Groups
What Are Small Groups?
Life at First United Methodist Church of Palo Alto doesn’t happen only on Sunday mornings. Some of the most meaningful moments happen in smaller settings.
A small group – usually 3 to 12 people – is where the feeling of spiritual community becomes real. Whether you’re exploring faith for the first time or have been studying the Bible for decades, there’s a place for you here.
Book & Bible Study Groups
Monday Night (Zoom)
The Monday Night Bible Study Class meets from 7:15 to 9 p.m. over Zoom. They are currently studying “The Bible With and Without Jesus: How Jews and Christians Read the Same Stories Differently” by Amy-Jill Levine and Mark Zvi Brettler.
Contact the church office to join.
Covenant (Zoom)
The Covenant Class meets Sundays at 6 p.m. over Zoom. They are currently reading Michael Sandel’s “Justice: What’s the Right Thing To Do?”
Contact the church office to join.
Sunday Afternoon
The Sunday Afternoon Bible Study with Pastor Burke Owens meets in person after worship, beginning at 12:15 p.m. in the Millenium Room on the basement level. They are currently discussing the book of Matthew.
Come to the worship service at 10:45, grab a snack and coffee at Snack n Chat, and head on downstairs.
Friday Evening (Spanish)
The Friday Evening Spanish Bible Study with Pastor Gerardo Garcia Palacios meets in person, beginning at 7 p.m. in the Patio Room. They are currently discussing the book of Matthew.
Contact Pastor Gerardo at cyfministries@firstpaloalto.com to join.
Interest Groups
United Women of Faith
Formerly called United Methodist Women, this group of women supports United Methodist mission projects, particularly those benefiting women and children; participates in the UWF nationwide reading program; and provides Christmas cookies for homebound members of the congregation. They raise money for mission projects by selling their beautifully hand-crafted Christmas and all-occasion cards. Any woman in the church is a part of United Women of Faith.
Koinonia
Koinonia is a Greek word that appears multiple times in the New Testament of the Bible and means “fellowship.” At FUMC Koinonia is a social group that gets together once a month to dine, hike, celebrate or do a service project, all in the spirit of Christian fellowship and friendship. Programs include a Chinese New Year dinner, a jigsaw puzzle night, a Christmas party, and a progressive dinner. Couples and singles of all ages are welcome. Contact the church office to find out about upcoming events.
Social Action Movie Group (Zoom)
The Social Action Movie Group meets Monday evenings at 7 p.m. over Zoom to discuss a socially relevant movie. Movies chosen are available free or for rent on popular streaming platforms.
Contact the church office for the movie title of the week and Zoom information.
Current Affairs Fellowship Group (Zoom)
All are welcome to join this online group that meets at noon on Tuesdays. Each person is encouraged to bring one topic to the meeting and speak for two to three minutes. Find articles in the newspaper or journals, or summarize a significant event by bringing together several sources.
Couples Group
The Couples Group meets in-person on the first and third Sundays of the month after the worship service, beginning at noon in the Wesley Room. For married and committed couples, the group’s goal is to strengthen marriages and partnerships through discussion and reflection.
Women’s Retreat
FUMC women and friends join women from Aldersgate UMC at an annual weekend retreat in the first quarter of the year at the beautiful Villa Del Mar in Santa Cruz. These weekends of study, music, sharing and reflection – under the guidance of the retreat leader – have been a way to reset our spiritual compasses for more than 25 years. Contact the church office for information about 2027’s retreat and a registration form.
Sunday School for Kids 3-11
Sunday School
In our Sunday School children learn the building blocks of faith: that God made them, that Jesus loves them, that their church family cares for them, and that they can care for each other. Through story-telling, art, dramatics and song, Pastor Gerardo teaches the values of a Christian life to children ages 3 to 11. Our one-room Sunday School meets upstairs in the Rainbow Room on Sunday mornings, starting promptly at 10 a.m. and ending at 10:30 before the worship service at 10:45.
Need Help Finding a Group?
Still need help finding the right group or program? Feel free to reach out to us at info@firstpaloalto.com. We’re here to help!
Frequently Asked Questions
Have a question about the groups we offer? We have answers.
We hope so! Read about our groups above and see which one might be right for you.
For some book study groups it is useful to have your own copy. Copies can also be found in the public library or our church library on the first floor of the Education Building.
Yes.
Each small group has a point person. Contact the church office at info@firstpaloalto.com.
Some are in-person only and some are online only. Read about any of the groups above to find out how they meet.
Some groups meet weekly, some monthly, some every other week. Most groups are ongoing, but some groups meet for a specified time period and then disband. Meetings are usually 1-2 hours.