance, justice, covenant faithfulness, judgment, hope, restoration, and redemption. Meets in the Aldrich Chapel. Study begins September 6 - no registration needed.

More offerings

Books of Life

Books of Life is a book club that meets on the first Wednesday of each month at 6 PM. To sign up, contact Mary Jacob at mjacob53@cox.net.

pickleball

Join us for Pickleball at FUMC on Sunday afternoons and Monday evenings. Open to all adults but especially seniors! Email Bob Johannessen for more info: bobjohannessen13@gmail.com

RenovarÉ Book Club

Renovaré Book Club meets on the 2nd Friday of each month, 12:00pm - 1:00pm. To sign up, email Dr. Tasha Whitton at lawhittons@gmail.com

Craft group

Craft group meets one Friday per month at 7 PM at the leaders' home. Guided crafts provided or bring your own! Email Katie Davis to sign up: kdavis@firstmethodist.org.

Soul Circle

Wednesdays 5:30-7:00 PM resuming on 8/12
Sundays 5:00-6:30 PM resuming on 9/13

For women: Soul Circle groups help you to connect with God, yourself, and other women through contemplative practices and guided, deep-dive discussions. No prep needed, and each week’s content is stand alone. Attend as your schedule allows! Groups meet at the FUMC Campus in the Center for Spiritual Formation. No registration required.