Adults
This ministry encourages your life-long adventure as a disciple of Jesus through education and study! No matter who you are – your age, background, areas of interest – we have something meaningful for you.
2024 Bible Study Offerings
Each Fall we kick off the school year with a new batch of offerings for bible study. We encourage you to join a group and discover the benefits of being in a community of people willing to explore faith together.
Adult Sunday School
Sundays 8:30am-9:15am
Leaders: Elizabeth McNair, Ben Pabst & Marianne Evans
Topic: Beginning with “Practicing Generosity” from the “Follow Me” curriculum
Where: CDC Room 104
Questions: Contact Elizabeth at (813)494-4316 or [email protected]
The Living Word
Sundays 10:45-11:45am
Leaders: John McIntosh
Topic: Currently studying the Gospel According to John & related commentaries
Where: CDC Room 103
Questions: Contact John at (813)760-4986 or [email protected]
Everyday Christianity
Sundays 10:45am-11:45am
Leaders: David Teeples
Topic: Discussion around challenges we face every day in accepting Jesus’ invitation to “follow me”, using a Bible-based video series. Current Topic “Living With Yourself”
Where: CDC Room 102
Questions: Contact David at (571)217-7730 or [email protected]
Fireflies
Sundays 11am-noon
Leaders: Bill & Pat Ogden, Marianne Evans, & shared leadership with participants
Topic: Currently focusing on Social Justice based on Micah 6:8 & Matthew 25:40
Where: Zoom
Questions: Contact Bill & Pat at (813)598-3436 or [email protected]
Women’s Monday Group
Mondays 10:30AM – 12:15PM
Leader: Jackie Williams
Topic: “What if God Wrote Your To-Do List” by Jay Payleitner
Where: Zoom
Questions: Contact Jackie at (813)382-3593 or [email protected]
Thursday Morning
10:30am-12pm
Leaders: Mike McCormack
Topic: “Daniel” by C.L. Seow, based on the book of Daniel
Where: Zoom
Questions: Contact Mike McCormack (813)689-4597
Church Groups
At First Presbyterian Church of Brandon we love learning about God and the plans He has for us. Exploring the Bible and developing our faith is even more fun when it is done with friends who care about you and want to encourage your spiritual journey. We have lots of different classes on Sunday morning and throughout the week. There is sure to be a group that fits you perfectly. The best way to find out about our adult groups is to come and visit to try it out for yourself.
CUPIDS
(Couples United Prayerfully in Devoted Service)
CUPIDS is a small group ministry made up of married couples dedicated to enriching our marriages and strengthening our relationship with God. We meet twice a month (Saturday or Sunday evening) for food, fellowship, sharing, study, and praying for one another. We also have occasional social outings, as well as a mission emphasis of encouraging, supporting, and praying for other couples. If interested in joining us or for more information, please contact JoEllen Preston at [email protected] or 813-294-6639.
SAGE
(Senior Adults Giving Everywhere)
SAGE is a small group suitable for ages 55 and above. At least four quarterly meetings are planned by the Health Ministry Team and interested members. The health and wellness programs, lectures by local experts, and field trips, are designed to provide learning opportunities for members with time for fellowship as well. Contact Judy Smolk if you are interested at 813-643-9586 or [email protected]
Meet And Eat
Meet And Eat is a small group of couples and singles that meet once a month to get to know others in the church or spend time with longtime friends. Each small group is made up of 5 to 6 people that meet for lunch or dinner. Every 3 months the groups are reorganized with new people. Visitors are always welcome. This is a great way to meet and form relationships with a wide variety of folks. No restrictions and lots of fun! Jenny Vartanian is the contact for this group, [email protected] or 813-240-5269.
Music and Choirs
Handbells, Praise Ensemble, and the Chancel Choir are groups where you can share your musical talents with a group of believers.
Wednesday Night Bible Study for Men
Group begins Wednesday October 16 at 7pm
5 week video study + Dinner wrap up
Contact Andy Staley [email protected] or 813-727-1765 with questions
Wednesday Night Bible Study for Women
Group begins Wednesday October 16, at 7pm
5 week video study + Dinner wrap up
Contact Nancy Staley at 813-404-0449 or email [email protected]
Sunrisers Prayer Breakfast
A weekly prayer meeting which includes devotion, breakfast, prayer concerns, and sending cards to those in need or to families celebrating a joy. They meet Tuesday mornings at 8am in Mauldin Hall.
New Member Class
This introduction to the Presbyterian Church and its ministries is a great way to learn about the church and get plugged in.
Singles Group
Monthly get togethers at various restaurants throughout Brandon Area. Restaurants have included Jesse’s Steak House, Shells, and 3 Bulls Tavern. Come join us!
Health Ministry Team
Parish nurses and others who promote good health practices to members. We offer support to our congregation as an information source for health issues, and through specific projects for those with health needs. This includes:
- Crisis Intervention
- Disease Prevention
- Health Promotion
- Education and Training
- Social Events
Stephen Ministry
Stephen Ministers provide emotional and spiritual support and care to people who are going through a difficult time, such as divorce, grief, death of a loved one, illness, hospitalization, relocation, or loneliness.
If you are in need of support from the Stephen Ministry team, you can be matched with a Stephen Minister by calling the church office at (813) 689-4597. First Presbyterian has trained over 100 Stephen Ministers since 1989.
Youth, Children, and Nursery
We have a lot of adults who are growing deeper in their faith by supporting the Youth and Children ministries of our church. By being involved in Children and Youth ministry you are helping kids during the time that their faith is the most formative. We have fun and we love Jesus. There are so many ways to get involved from making meals, to administrative tasks, to leading a group. Jump in!
Seasonal/Special Study Groups
Throughout the year we have special or seasonal study groups. Be sure to sign up for the e-news to learn about new opportunities that come up.
Prayer
According to the Bible, the power of prayer is, quite simply, the power of God, who hears and answers prayer. The following are some of the ways that First Presbyterian honors this power, and our loving God who responds in His time.
Sunrisers Prayer Breakfast – A weekly prayer meeting which includes devotion, breakfast, prayer concerns, and sending cards to those in need or to families celebrating a joy.
Prayer Chain – A weekly email of prayer concerns within and outside of the church. This also includes praises for healing, births, and other celebrations.
Stephen Ministry – A caring and compassionate ministry team in which prayer plays a leading role as they reach out to others in need.
“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” Galatians 6:2 NIV
Tips and Notes for adding people to the prayer list
- Before making a prayer request, talk with the person or family of the individual for permission before you submit his/her name.
- Please note that specific conditions and illnesses will no longer be listed in order to ensure privacy.
- Prayer requests are to be sent via email to [email protected]. Those who do not utilize email may place a note in the offering plate or Carol’s box in the office.
- Except for Shut-ins, Prayer Requests will remain on the list no more than 6 weeks or removed sooner upon request.
The Weekly Prayer Chain is to include members of our church family and their immediate families (parents, children, siblings, grandparents, and grandchildren (step-parents, children, etc., also included)).
Categories:
- Praise Reports
- In the Hospital or Rehab
- Health Concerns
- Sympathy
- Shut-Ins (will not be removed)
- Prayers for Upcoming Events
The monthly Newsletter Ministry of Prayer will include:
- Friends of the Congregation (other relatives, neighbors, co-workers, etc.) with the name of the church family member making the request.
- Military Serving away from Home
Thank you to everyone who prays for people by name. The act of prayer is powerful and makes a big impact.
Community Groups
At First Presbyterian Church of Brandon we open our doors to community groups that serve the needs of Brandon. Here are some of the groups that we host that you can be a part of. View the calendar for meeting times or call the church office at 813-689-4597 for more information.
Family Promise
This is a combined effort of local churches committed to helping homeless families achieve lasting independence and escape the cycle of poverty.
Debtors Anonymous
Debtors Anonymous offers hope for people whose use of unsecured debt causes problems and suffering in their lives and the lives of others.
Sign up for a Group
Interested in joining a small group? Want to know when the next class is starting? Fill out the form to let the group leader know you are interested or to get more information. The door is always open and we’re excited to have you.