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 / Sundays, Sept. 15, Oct. 20, Nov. 17 / 5-7pm/ Adult Lobby

Whether you're a seasoned labyrinth walker or simply curious about this contemplative practice, you’re invited to experience walking meditation on our 7 circuit indoor labyrinth on 2nd Mondays of the month this Fall (Sept. 15, Oct. 20, Nov. 17). Come by anytime between 5-7pm in the Adult Lobby. Guidance will be available for those new to the labyrinth.

Mondays

Monday Scripture Study

Led by Associate Pastors / starting Sept. 9 / 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 August 13 / 7am-8am / Reception Hall or 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: Elijah: Faith & Fire

Led by Sheri Duke / starting Sept. 10 / 10am / Room S-01

Old Testament heroes are best known for their most celebrated moments: Moses dividing the Red Sea; David slaying Goliath; Gideon routing an insurmountable army; Joshua marching around the defiant walls of Jericho. And Elijah—calling down fire on Mount Carmel.
 
Every serious believer longs to summon up the kind of boldness and faith that can stand firm on Mount Carmel and pray down heaven into impossible situations. Yet few are willing to go through the process required to get them there. Strength of faith, character, and boldness can only be shaped in the hidden fires of silence, sameness, solitude, and adversity. Those who patiently wait on God in the darkness emerge with their holy loyalty cemented, their courage emblazoned, and their confident belief in Him set afire.
 
Join us on this 7-session journey through the life and times of the prophet Elijah to discover how the fire on Mount Carmel was forged in the valley of famine. And how the emboldened, fiery faith you desire is being fashioned by God in your life right now.
You will understand the value of seasons of growth & testing in your spiritual maturity. Be encouraged to wait on God’s good work in your heart and mind and also learn to trust in the goodness and faithfulness of God and His purposes for your life.

The class has a video and a workbook component combined with time for sharing prayer concerns and fellowship.  Join us beginning Tuesday, September 10 in room S-13/15.

Ladies’ Bible Study: The Amazing Collection: Kingdom Books - Joshua, Judges, Ruth, 1 & 2 Samuel, 1 & 2 Kings

Led by Ellen Wren / starting Sept. 10 / 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.

In The Kingdom Books, we will see that God is a Promise Keeper. He had indeed given His people the land He had promised them, but the land was under the control of the Canaanites. The land was rich and fertile, but the inhabitants were fierce, experienced warriors. It would have been an impossible mission had not the God of the universe, the all-powerful One, been on their side. Yet through Moses’ capable leadership, they were strong in their faith and determined to obey the living God and establish a land and a nation that would be a blessing to all the earth. So, with their confidence in Yahweh, the Israelites began the march into the land God had given them.

The Kingdom Books (Joshua, Judges, Ruth, First Samuel, Second Samuel, First Kings, and Second Kings) include the conquering of the land, the ruling of the judges, and the uniting and the dividing of the kingdom.

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

Beyond Words Book Club: Reading for Pleasure and Treasure

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

GFUMC invites interested readers to our book club, "Beyond Words: Reading for Pleasure and Treasure." We read a variety of books that promise to engage the reader and encourage wonderful conversation. This group is designed for you to come monthly or to come as often as you can. It is OK to miss a month!

Co-ed Young Adults Study

Led by Ginnie Highsmith / Meets every other week starting Aug. 13 / 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!

Life & Ministry of Jesus

Led by Rev. Jamey Prickett / starting August 14 / 6pm / S-49

Embark on a transformative journey through Jesus Christ's life and ministry with our fourteen-week Bible study. The course invites you to delve deep into the heart of Jesus's teachings, miracles, and unparalleled love for humanity, as recounted in the New Testament Gospels.

Each week, we'll uncover the rich tapestry of love, power, and redemption woven through Jesus's life, offering insights into how these events and teachings are not just historical points but active, life-changing truths for today.

Why Join?
Deepen Your Faith: Grow in your knowledge and love for Jesus as you journey through His life and teachings.
Foster Community: Connect with others eager to explore the depths of the Gospels and support each other in faith.
Transform Your Life: Allow the truths of Jesus's life, death, and resurrection to transform your heart and mind, guiding you towards a life of purpose and hope.

Whether new to exploring the Christian faith or seeking to deepen your spiritual journey, this Bible study offers rich insights and transformative experiences for all. Embrace this opportunity to walk in the footsteps of Jesus, discovering His profound love and the eternal impact of His ministry.

Wednesday Night Study: The Divine Conspiracy

Led & Facilitated by Kay Walker & Dick Baxter / starting Aug. 14 / 6pm / Room S-51

Do you long for a more dynamic and authentic faith?  The Divine Conspiracy offers a revolutionary way to put into practice the true meaning of discipleship. In this classic, Dallas Willard skillfully weaves together biblical teaching, popular culture, science, scholarship, and spiritual practice, revealing what it means to "apprentice" ourselves to Jesus. Using Jesus’ Sermon of the Mount as a foundation, we will explore life-changing ways to experience and be guided by God on a daily basis.

Join us on Wednesdays beginning August 14 at 6pm in room S-51.

Parenting Hacks

with Shelley Winterboer / Wednesdays, Sept. 25, Oct. 23 & Nov. 20 / 6pm / Reception Hall

Parenting can be... ​______.  We'll let you fill in the blank. Parenting Hacks is a class designed to support every kind of parent with what they need when they need it so they can be the parent they want to be. In the Fall of 2024, life-coach Shelly Winterboer will be offering a once-a-month class to help parents unlock the tools they need to navigate their season of parenting. This Parenting Hacks class is for parents of new-borns to high schoolers. See GFUMC.com/events for more information.

Faith Fundamentals: How the Bible Came to Be

Led by Rev. Sandy Skinner / Wednesdays, Sept. 11-Oct. 16 / 6-7pm / Lakeside Conference Room

Have you ever wondered how The Bible came to be?  Who put it together?  Why is it organized the way that it is?  What can we learn from the different genres that are included?  In this 4 week class we will look at the formation and structure of The Bible as well as the breakdown of the books within it and their individual genres.  We will also look at different translations and reading plans.  This class is for anyone who would like a better understanding of the origin of the book we call The Bible and how that understanding can give us new insight as we study it.
Join us on Wednesdays, In-person or via Zoom.

Enneagram Class

Led by Casey Thaler / Wednesdays, August 14-Sept. 4 / 6-7pm / Lakeside Conference Room

Ever wondered why you see the world so differently than the people around you? We all know that we are made to be unique children of God by our creator but sometimes it feels like no one seems to "get us" or understands why we think or act the way we do. The enneagram is a tool that can be used to help you understand the WHY behind some of the things you do as well and give others a way to have insight into the inner workings of your brain and heart. With deeper understanding, comes deeper compassion and grace for not only ourselves but also for others.  Come learn about the intricacies of this spiritual formation tool in this 4 part class starting August 14 in the Lakeside Conference Room.

Bridge Builders 2.0

Led by Rev. Sandy Skinner & Rev. Joshua Hudson / Wednesdays, Oct. 23-Nov. 20 (No class on Oct. 30) / 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.  

Advent Study: “The Redemption of Scrooge”

Led by Rev. Sandy Skinner / Wednesdays, December 4, 11 & 18 / 6pm / Reception Hall
*Childcare provided on December 4 ONLY

Is redemption possible for Ebenezer Scrooge? Pastor and author Matt Rawle believes so as he discovers the teachings of Jesus in the words of the Charles Dickens classic A Christmas Carol, Rawle dives deep into the dark, sad, greedy world of Scrooge and discovers a man in dire need of a second chance. Along with Scrooge, we meet the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future and in the process learn about living with and for others in a world blessed by Jesus. Rediscover and reinvigorate your Christian faith this Advent and Christmas season and look at this familiar classic through the lens of faith.

This class will begin on Wednesday, December 4 with a screening of The Christmas Carol on Wednesday, December 11.  The class will conclude on Wednesday, December 18.

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: Body of Proof / The God of the Way

Led by Nancy Evans & Pam Katz / Sept. 12 / 10-11:30am / Panera Bread Company in Gainesville

Starting September 12, Faith Café will wrap up their study on Season 4 of The Chosen. Beginning October 10, they will start a new study: Body of Proof – The 7 Best Reasons to Believe in the Resurrection of Jesus – and Why It Matters Today by Jeremiah J. Johnson.

Culture is doing its best to convince the world there is nothing special about Jesus. And many Christians never get beyond a Sunday school understanding of their own faith. As a result, Christianity's most important historical fact--the resurrection--is often the most misunderstood, relegated to Easter and funeral services, creating a powerless Christianity.

In Body of Proof, acclaimed apologist and scholar Dr. Jeremiah Johnston sets out to show why Jesus' victory over death is central to a believer's faith. Straightforward, accessible, and practical, this book examines the latest archaeological and textual findings and presents seven tangible, fresh reasons to believe Jesus really rose from the dead--and why it matters today as the foundation of our hope in the face of suffering and grief. When you fully understand the implications of the resurrection, you will begin to understand the power of Christ in you. This changes everything.

Join us Thursdays beginning September 12 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 August 15 / 3 pm/ S-52

Centering Prayer is a spiritual practice 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 book study and prayer as we develop this practice in our lives. Guidance is offered weekly for those new to the practice. Join the group at any time! Contact Rev. Clifton for information on the current book.

Other Opportunities

Soul Connection Groups

Do you want more out of your spiritual journey? Take the next step forward by joining a Soul Connection group. We have groups for all ages and stages of life, meeting throughout the week. Interested? Contact Rev. Sandy Skinner to find your perfect group.