We at First UCM-Denton are graced with many small groups that enable us to grow through Bible study and spiritual formation, to build community and fellowship together, and to explore a diverse range of study, service and prayer opportunities. Small Group Ministry extends the connection of church and community members beyond the scope of Sunday morning classes.
The purpose of Small Groups Ministry is to provide a caring, sharing and supportive fellowship for discovering and growing in your Christian life. Small groups are an essential part of any growing church community, and they provide a place of care, concern, accountability, and fellowship that is hard to find in the larger body of the church. Whether camping, traveling, quilting, crafting or studying the Bible or other books, we hope that you will find a group that meets your needs.
Small groups offerings usually change seasonally, with the bulk of the groups beginning during the Fall. January and June are also popular start times for these small groups, meeting either at the church or members’ homes on days other than Sunday.
Four ways to register:
Small Groups Ministry Registration Form (PDF)
Leader: Owen Kelly, Assistant Professor, Texas Woman’s University
Day/Time: 3rd Wednesday of each month, Sept.-May,
Dates: Begins September 15
TWU nutrition and dietetic students will discuss the importance of nutrition and exercise in diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease and osteoporosis (separate topics each session), and in weight management. In addition, sessions will touch on managing food allergies and other relevant topics. Get tips on how to modify your recipes to make them healthier (so please bring your recipes). Leaders will take suggestions for additional topics from the audience. Our goal is to have a happier, healthier FUMC.
Leader: Joe Carbonaro
Day/Time: Wednesdays, 6:00-8:00 p.m.
Dates: Begins September 8
Place: St. Andrew Presbyterian Church
Financial Peace University is a 13-week course designed to teach you and your family how to get out of debt, stay out of debt, and build wealth. The lessons break through the common financial jargon and explain how money really works in a simple, easy-to-understand style.
Leader: Julie Wilson, LMSW
Date/Time: Tuesday, September 14, 7:00-8:00 p.m. (one session)
This session explores the latest insights on ways people can make healthy choices and lower their risk for Alzheimer’s Disease. Julie Wilson is affiliated with the Greater Dallas Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association.
Leaders: JoAnn Nunnelly & Dr. Marcy Haag
Date/Time: Sunday, November 14, 4:00-6:00 p.m. (one session)
This session is designed for anyone who has lost a loved one. Participants will develop a plan for facing the holidays while experiencing grief. The opportunity to share with others in the same situation can be extremely healing and supportive. Participants will receive various resources to use for handling special events like Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter.
Leaders: Cassie Newton, Staff Intern; other staff to be determined
Day/Time: To be determined, based on participant needs
Dates: Begins after Labor Day
Cost: $9.00
This 12-week study uses videotapes of scholars, participant handbooks, group discussion and food as students explore the basic tenets of the Christian faith. For more information, contact Rev. Matt Gaston.
Leaders: Joe Carbonaro and Lisa Marshall
Day/Time: Sundays, 5:00-6:30 p.m.
Dates: Sept. 19-Oct. 24, 2010
Cost: $17.00
This class looks at eight major religions of the world, and consider the question: How can religious differences be a bridge to cooperation rather than a bomb of destruction? The course text, God is Not One by Stephen Prothero , gives a new context for understanding religion in the 21st century and invites us to discuss our assumptions about the way the world’s religions work.
Back by Popular Demand!
Leaders: Larry & Kae Fisher
Day/Time: Thursdays, 7pm
Dates: Sept. 16-Nov. 4, 2010
Cost: $12 per book requested + $10 per person for snacks/beverages
For the “nearly, newly and nicely retired,” this seminar offers a forum for sharing questions, comments, insights and experiences while being guided through an exploration of retirement and what it can mean for you. Sessions meet at the Fisher home in Crossroads
Leader: Deana Ferguson
Day/Time: Tuesdays, 6:30-8:30 p.m. (same as Disciple I)
Dates: August 31, 2010-May 17, 2011
Open to children in grades 1-5, this 28-week course features age-appropriate Bible study and hands-on experiences, especially designed to lead children to understand their faith and their place in God’s world.
Coordinator: Jody McGuire email Jody
Dates: September 12, 19, 26 5:00-7:00 pm
Get an introduction to the history, organization, and belief of the United Methodist Church and to the mission and ministry of First UMC-Denton. Led by experienced members and staff of our church, participants will learn about FUMC Denton and how connecting makes a difference in the lives of people, beginning with the class as it discovers what it means to be a disciple of Jesus Christ with "prayers, presence, gifts, service and witness." This class is a prerequisite to, and enrichment of, membership.
TBD Filipino Tai Chi Mondays, 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.; meets year round Cost $15 per month. Tai Chi (Filipino version: “Malambot ng Kamay” – translation: soft hands). Known for its smoothness and poise the “soft hands” movements are compact, comfortable, and flowing. The techniques are powerful, yet are combined with being firm and gentle. With an emphasis on hand movement that coordinates well with foot work, the goal of this art is to build dexterity, coordination, balance and proper breathing.
Tuesday, 6:30-8:30 pm, beginning August 24
Wednesday, 9:30-11:30 am beginning August 25
Led by Gloria Thomas
Have you ever hesitated to enter the discussion in Sunday School class or avoided taking a turn as a teacher in the children’s division because you felt you did not know enough about the Bible? Welcome! Many people share that feeling. But there is relief.
Disciple 1 Bible study offers a 34-week overview of the Bible from Genesis to Revelation. In the company of fellow students, under the leadership of an experienced teacher, with the guidance provided by a well-written manual, you can move toward Biblical literacy.
We must have 10 people for a class to make. Cost of the manual is $35.00, payable at the first session. For information or to enroll in either class email Gloria Thomas
Sunday evening, 5:00-7:00 p.m., September 12-May 22.
Led by Dalton Gregory
Disciple 3 is a 16- week study of the Old Testament prophets and a 16-week study of Paul’s letters in the New Testament.
You must have completed Disciple 1 to enroll for Disciple 3
To enroll, email Gloria Thomas