Growth Group Facilitators

Elise is a mom of two teens, an occupational therapist running a private practice with her husband, Steve, and a trauma-informed yoga instructor. Her favorite things are kayaking, hiking, taking pictures of interesting and fun things, sunrises on the beach, and really good chocolate. In her free time, Elise is also a Certified Candidate for ordination in the United Methodist Church and is currently enrolled in the MDIV program at Candler School of Theology at Emory University.

Dan is a retired officer in the US Marine Corps, a veteran Bible study and Sunday School facilitator, a Certified Lay Servant, and apologist wannabe. He and his wife Kay are long time United Methodists. He is currently our Church Council Chairperson. 

Jim is a retired Professor of Entomology at University of Florida, but still teaches in the undergraduate Honors program on a contract basis because he believes in the subject he teaches and loves working with young people. He and his wife Dorothy have been active members at First UMC for many years. 

Carl is a lifelong Methodist originally from New Jersey who, via Massachusetts then North Carolina, finally moved to Florida. Part of the First UMC choir and various ad hoc guitar groups, he never turns down a chance to sing or lead the occasional childrens’ sermons.  An experienced Sunday School teacher and facilitator of Disciple groups, Carl is a genuine seeker who believes God always loves us and  invites us to ask the hard questions so we can know him better.

Janet  serves as First UMC’s Director of Adult Discipleship.  A New England native, she and her husband, Carl, have called Gainesville home for 7 years.  Her appreciation of Wesleyan theology, service, and social justice has grown through her years on staff at Genesis UMC in Cary, NC, through study through Duke Divinity School’s Lay Academy, and by the grace of God.  Her passions are history, reading, and spoiling their two dogs and two cats.

Joe found us through our online worship services during the pandemic. He is a support engineer for a local software company and was the facilitator  in the  recent Disciple Bible Study group. He is passionate about helping others grow in Christ as he continues to deepen his own faith.

Margaret graduated from Maryville College with a degree in Bible and Christian Education. She worked in two churches in the Holston Conference as a Director of Educational ministries.  Her husband brought her to Gainesville, his home town. Margaret worked as the Church Secretary at FUMC for many years. She has volunteered in the  educational ministries teaching all ages from young children to older adults. She also helps lead Bible studies and Mission studies for the United Methodist Women locally and on the District level.