Life is tough. It's even tougher if you're trying to do it without the support of others. But, you'll soon discover that First UMC Brandon is a faith-family of warm, caring people who face many of the same challenges you may be struggling with right now. Our kids don't always mind, our parents can be critical, our bosses demand too much, and sometimes we sit and wonder just what tomorrow will bring. We laugh and cry together, we worship and grow together, we pull together to support each other, and nurture each other, and love each other as Christ loves us. As a joyful response to the love He's shown us, we come together to serve others, too... to make a difference in people's lives throughout Brandon and beyond. God wants us, as believers, to be a community of hope in the world. A signpost pointing to Him and demonstrating the difference He and His love makes in our lives - and can make in theirs.
Adult Discipleship
Saying "Yes" to Jesus is the most important question we'll ever answer in life. But that isn't the end of our journey, it's just the beginning. Having answered that question in the affirmative, we spend the rest of our lives learning how to be more like Christ in our thoughts and actions (
Rom 12:2,
Phil 2:5). Early on, the church developed a number of Spiritual Disciplines that are tools to help us carve out space in our otherwise hectic schedules so God can work in our lives. There are personal spiritual disciplines including daily Bible reading, reflection and prayer - and disciplines we do in the company of others such as worship, study and service. Both are equally important if we are to become fully devoted followers on the way with Christ.
Learn more about the Pastor's Daily Devotion
Sunday School Classes Available
Small Groups Available
Serving in Ministry
At First UMC Brandon, we encourage everyone to serve regularly in at least one area of "ministry" (ministry = service within the church). On a practical level, that means we don't use resources paying for lots of extra staff and can better devote your tithes and offerings to others-in-need. Theologically, it's a reflection of our belief in the priesthood of all believers. In Methodism, the priesthood of believers has more to do with our service than with an individual's position or status (
Ephesians 4:11-16). We are all believer-priests and stand equally before God (
1 Peter 2:9). This doesn't minimize our individual giftedness or calling, but emphasizes our individual responsibility to each do our part to build up the body of Christ within the local church.
Information on ministry serving opportunities.
Serving in Mission
From the movement’s beginnings, Methodism has distinguished itself as a religious movement strongly tied to social issues. That comes directly from Jesus' example and admonition to serve the poor and oppressed (
Matthew 25:34-40). As such, at First UMC Brandon, we have a strong emphasis on an outward focus in our Christian walk - lived out in service to others. And so, we encourage everyone to serve regularly in at least one area of "mission" (mission = service outside the church). Rather than investing time and money reinventing the wheel, we generally partner with established organizations that are already doing good work in their communities - locally, regionally and internationally.
Information on mission serving opportunities.