Growth Groups

“For where two or three gather together as my followers, I am there among them.”

Matthew 18:20

Growth Groups are places where people gather to study, pray, and engage in respectful, challenging conversation in order to be formed more in the image of Jesus. These groups are of various sizes and can meet on an on-going, long-term, or short-term basis. If you haven’t already, we hope you’ll choose to grow deeper in your love for Christ who calls us to love our neighbor as ourselves by connecting with a Growth Group!

If you are interested in starting a Growth Group, please drop an email to Janet Rocap so she can help ensure you have all the resources you need and connect you with others who may be interested in your group.

Help, Thanks, Wow! Wednesdays

This is a simple time of checking in, sharing, and lifting up our world in prayer with others in our First UMC faith family that meets over Zoom every Wednesday evening from 7:30 p.m-8:00 p.m. with whoever wishes to join in. The Zoom link is sent out every Wednesday morning so contact us at contact@fumcgnv.org for the link to this group or to be included in our email list.

Stepping Stones

This is one of our newer Growth Groups and meets on-campus every Sunday morning at 9:15 a.m. in the Epworth Hall parlor located on the first floor next to our Nursery. Stepping Stones aims to promote spiritual growth through Bible study and conversation in a welcoming and non-judgmental setting. Their format is a simple process of reading, reasoning, and reflection where each week the group reads several passages and reflect on its meaning through questions and open discussion. All materials are provided and no preparation is required! If you have any questions, you can contact Joe Savastano and Carl Rocap  at steppingstones@fumcgnv.org.

Faith Forum

This is an inclusive, informal discussion group that meets Sunday mornings at 9:15 a.m. in the Chapel (off of the Fellowship Hall) . The group values a fellowship of open minds and supportive encouragement for each person's journey of incremental growth in Christian understanding. They do not use a “conventional” Sunday School curriculum but engage in wide-ranging discussions on issues of living out the teachings of Jesus in today's world. No prerequisites of knowledge or advance preparation is needed, just a desire to join other like-minded persons on a journey of growth and fellowship in their relationship with Jesus. For more information, contact the Faith Forum leaders at faithforum@fumcgnv.org.

Maranatha Class

The Maranatha Class consists primarily of adults over 50 and welcomes adults of all ages to join in lively, engaging Bible study and discussion. This group examines the original meanings of the words as used in the scriptures, and considers the cultural and historical background as part of the study. They seek to understand Scripture, to relate Scripture to contemporary living, and to respond with positive actions in their personal lives. The class meets on-campus and online every Sunday morning at 9:15 a.m., and online every Thursday evening at 8:00 p.m. for fellowship. Please contact Doug Kirk and Leon Couch at maranatha@fumcgnv.org for more information.

New Beginnings

New Beginnings consists primarily of adults over 65 and welcomes adults of all ages who enjoy the Methodist traditions of  food, fellowship, singing hymns, and bible-focused studies. The group meets on-campus every Sunday morning at 9:15 a.m. in the Epworth Conference for Sunday School and meets online every Tuesday evening at 7:30 p.m. for fellowship and Bible study. For more information, contact Jim Nation at newbeginnings@fumcgnv.org.

Womens Bible Study

This is a small group of women who meet on-campus every Wednesday at 2:00 p.m. for fellowship, and to read and discuss books related to spiritual growth. For more information, contact Janet Rocap at janet@fumcgnv.org.

Joyful Adulting

Joyful Adulting meets in the Wesley Room, B201 (second floor of Bell Hall) every Sunday morning at 9:15 a.m. This is a fun, 50-and-under group that gathers for spiritual nurture, discovery, and sharing in a relaxed atmosphere. Contact Elise Caton at joyfuladulting@fumcgnv.org for more information.

Wednesday Bible Study

This group meets on-campus and online to study and discuss faith-building books. Their latest study is using the book "The Thirteen Apostles" by J.E. Kalas where they will examine each of Jesus' apostles as a servant in ministry, a human being, and individual are drawn from Scripture as well as historical writings and tradition. The group meets  on Wednesdays at noon in our Chapel  and via Zoom. Contact Dan Greathouse at kdgreathouse@mac.com or Janet Rocap at janet@fumcgnv.org for more information.

Disciple Bible Study

Joe Savastano leads an online Disciple Bible Study titled “Under the Tree of Life ” via a weekly Zoom session. This 32-week, in-depth Bible study is the fourth in the DBS series and includes lively discussion primarily on  the books of the New Testament. There are no prerequisites other than a commitment to setting aside approximately 30 minutes a day for reading and preparation for the weekly discussions on Mondays at  7:00 p.m. Contact Joe at disciple@fumcgnv.org or visit our Disciple web page for more information.

Thursday Bible Study

This co-ed group is starting a new study in September based on Richard Rohr's book "The Universal Christ". We know who Jesus is, but who is Christ? And what does “Jesus Christ” mean? Rohr articulates a transformative view of Jesus Christ as a portrait of God’s constant, unfolding work in the world. In additional materials, we’ll have the opportunity to look at some science stuff and learn more about outer space too! The study material is $15 and scholarships are available. The group meets on-campus Thursday mornings from 10:00-11:15 a.m. in the Bethany Room. For more information, contact Janet Rocap at janet@fumcgnv.org.

Questions or Interest in a Growth Group?

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