SMALL GROUPS (UPDATED 04/03/2021)
FUMC promotes participation in Small Groups as a way to meet other Christians, participate in shared interests, support each other's needs, and build lasting friendships in a one-on-one setting with limited attendance.
During the COVID-19 environment, we need the support of others and the ability to communicate with those of common interest. In the current environment, our Groups are in-person, virtual (highlighted in this listing), or blended (in-person and virtual).
If you have an interest in joining one of the groups below, contact the leader directly or if assistance is needed, contact ereed@havenfirstumc.org. If Group Leaders need to change their meeting information, contact ereed@havenfirstumc.org with updates.
Life in Action Groups
Our interest is in following Jesus' command to "go and make disciples". We study and practice within
our Group and then go out into the community to make disciples. Recommended readings for this
group are listed at the bottom of this page.
Mondays
Led by: Ellen Marino
Study Book: Healing
Where: Church
Frequency: Weekly, 10:00 AM (temporarily filled)
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Tuesdays
Led by: Ann Moyer & Nancy Kraft
Study Book: Crucial Conversations
Where: Church
Frequency: Weekly, 3:00 PM
Led by: JoAnn Daum
Study Book: Crucial Conversations
Where: Church
Frequency: Weekly, 3:00 PM
Led by: Wanda Langley
Study Book: Crucial Conversations
Where: Church
Frequency: Weekly, 6:00 PM
Led by: Dave Williams
Study Book: Crucial Conversations
Where: On-line (Google Meet)
Frequency: Weekly, 7:00 PM (NEW; starting 04/13/21)
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Thursdays
Led by: Eydie Reed
Study Book:
Where: On-line (WebEx)
Frequency: Weekly, 10:00 AM
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Fridays
Led by: Mary & Moffette Tharpe
Studying: Parables
Where: Home
Frequency: Every other week, 6:30 PM (temporarily filled)
Encouragement & Accountability Groups
We are smaller groups which meet regularly to support and encourage each other in our walk of faith.
Wednesdays
Led by: Doug O'Connell
Where: On-line Men's Class (Zoom)
Frequency: Weekly, 6:30 AM
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Saturdays
Led by: Wanda Langley
Where: Varies
Frequency: Weekly, 8:00 AM (temporarily filled)
Bible Study Groups
Our interest is in-depth study of books of the Bible to better understand its teachings.
Sundays
Led by: Tom Reed
Studying: Genesis
Where: Church
Frequency: Weekly, following worship service
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Tuesdays
Led by: Shirley and Lenny Yenilaitus
Studying: John
Where: Home
Frequency: Weekly, 6:30 PM (temporarily filled)
Led by: Bonnie Hawley
Studying: Old Testament
Where: Home
Frequency: Weekly, 7:00 PM (filled)
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Wednesdays
Led by: Ellen Marino
Studying: Daniel
Where: Church
Frequency: Weekly, 10:00 AM
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Thursdays
Led by: Doug O'Connell
Studying: Revelation
Where: On-line (Zoom); contact D O'Connell for link
Frequency: Weekly, 7:00 PM
Focused Groups
We have a variety of Small Groups with specialized interests.
When: TBD
Led by: Karen Shiffert
Type: Caregiver Support Group (New)
Where: Church
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Sundays
Led by:
Type: Alpha Course Class
Where: Church
Frequency: As needed
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Thursdays
Led by: Gerri Inama
Studying: 12 Extraordinary Women
Where: Home
Frequency: First three Thursdays of each month, 6:00 PM
Led by: Gerri Inama
Meal & Chat: Women encouraging women
Where: Church
Frequency: Last Thursday of each month, 6:00 PM
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Saturdays
Led by: Don Bergen
Type: Men's Breakfast
Video Series on Defending the Faith
Where: Church Fellowship Hall & On-line (WebEx)
Frequency: Third Saturday of each month, 8:00 AM
If you would like to start a new Small Group, please contact the FUMC church office at 570.385.3941 for more information.
LIFE IN ACTION GROUPS RECOMMENDED READINGS (UPDATED 03/16/2021)
The books listed below have been reviewed by the Discipleship Council and are recommended for the Life in Action Groups to use as a guide in their mission to create disciples in response to Jesus' command in Matthew 28:19a.
These books are generally available at www.christianbook.com and through other providers.
Discipleship Plan Components
Component 1 - Experience God
"A Firm Foundation" by Wesleyan Covenant Association
Hope and Vision for a new Methodist Future
"Alpha Course" by Nicky Gumbel
Creating space to explore life, faith, and meaning
"Healing" by Francis MacNutt
Provides a context within which to understand healing
Component 2 - Follow the Lord Jesus
Daily Devotions
Component 3 - Share Life Together
"The Class Meeting" by Kevin M. Watson
A fresh new guide to the theory and practice of the Wesley class meeting
"The Band Meeting" by Kevin M. Watson & Scott T. Kisker
Demonstrates that the band meeting is not merely another church program
Component 4 - Serve the Body of Christ
"Healing" by Francis MacNutt
Provides a context within which to understand healing
Component 5 - Invest in Others
"The Starfish Movement" by Dan Grider
Shows how to fully engage with the original Movement that Jesus launched
(suggested reading for leaders of Small Groups)
"Crucial Conversations" by Dan Grider
Draws our attention to those defining moments that literally shape our lives, our relationships, and our world
"God Space" by Doug Pollock
Naturally create room - God Space - for spiritual conversations to happen in your everyday life