SMALL GROUPSWe at First United Methodist Church are invited to ‘weave our lives together,’ to faithfully connect with each other in meaningful ways. And, small groups constitute a very important path to such connection within our large congregation. Small groups may be organized around ages or stages of life, shared interests, tasks, caring support or spiritual formation. For example, you may choose to join or start a covenant discipleship group, an empty nesters group, a cooking group, an adventures group…you get the picture. The possibilities are limitless.
Consider joining a small group this fall! Some current active and emerging groups include Outdoor Adventure, Spiritual Book Discussion, Habitat for Humanity, Experimental Cooking, 20's & 30's, and Earth Care FUMC. There are many, many others. If you are interested in learning more about existing groups, or have an idea for a new one, contact the church office at 332-6396.
Please note that all emails for persons other than First Church staff are spelled out rather than using the actual address in order to deter spam being sent to these individuals. In order to email, you must type the address in email form (i.e.jleonard@fumcb.org or 332-6396.
Interest-Based Small Groups
Daytime Stitchers
Meets weekly at the church to work on needle art projects. Contact Mary Landgvardt at marylangvardt at gmail.com or 876-6741.
Experimental Cooking Group Monthly, themed dinners with hosts preparing main dish and guests bringing side dishes, appetizers and dessert. Contact Jim Andrews at andrewsj at indiana.edu.
Exploring Travel Connect, share and take short trips with other travelers. Contact Arlen Packard at arlen.packard at gmail.com or 935-7258.
FUMC Golf Gathering
Cascades Golf Course, all abilities welcome. Just show up and play! Contact Greg Dillon at gdillon at depauw.edu.
In Stitches
An informal time to spend in fellowship working on various needle art projects such as knitting, crocheting, quilting, cross stitch, etc. Bring your own project for an opportunity to stitch, teach, learn, and share. For more information, contact Maria Schmidt at marschmi at indiana.edu.
Men's Softball
Each year, First Church places teams in Bloomington softball leagues. Anyone interested in playing on the men's FUMC softball team should contact Doug Porter at 339-3725 or porterjd50 at hotmail.com. You must be at least 18 years old to play.
Outdoor Adventure Group
No experience necessary, just a love of the outdoors! Group members will join together for outdoor activities such as hiking, canoeing, skiing, and sharing adventure travel stories. Contact Jim McLane at jbjamac at bluemarble.net.
Scrapbooking Get out those pictures you've been meaning to organize! Contact Susan Dougan at susandougan1 at gmail.com.
Visual Arts
Share your artistic talents! All forms of visual arts will be celebrated, such as painting, drawing, photography, and sculpture. All ages and levels of ability are encouraged. Contact Randall Floyd at rdfloyd at indiana.edu or 332-2744.
Task-Based Small Groups Children’s Singing Outreach
Children sing in local nursing homes every other month. Contact the church office at
332-6396.
Habitat for Humanity
Working together to build decent, affordable houses with low-income families in our community. Contact Patricia Andrews at 339-7484 or andrewsp at indiana.edu or Jim Roach at jcroach at yahoo.com.
Mission Trips
Making periodic trips to regions, such as New Orleans, to do construction work and community building in areas affected by natural disasters and poverty. Contact Beth Ellis at beth at TimEllisRealtors.com or 345-2041.
Music Ministry
Music Ministries at FUMC affords opportunities for the sharing of gifts as well as connecting with others in the community of faith. Consider joining one of the following groups:
Chancel Choir (Sanctuary Service)
Contact Michael Schwartzkopf at michschw at indiana.edu.
Wesley Choir (First Up Service)
Contact John Leonard at jleonard@fumcb.org or 332-6396.
Common Ground Band (The Open Door Service)
Contact Travis Jeffords at tjeffords@fumcb.org or 332-6396.
Stillwater Band (grades 7-12, The Open Door Service)
Contact David Price at daaprice at indiana.edu.
Bell Choirs (Children and adult, various services)
Contact Skip Sluder at sluderc at indiana.edu.
Children’s and Youth Choirs (Kindergarten to high school, various services)
Contact John Leonard at jleonard@fumcb.org or 332-6396.
United Methodist Women Circles
Meet with other Methodist women in fellowship, study and action. Contact Mary Jane Packard at arlen.packard at gmail.com or 935-7258.
Wednesday Food Pantry Food distribution for those in need. Contact the church office at 332-6396.
Care/Spiritual Formation-Based Small Groups Care Teams
Offers care to those who are hospitalized, are in nursing homes, are recently
bereaved, or who have other needs. Contact Barbara Light at 334-2953 or
bjlight at att.net.
Covenant Discipleship Groups
Meet weekly with those who want to grow in their relationship with Jesus
Christ through mutual accountability and support. Contact the church office
at 332-6396.
Open and Affirming
Dialogue about what it means to be an open and affirming congregation,
specifically exploring issues around homosexuality. Contact Jim Andrews at
andrewsj at indiana.edu.
Progressive Journeys
Focuses on reading, conversation, and reflection on emerging and progressive
theological thought. Contact Susan Failey at newsf at comcast.net or 339-9800.
Currently this group is continuing their exploration of progressive theology with
the reading and discussion of "The Misunderstood Jew - The Church and the
Scandal of the Jewish Jesus" by Amy Jill Levine. The class will be in contact with
the author via e-mail for any questions that arise.
Sisters of Sophia
Women exploring feminine spirituality. Contact Tanya Cox-Endris at
coxendristanya at gmail.com or 320-8977. All women are welcome.
Spiritual Book Discussion
Read and discuss books from a spiritual perspective. Contact Brenda Tewel at
323-8067 or bmtewel at sbcglobal.net.
Usher & Greeter Teams
Provide hospitality on Sunday mornings. Contact the Church office at 332-6396.
Wesley Conventicle
A forum on faith issues. Notes from the classes are available here.
Contact Jan Shipps at shipps at iupui.edu or Ed Stephenson at stephene at indiana.edu.
Age/Stage-Based Small Groups 20’s or 30’s
If you are in your 20’s or 30’s, whether still in school, hard at work or just
finding your place in this world, come join us. Contact Mary at 332-6396 or
Empty Nesters
All the kids out of the house? Get together with others sharing in this stage of
life. Contact Mary Landgvardt at 876-6741 or marylangvardt at gmail.com.
Families Service Outreach
Working on community outreach projects as a family group. Contact the church
office at 332-6396.
New Beginnings
Senior fellowship and Bible study. Contact the church office at 332-6396.
Parents of Teenagers
Need we say more? Contact Jen Stuelpe Gibbs at jsgibbs@fumcb.org or 332-6396.
Youth Group
THE group for teenagers! Come play, sing, share and grow your faith.
Contact Jenifer Stuelpe Gibbs at 332-6396, ext. 0727 or jsgibbs@fumcb.org.
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