Life can be messy and hard, yet no matter where you are in your faith, it’s important that you find your next step and keep moving forward. Growing is a process and there’s always something happening at Gainesville First to help you connect with God’s Word and with one another. See a list of the Bible Studies we offer as ongoing and seasonal Disciple Groups below.

Seasonal

The Labyrinth: Walking a Sacred Path

Led by Rev. Carolyn Clifton / 2nd Sundays of each month / 5-7pm / Adult Lobby

Whether you're a seasoned labyrinth walker or simply curious about this contemplative practice, come experience walking meditation on our 7 circuit Chartres style indoor labyrinth.
The Labyrinth is not a maze. It has only one path with no tricks and no dead ends. It simply asks that we take one step after another and allow the rhythm of walking to quiet the mind, relax the body, and open the heart to be present to the presence of God with us on our journey.

Guidance will be available newcomers. Please wear comfortable or bring socks!

Mondays

Monday Scripture Study

Led by Rev. Carolyn Clifton / starting January 13 / 12pm-1pm / Lakeside Conference Room & Zoom

How would your worship experience be different if you prepared your heart in advance? Gather with this group on Mondays to discuss the Scripture text for the upcoming Sunday sermon. Newcomers to the group are always welcome and advanced preparation is not required. Join us in person or via Zoom.

Tuesdays

Men’s Bible Study

Led by Rev. Jamey Prickett / starting January 7 / 7am-8am / Reception Hall & Zoom

Men mark your calendars to join for biscuits and Bible study! We meet every Tuesday morning at 7am for a time of fellowship, reflection, and spiritual growth. Dive deep into the scriptures, discuss their relevance in today's world, and connect with fellow believers. Whether you're new to the Bible or have been studying it for years, this group is open to all men seeking to grow in their faith.

Ladies Bible Study: Abide

Led by Sheri Duke / starting January 7 / 10am / Room S-13/15

How can we hold onto assurance of our faith? How can we discern the truth from a lie? How can we know God loves us?
In three short letters, the apostle John reminds an early church facing division, deception, and doubt to hold fast to what they know and to live like they believe it. And he reminds us, as well. In this 10-session Bible study on the letters of 1, 2, and 3, John, Jen Wilkin helps you see how two thousand years later, his words call to Christians in similar challenges to recall a great salvation and to abide in the truth.

The class has a video and a workbook component combined with time for sharing prayer concerns and fellowship.  Join us beginning Tuesday, January 8 in room S-13/15

Ladies’ Bible Study: The Amazing Collection: Kingdom Books - Post-Exilic Books (1 Chronicles-Esther)

Led by Ellen Wren / starting January 7 / 10am / Room S-06

The Bible is a love letter compiled into sixty-six books and written over a period of sixteen hundred years by more than forty authors. Although the authors came from different backgrounds, there is one message, one theme, one thread that runs throughout the entire Bible from the first book, Genesis, to the last book, Revelation. That message is God’s redeeming love for mankind—a message that is as relevant for us today as it was two thousand years ago.

See God’s faithfulness on full display as He stands ready to forgive His people and keep His promises. Godly leaders graciously remind His exiled people of their relationship with their Deliverer, encouraging them to repent, return, rebuild, and be restored.

Women of all ages are very welcome to join us in fellowship, study and prayer with old and new friends.  Join us beginning Tuesday January 7 at 10am in room S-06. 

Beyond Words Book Club: Reading for Pleasure and Treasure

Led by Ric Jacobsen / 2nd Tuesday of each month / 4-5:15pm / Hall Co. Library Downtown

Gainesville First United Methodist Church invites interested men and women readers to our book club, "Beyond Words:  Reading for Pleasure and Treasure." This group will read a variety of books that promise to engage the reader and encourage wonderful conversation during the monthly gatherings. 

This group is designed for you to come monthly or to come as often as you can.  It is OK to miss a month!  Come join us for our monthly readings every second Tuesday 4:00-5:15pm at the Main Library in Gainesville.

20 Somethings Small Group

Led by Ginnie Highsmith / Meets every other week starting January 7 / 6:30pm / Locations vary

A group of people in their 20s gather every other Tuesday evening at 6:30pm to experience community, eat good food, and talk about the intersection of life and faith in the 21st century. If you would like to be a part of this group or have any questions please email Ginnie Highsmith ghighsmith@gfumc.com.

Wednesdays

*Please note that on Wednesday evenings, we also have small groups for our children and students. We encourage you to make this a family night for your small groups!

Foundations of a Godly Life: Courage, Forgiveness, and Purpose

Led by Rev. Jamey Prickett / January 8-February 26 / 6pm / S-49 / In person & Zoom

This Bible study focuses on six essential areas for seeking to live faithfully in today’s world. Each session encourages participants to apply God’s Word to their personal, relational, and spiritual lives, fostering growth in boldness, forgiveness, discipleship, and integrity.

You’ll explore how to:

1. Courage and Boldness in Christ – Embrace bold faith in family, work, and witnessing.
2. Walking in Forgiveness – Experience freedom by releasing bitterness and fostering reconciliation.
3. Discipleship and Making Disciples – Pass on the faith by mentoring others and growing in accountability.
4. Handling Stress and Anxiety with Faith – Learn to surrender anxieties and experience God’s peace.
5. Being a Light in the World – Reflect Christ’s love and truth in your daily interactions.
6. Living with Integrity – Cultivate a life of consistency and accountability aligned with God’s principles.

This study is designed to challenge us to take practical steps of faith each week, encouraging reflection, discussion, and personal growth. Through scripture-based conversations and actionable challenges, participants will strengthen their walk with Christ and develop meaningful relationships with one another.

Join us on Wednesdays, starting January 8. In-person or via Zoom.

Practicing the Way

Facilitated by Lee Highsmith, Kay Walker, Mary Wall / starting January 8 / 6pm / Room S-13/15

We are constantly being formed by the world around us.  To be formed by Jesus requires that we become his apprentice.  

Join us in exploring a set of practices and relational rhythms that slow us down and open up space in our daily lives for God to do what only God can do - transform the deepest parts of us to become like him.  These ancient practices have much to offer us. By learning to rearrange our days, we can follow the Way of Jesus. We can be with him. Become like him. And do as he did.

Faith Fundamentals: The Christian Calendar

Led by Rev. Sandra Skinner / Wednesday, January 8-February 5 / 6pm / Lakeside Conference Room

Do you ever wonder why the cloths on the altar are certain colors on certain Sundays?  Do you ever wonder what “Special Sundays” like Trinity Sunday, Good Shepherd Sunday, and Transfiguration Sunday mean?  Do you ever wonder what “Ordinary Times” means within the life of the Church? 

Join us for a 5-week class looking at the Christian Calendar, exploring the different seasons within the Church and find the answers to the questions listed above, and much more.  Additionally, the 2025 sermons will be based on the lectionary. This class will spend some time exploring the lectionary and how it coordinates with the Christian Calendar.

Join us on Wednesdays, starting January 8. In-person or via Zoom.

Bridge Builders 2.0

Led by Rev. Joshua Hudson and Rev. Sandy Skinner / Wednesdays, February 19-March 19 (No Class on March 5) / 6pm / Lakeside Conference Room

This 4-week class brings newly joined members and seasoned members together for a time of discovery.  Each week we will take time for self-exploration. The various tools utilized will help us determine how best to connect as unique individuals to the work of building bridges to Jesus within our church and community.  

Lent Study: The Letter of James

Led by Rev. Joshua Hudson / Wednesdays during Lent: March 12, 19, 26, April 2 / 6pm / S-49

During the Lenten season, Pastor Joshua invites you to join him for a four-week study of the Letter of James. New Testament scholar Luke Timothy Johnson says that: “the Letter of James is a remarkably accessible moral and religious exhortation. Its call to realize professed ideals in appropriate action has spoken with prophetic urgency to generations of readers who have found James’ directives difficult to perform rather than to understand.”

Join us during this season of Lent where often times we put down distractions in an attempt to pick up new behaviors that draw us closer to Jesus. Following Jesus can seem so difficult and confusing at times, perhaps the best teacher for us may be his own brother, James.

Deep Dive: Faith in a Changing World: A Study for Navigating Life, Purpose, and Spiritual Growth

Led by Rev. Jamey Prickett and Ginnie Highsmith / April 23-May 4 / 6pm / Reception Hall

Are you seeking ways to connect your spiritual journey with the challenges and opportunities of modern life? This deep-dive session invites you to explore six key themes, offering practical insights for deepening your faith and aligning your life with God’s purpose, no matter where you are on your path. The themes include Faith and Technology, Purpose and Calling, Navigating Doubts and Questions, Christian Identity in a Changing World, Faith in Times of Crisis, and The Future of Faith and the Church.

Join Rev. Jamey Prickett and Ms. Ginnie Highsmith as we discuss integrating faith into every aspect of our lives, balancing ancient truths with modern realities. Together, let’s discover what it means to live faithfully in a constantly changing world.

Come with your questions. Leave with clarity, hope, and a deeper connection to God’s calling for your life, Wednesdays starting April 23.

Thursdays

Thursday Ladies Morning Group: The Bible from 30,000 Feet: Soaring Through the Scriptures from Genesis to Revelation

Led by Carol Terrell / ongoing on Thursdays / 8:30am / Lakeside Conference Room

Enjoy the magnificent panorama of Scripture like never before! This study shares a FLIGHT plan for all 66 books of the Bible to help you better understand the context and significance of each. In this overview, you'll discover...
Facts—about the author and the date each book was written; Landmarks—a summary of the highlights of the book; Itinerary—a specific outline of the book divided by themes; Gospel—how to see Jesus within the book's pages; History—a brief glimpse at the cultural setting for the book; Travel Tips—guidelines for navigating the book's truths

If you have ever found yourself getting lost and wandering from verse to verse in Scripture, put yourself firmly on track with the clear aerial view offered in The Bible from 30,000 Feet.

This small of group of ladies gathers on Thursday morning to study the Bible together and share life together.  While this group has a great history of studying together faithfully, all are welcome!

Faith Café: Signs and Secrets of the Messiah: A Fresh Look at the Miracles of Jesus

Led by Nancy Evans and Pam Katz / starting January 9 / offsite

Are you or someone you love desperate for a miracle? As witnessed through Scripture, the God who was and is and is to come has been performing miracles from the beginning of time—so you can trust that Jesus wants to do something miraculous in your life today.

In this follow-up to his book Mysteries of the Messiah, Rabbi Jason Sobel dives deep into Scripture, biblical culture, and ancient texts to help you better understand the truths and the power behind God's miracles, and to increase your faith that Jesus can perform miracles in your life.

By taking a deeper look at Yeshua's miracles, Rabbi Jason reveals promises for all Christ followers based on miracles throughout Scripture:

• Jesus takes the ordinary and turns it into something extraordinary, because He wants you to live out of His overflow (He turned water into wine).

• Jesus wants to renew you so that He can do something new in you (He revealed to Nicodemus the miracle of rebirth).

• You can stop wandering aimlessly or feeling stuck in your current situation, but instead experience abundant life and healing (He healed the man at the Pool of Bethesda).

• God wants to bless you abundantly so you, in turn, can bless others and sow into His kingdom (Jesus multiplied the loaves and fish).

As you go on this journey with Rabbi Jason, a Messianic Jew, he is praying that God will lead you to new insights and breakthroughs in your life. And as God reveals Himself to you in a fresh and powerful way, you will be filled with a sense of His presence and shalom.

Join us Thursdays beginning January 9 from 10 am – 11:30am at Panera Bread in Gainesville.

Caring for the Caregiver

Facilitated by Brenau psychology students / ongoing on Thursdays / 2pm / Connect Café
               
Caring for loved ones experiencing issues with aging and dementia can be challenging. Gathering with others in similar situations to share experiences, gain insights, and receive encouragement can be helpful. In partnership with Brenau University, GFUMC hosts an ongoing support group facilitated by trained, graduate level psychology students on Thursdays from 2 – 3 pm in the Connect Café. Please contact Mildred Smith in the church office for more information or to register prior to attending the group.

Centering Prayer

Led by Rev. Carolyn Clifton / starting January 13 / 3 pm/ S-52

Centering Prayer is a spiritual practice rooted in the Christian contemplative tradition that invites us to be present to the presence of God who is always with us. Gather with others on Thursdays at 3 pm for a time of prayer and study as we seek to incorporate this practice into our lives. Guidance is offered weekly for those new to the practice. Join the group at any time! Our book study will be Falling Upward: A Spirituality for the Two Halves of Life by Richard Rohr.