Life Groups
Life Groups are people taking their next steps together. Join a small group and you'll learn why we are better together.
Our relationship with others says a lot about our relationship with God...
It is our desire to have each person at First United Methodist Church of Brandon develop strong relationships with others in our faith family... for growth, accountability, support and encouragement. As a church, First United Methodist of Brandon is committed to helping each person become more like Jesus Christ in character and conduct. We believe that such life-changes best occur in small groups with authentic and accountable relationships. One of the most significant ways we can develop spiritual maturity is by being active in a small group where we can interact with God’s Word in order to apply it to our lives; where we can learn and see the power of prayer at work; where we can build meaningful relationships that provide both affirmation and accountability; and where we can share honestly and openly with one another in a confidential atmosphere of God’s love and grace for each one of us.
The basis for participating in small groups is demonstrated throughout scripture as God encourages us to love and care for one another (John 13:34, 1 John 4:11), to pray for one another (John 5:16), to encourage one another (1 Thessalonians 5:11), and to gather together and motivate one another to love our Lord and do good deeds in His service (Hebrews 10:24).
Our aim is for each person at First United Methodist Church of Brandon to have someone they can call on 24/7 for support and encouragement, and that they would be the kind of person who could be called on in someone else's time of need, too. To learn about groups available to you, click any of the links below or contact Dan Palmer in the Church Office, at 813-689-4161 or dan@brandonchurch.com
SUNDAY MORNINGS
"Sunday School" is a Wesleyan tradition that has been tweaked in recent years to better draw people closer to each other as we all learn to grow closer to God. At First United Methodist Church of Brandon, we have various Sunday morning small groups meeting at both 9:30 and 11:00am (these groups differ from traditional Sunday School only in that they are intentional about inviting more interactive participation and emphasize between-meeting care among attenders). Children's programming and the nursery are available all morning long so parents can participate in the Sunday Morning small group of their choice.
ADULT SMALL GROUPS
Adult Small Groups. Groups of 6-12 or more people meet on-campus, in homes and at other locations around town on various days and nights of the week. Certain groups consist only of men, women or singles but most are mixed groups. Most groups employ teaching videos, followed by discussion. Click to learn more about Small Groups.
WOMEN'S GROUPS
Women's Bible Studies meet Tuesday and Wednesday mornings from 9:30-11:00am on campus. Childcare during these morning programs is available through the Mother's Day Out program - advance reservations required. The Tuesday morning class meets in S-3; On Wednesday mornings, come to the Social Hall at 9:15am for coffee and fellowship.
United Methodist Women is for women of all ages. They have a monthly large group meeting (usually a Sunday luncheon following services) as well as monthly small group meetings, known as Circles. They meet for fellowship, prayer, study, and fundraising for the many ministries they support. The monthly General Meeting is usually held the 2nd Sunday of each month in the Social Hall at noon. For more information about joining a circle, contact tara@brandonchurch.com
MEN'S GROUPS
Men's Groups. A senior men's Bible Study meets the 1st, 3rd and 5th Tuesdays at 10:30am. The Methodist Men meet at 6:30am every Wednesday for breakfast, study and fellowship. The Methodist Men also sponsor monthly pancake breakfasts and other annual events for the entire church in order to raise funds for their work with local charitable groups. Other groups of men meet at various days, times and locations during the week for study and accountability.
COLLEGE-AGE GROUPS
College-Age Groups. We gather Sunday mornings at 11:00am at 208 North Knights Avenue... with a second option on Fridays at 2:00pm at the Regency Square Tropical Smoothie. We'll treat you to a free beverage with your first visit! For more information, contact ricc@brandonchurch.com or check our ministry called RE:NEW MINISTRIES at www.thisisrenew.com!
EMMAUS REUNION GROUPS
Walk to Emmaus Reunion Groups meet regularly for accountability. The Walk is a three-day experience designed to strengthen and renew the faith of Christians and empower them for leadership in the local church. Walks are held twice per year; for more information, visit www.tampabayemmaus.org After the walk, particpants receive on-going support and encouragement through reunion group meetings.
Small Group Mission &
Ministry Opportunities
Small Groups at First UMC Brandon are a critical part of reaching out to others as we seek and explore having a real relationship with the living God. Such groups also put hands and feet to Christ-like love and care, by offering opportunities to serve one another in the church as well as those in need in our communities.
Each of us is called to serve, and serving with your small group makes volunteering even more meaningful. Perhaps your group would like to serve together as an usher team, in Hospitality, Children's Ministry, at one of our Sunday night spaghetti dinners or for visitations of shut-ins. We'd be happy to provide you with information on current opportunities...discuss with your group what type of ministry and/or mission you'd like to participate in on a short-term basis to put hands and feet to your faith.
Want to Host a Group in Your Home?
The best way to start a new small group is to invite 8-10 people with whom you already have relationships to consider joining you in forming a group. Responsibilities for organizing and running the group are shared amongst its members, with you serving as the catalyst to get things going. You also serve as the point person for the group – the individual with whom the church communicates. Most of our studies are video-based, so you can spend your time nurturing the members of your group instead of preparing lessons.
Want to check out our available curriculum? Check out Study Titles Here
Still Have Questions?
If you have questions email us at dan@brandonchurch.com.