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.
2026 Bible Study Offerings
Each semester there are new 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
Leader: Jim Yockey
Topic: Bystander
Where: CDC Room 104
Questions: Contact Jim Yockey salyock74@gmail.com
The Living Word
Sundays 10:45-11:45am
Leaders: John McIntosh
Topic: Currently studying “Paul for Everyone” by N.T. Wright
Where: CDC Room 103
Questions: Contact John at (813)760-4986 or johnmcin@tampabay.rr.com
Everyday Christianity
Sundays 10:45am-11:45am
Leaders: David Teeples
Topic: What Makes You Happy
Where: CDC Room 102 and on Zoom
Questions: Contact David Teeples at (571)217-7730 or dateeps@gmail.com
Fireflies
Sundays 11am-noon
Leaders: Bill & Pat Ogden
Topic: Unafraid, Living with Courage and Hope in Uncertain Times by Pastor Adam Hamilton
Where: Zoom or in person room 105
Questions: Contact Bill & Pat at billandpatogden@verizon.net
Women’s Monday Group
Mondays 10:30AM – 12:15PM
Leader: Jackie Williams
Topic: A is for Alabaster by Anna Carter Florence
Where: Zoom
Questions: Contact Jackie at (813)382-3593 or wjacqueline069@gmail.com
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 jwpreston13@verizon.net 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 Pat Ogden for more information at billandpatogden@verizon.net
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, vartanjs@aol.com 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.
Bible Study for Men
Men’s Bible Study: What Happens Next by Max Lucado
Study Starts February 18, 2026
Contact Andy Staley digfoot@live.com or 813-727-1765 with questions
Bible Study for Women
Women’s Bible Study How Happiness Happens by Max Lucado
Study Starts February 18, 2026
Contact Nancy Staley at 813-404-0449 or email gators70@hotmail.com
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.
First Crafters
On the Second Friday of the month 10am-2pm (may occasionally change to avoid conflict with other functions) in the CDC, Room 104. Everyone with a passion for crafting is encouraged to attend. Whether your interests include sewing, quilting, embroidery, needlepoint, crochet, knitting, card making, jewelry making, or any other creative pursuit, your talents are welcome and valued.
If you would like more information or have any questions, please contact:
Shelia Keel at: js28keel@gmail.com or send a text to 813-767-0753
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 church@fpcbrandon.org. 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.