Growth Groups

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.