LEARNING

Our purpose is to be Rooted in Christ, Growing in Grace, and Reaching out to All

To be rooted in Christ means to live the way Jesus taught us. We believe God intends for us to follow the way of Jesus together, in community with others. That’s why we have several ways for people to be involved with a group of people committed to learning to follow Jesus.

Throughout the year we offer several short-term groups in which you can form and deepen relationships with others, grow in faith, be challenged, and learn what it means to follow in the ways of Jesus. We call these groups Journey Groups because life is a journey, and one best traveled with others. 

Lectionary Study

Mondays @ 1:30 pm Study group led by Margaret Wannemacher in the Timothean classroom. For more information, call the church office 828-322-6058.

Mondays @ 6:00 pm Study group led by Pastor Paul in the Community Room. For more information, contact Paul (paul@firstumchickory.org) or call the church office 828-322-6058.

Mondays @ 7:00 pm Study group led by Pastor Jennifer at her parsonage. For more information, contact Jennifer (jennifer@firstumchickory.org) or call the church office 828-322-6058.

Journey 101

Journey 101 is a short, informal gathering with Pastor Jennifer and your Membership Team to help visitors learn more about First United Methodist Church—who we are and what we are about. Anyone wanting to learn more about deepening their faith and commitment to Christ through membership at First UMC, Hickory should attend. This gathering is open to anyone, but we especially hope those who are new or visiting here will participate. For more information, contact Jennifer (jennifer@firstumchickory.org) or call the church office 828-322-6058.

Disciple’s Path

This 6-week study looks at how to follow Jesus with our prayers, presence, gifts, service, and witness.  An excellent study for new members, those new to the faith or church, or anyone looking to deepen their discipleship. This study meets participants where they are and guides them in taking the next steps in becoming engaged, fully devoted followers of Jesus Christ. For more information, contact Jennifer (jennifer@firstumchickory.org) or call the church office 828-322-6058.

Class Meetings

A Class Meeting is a multigenerational group who meets regularly to connect, encourage discipleship, and mentor one another in spiritual growth. FUMC has several Class Meeting groups who meet at various times throughout the week. For more information, contact Jennifer (jennifer@firstumchickory.org) or call the church office 828-322-6058.

Wednesday Night Programs

Each Wednesday night during the school year we offer a hot homemade meal at 5:30 followed by Adult short-term studies, children’s programming, and youth group from 6:00-7:00. No need to sign up for these, just come join us! A new Lent study led by Bishop Ken Carter is beginning on March 1.

Small Groups

We affirm the belief that we grow in our faith when challenged together in small groups. We encourage all to participate in a small group to not only deepen relationships with each other, but to grow in our faith with Jesus Christ. The groups listed above are just a sampling of the many opportunities we have here at First UMC. For more information on small groups, contact Jennifer (jennifer@firstumchickory.org) or call the church office 828-322-6058.