What small group, class or program do you fit into?

Active Seniors
All seniors (55+) who are interested in fellowship are invited to a prepared lunch followed by a program. This group meets the second Thursday of each month (September through May) from 12:00 - 1:30 p.m. in Fellowship Hall.

After 8
Have you sometimes left worship with the feeling that you would like to talk more about something you heard or experienced in worship? Are you looking for a group of adults to meet with while the children are in Sunday School? If so, “After 8” is for you. Join facilitator Judy Crain at 9:15 in room 108 for a time to reflect on the morning sermon and biblical text, and share your thoughts and impressions.

Books Between Bites
Rev. Dave Wilkinson leads a discussion of a Christian book (or sometimes video) for all who would like to meet during the lunch hour. Sandwich fixings supplied. The group meets every Wednesday from noon - 1:00 p.m. in room 108. Newcomers welcome throughout the year. This fall the group will be discussing Max Lucado’s new book, Fearless: Imagine Your Life Without Fear. Each sunrise seems to bring fresh reasons for fear — layoffs, flare-ups, downturns. Imagine your life, wholly untouched by angst. What is faith, not fear, was your default reaction to threats? Envision a day when you can trust more and fear less.

BOB - Band of Brothers
This is our newly forming men's ministry. Our goal is "Challenging Men to Become Active Brothers in Christ." Call the church office for the whereabouts and activities of BOB.

Breakfast with BOB
Our Friday morning men’s group, aka Breakfast with BOB, is currently studying Wild Goose Chase by Mark Batterson. “Celtic Christians had a name for the Holy Spirit–An Geadh-Glas, or ‘the Wild Goose.’ The name hints at mystery. Much like a wild goose, the Spirit of God cannot be tracked or tamed. An element of danger, an air of unpredictability surround Him. And while the name may sound a little sacrilegious, I cannot think of a better description of what it’s like to follow the Spirit through life. I think the Celtic Christians were on to something…. Most of us will have no idea where we are going most of the time. And I know that is unsettling. But circumstantial uncertainty also goes by another name: Adventure.” (Mark Batterson, from the introduction) Breakfast with BOB meets every Friday from 6:30 to 7:30 a.m. for rolls, coffee and discussion in Room 108.

Companions in Christ
Companions in Christ is for those committed to deepening prayer and listening for the Spirit. Participants study each day on their own about prayer, Scripture, and discernment, and keep a personal notebook or journal of their discoveries. The group meets weekly for 28 weeks. Call the church office for the next available group.

Couples in Christ
For couples of all ages wanting to build their relationships with their spouse, with other couples, and with God, this active group meets from 6:00-7:30 p.m. on the second and fourth Wednesdays. Some families gather at 5:30 in Fellowship Hall to share dinner together picnic style or prepared as a group. Video and/or book studies, along with great fellowship, are part of each evening throughout this year. This Fall the group will be looking at the DVD series "Espresso Yourself." Childcare is provided and children’s activities are planned during our meeting time. Call Chad & Sara Doverspike at 405-9340 for further information.

DISCIPLE: Becoming Disciples Through Bible Study
DISCIPLE is for anyone interested in 34 weeks of serious Bible study from Genesis through to Revelation; it meets weekly from September through May. A study manual is included for personal study and a video presentation is used as part of the 2 1/2 hour group discussion. More in-depth follow-up DISCIPLE classes are available as well. Call the church office for the next available group.

Empty Nesters
Are you a parent experiencing the empty nest syndrome? Are you looking for some support from others in this stage of life? Join other empty nesters as we deal with this new phase of our lives. We meet occasionally for a social activity.  Contact Barb Hayes at 437-9252.

First Book Club
Join in the discussions based on a previously selected book (reading four books in a year). Current issues of faith and life are discussed to encourage our own awareness and deepen our compassion for others through literature. Call Barb Mohr at 494-1088 to learn more about the schedule of books and discussions. All are welcome.

Freed-Up Financial Living
Grace. Joy. Freedom. Are these the first words that come to mind when you think of finances? They could be! Grace, joy and freedom are the words people most often use to describe their experience with Freed-Up Financial Living — a proven, biblical resource for transforming hearts and lives in the area of finances. In six sessions you’ll discover tools and develop skills to help you control your finances so your finances don’t end up controlling you. You’ll get training in biblical financial principles as well as help and guidance to:
prioritize your financial goals, develop a personalized spending plan, identify action steps to reduce your expenses, pay down your debt, and much more. The class will meet on Wednesdays at 6:00 p.m. beginning September 23. Carol VanScyoc will facilitate. Preregistration is required. Call the church office by September 20 to register. The cost of the workbook for each participant/couple is $20

Heavenly Hatters of Hope
This group is part of the Red Hat Society; they meet monthly for breakfast or lunch and fellowship.  Contact Elizabeth Keppers at 606-2812.

Intercessory Prayer Group
This prayer group is for all those who wish to participate in a study and then uphold one another, the church, the community, and the world in prayer; it meets every Monday afternoon from 1:00 - 3:00 p.m. in Wesley Hall.

John's Club
In honor and memory of John Beckman, we invite you to join "John's Club" and meet monthly for breakfast on the second Saturday at 8:00 a.m., a half-hour presentation and discussion, and contact between times with partner.  We meet at Bills Pancake House (John's favorite place). 

Newcomer Orientation
Are you a visitor to the church wanting to learn more about First United Methodist Church? Meet with our clergy to learn about First Church and the many ministry and outreach opportunities for all ages, and to answer any questions you might have. Sessions are offered once a month. Call the church office at 437-9252 to learn when the next class will be held.

Thursday Morning Women’s Group
This faith-based discussion group for women meets Thursday mornings from 9:00-11:00 a.m. Beginning October 1 the group will be discussing Stepping Up: A Journey Through the Psalms of Ascent by Beth Moore. This is an in-depth look at 15 Psalms. Just as a song or poem can express feelings of fear, doubt, hope, and joy, these 15 psalms model how study participants can voice their own petitions and praises to our God, who is always available and ready to hear us. Cost for the study is $20. Childcare is provided. Call Jane Jones at 338-8352 for further details.

United Methodist Women (UMW)
Please click on the tab to the left to learn about UMW.

Women’s Weekly Prayer Group
Women meet Wednesday mornings from 6:30 - 7:30 a.m. at McDonald’s on Webster over coffee to read a short devotional and pray for all the concerns of our hearts, families, churches and world.  Join us if you can.  Can’t be there?  Join our email prayer ministry.  Contact Geri Lewis-Nytes at 469-0495 for more information or to share a prayer request.

WOW - Women of the Word
The Women of the Word (WOW) group will begin again on  Monday, September 14, meeting from 9:30 to 11:00 a.m. in Room Z120. WOW will be using the book The Remarkable Women of the Bible: And Their Message for Your Life Today by Elizabeth George for its first study. In this inspiring look at the lives of women in the Bible, bestselling author Elizabeth George reveals refreshing models of faith for today. Call Bonnie Veitch at 337-6480 or Karen Wojahn at 662-0799 for further information.  All women are invited.