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 / every Sunday, Monday, Wednesday, or Thursday during Lent starting Feb. 18 / S-06

The season of Lent invites us to focus on a spiritual practice as we turn our hearts towards God and prepare to celebrate Easter. This class will offer the opportunity to learn the history of the labyrinth and the contemplative practice of walking meditation. Different from a maze, a labyrinth is a single path that leads to a center. It has turns, but there are no dead ends or the danger of getting lost. Each class will include discussion and the opportunity to walk a 7-circuit indoor labyrinth. It will meet for 5 weeks from February 18-March 21. Class size is limited and registration is required. You can choose from one of these options: Sunday 5:30-6:30pm; Monday 10am-11am; Wednesday 6-7pm; or Thursday 3-4pm.

Mondays

Monday Scripture Study

Led by Associate Pastors / starting Monday, Jan. 8 / 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 Tuesday, Jan. 9 / 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: When You Pray

Led by Sheri Duke / starting Tuesday, March 19 / 10am / Room S-01

Do you have trouble thinking of words to say to God when you pray? Are you afraid some emotions are too intense to express to God? Do you reach the end of a day only to realize you haven’t prayed at all? You’re not alone. Prayer is the way we relate to God, but sometimes it’s a struggle. Throughout God’s Word, we encounter many voices who teach us how to pray.

In this 7-session study, join with six Bible teachers who will help you study prayers in the Bible that can inspire your own. You’ll learn that God welcomes your praise and lament, your thanksgiving and intercession. You’ll see examples of how to pray when you’re alone and when you’re gathered with others. Above all, you’ll notice there’s no one right way to pray. As you draw near to God through prayer, you’ll find your faith strengthened and your heart united to Christ.

The class has a video and a workbook component combined with time for sharing prayer concerns and fellowship.

Ladies’ Bible Study: Ruth: Loss, Love & Legacy

Led by Ellen Wren / starting Tuesday, Jan. 9 / 10am / Room S-06

Many of us struggle through seasons of bitterness, tears, and loss, wondering if there could be a happy ending to our stories. The story of Ruth affirms that yes, there is hope found in the power and protection of a sovereign God. In this 7-session study, we'll examine Ruth's journey of unbearable loss, redeeming love, and divine legacy. We'll see how God proves Himself faithful as the One who rescues, revives, and restores. All women are welcome!

Beyond Words Book Club: Reading for Pleasure and Treasure

Led by Ric Jacobsen / 2nd Tuesday of each month, starting Jan. 9 / 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 Tuesday, February 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!

Wednesday Night Study: Invitation to the Jesus Life

Led by Lee Highsmith, Kay Walker / starting Wednesday, April 10 / 6pm / Room S-51

What would it be like to walk with Jesus on a daily basis and know him personally?  Jan Johnson offers seventeen characteristics of Jesus that help us experience transformation in a fresh way.  Each week we will take a deeper look at particular, under-rated qualities in Jesus and offer practices that embrace these qualities.  By knowing him better, we will become more like him.  Join us for this great adventure!

Parenting Hacks

Class has ended - be on the lookout for the Parenting Hacks to resume in the Fall 2024
Facilitated by Ginnie Highsmith / starting Wednesday, Jan. 10 / 6-7pm / Reception Hall

From the meltdowns to the milestones and everything in-between, parenting can be equal parts rewarding, isolating, and terrifying. Sometimes all at once. Join us for Parenting Hacks, a seasonal, 5-week small group class designed to encourage and equip parents to be the kind of parent they want to be. Childcare is provided for children 3 and younger. Children 3-5th grade can attend Bridges, our Wednesday night children's ministry activities. Students 6-12th grade can participate in our MDWK small group. Topics include: Cultivating an everyday day faith your kid/teen, Parenting through the phases, What your teen isn't telling you, Social media safety, and Creating healthy family rhythms and values

Faith Fundamentals: The Christian Calendar

Class has ended - be on the lookout for the Faith Fundamentals to resume in the Fall 2024
Led by Rev. Sandy Skinner / starting Wednesday, Jan. 10 / 6-7pm / Room S-49

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.

Lenten Prayer Study: “Prayer, Does It Make Any Difference?”

Led by Rev. Sandy Skinner / starting Wednesday, Feb. 21 / 6-7pm / Room S-49

Join us during Lent for this 5 week meaningful study on prayer using Philip Yancy’s book and video series, “Prayer, Does It Make Any difference?”. Philip Yancy states that pastors and ordinary Christians alike rank prayer in high importance – and also high in frustration. Together we will explore the answers to questions such as: Does prayer work? Does prayer change us or God? What can we really expect from prayer?

BRIDGE BUILDERS 2.0

Led by Rev. Sandy Skinner & Re. Joshua Hudson / starting Wednesday, Apr 10 / 6pm / Reception Hall

The 4-week class that will be a mesh of new members and current members focusing on Discipleship.

Thursdays

Thursday Ladies Morning Group: Luke

Led by Carol Terrell / starting Thursday, Jan. 11 / 8:30am / Lakeside Conference Room

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

Faith Café: The God of the Way

Led by Nancy Evans & Pam Katz / starting Thursday, Jan. 11 / 10-11:30am / Panera Bread Company in Gainesville

Read the Bible with new eyes and see into the heart of God's people in Scripture. Journey into God's word, from the creation of the world through the desert and empty places, the Hebrew nation, and meet Jesus, the disciples, and his followers. As you do, you will see how you are part of God's epic story of redemption – a radiant testimony to the truth that belief in God's promises is never wasted. From February 22 to April 11, they will study The Chosen - Season 4, then resume The God of the Way on April 18.

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.