Adult Christian Education

First United Methodist Church of Brighton is a faithful congregation of Christian believers that seeks to be transformed by the Holy Spirit so that we may be empowered to transform the world. John Wesley, the founder of Methodism, believed that growth in faith and discipleship was a lifelong pursuit. Employing our tradition, reason and experience, we delve into sacred scripture to listen for and follow God’s call into an ever closer relationship with Him.

We are proud to be a congregation of the United Methodist Church and are committed to growing strong disciples of Jesus Christ and leaders for the church and the world.

Deacon Loretta Job, director of adult faith formation,can answer any questions you may have about adult faith formation here at First United Methodist Church of Brighton. Call Deacon Loretta at 810-229-8561 or email loretta@brightonfumc.org.

Click Here For Lenten Studies Schedule


Growing Our Faith Every Day

SUNDAY
9:15 a.m.—An adult gathering with no pre-reading required. Meets in the chapel. Contact Bruce Stark.
7:30-9:30 p.m.—Study the Bible one book at a time. See how the ancient words apply to your life today. Facilitated by Rich and Mary Ray in their home.

MONDAY
1:00 p.m.—Seeker's Book Study Group,  Library
January's book is “Becoming the Answer to Our Prayers: Prayer for Ordinary Radicals” by Shane Claiborne and Jonathan Wilson-Hartgrove. “Prayer is not so much about convincing God to do what we want God to do as it is about convincing ourselves to do what God wants us to do." —from the introduction.  Claiborne and Wilson-Hartgrove show how prayer and action must go together. Their exposition of key Bible passages provides concrete examples of how a life of prayer fuels social engagement and the work of justice. If you hope to see God change society, you must be an ordinary radical who prays—and then is ready to become the answer to your own prayers. Rose Bledsoe is the leader of this group, all are welcome to attend.

TUESDAY
8:30 a.m.—Men With Tools
Men With Tools is lead by Pastor John. The men continue to meet for meaningful conversation, laughter and mutual support. They also work on projects around the church facilities to keep us looking good.

WEDNESDAY
CrossRoads—Dinner for everyone is served beginning at 5:45 p.m. for a reasonable price and classes run from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Many adult faith formation opportunities take place during this evening, mid-week program, and include childcare and activities for all ages. Clergy and lay people lead a variety of short term classes. There is also the opportunity to serve by providing the meal for the evening, which can be made on site or brought in prepared.

Wednesday Class Offerings:

"Living the Questions"
6:30 p.m.
Pastor Sherry will lead discussion as we consider what it means to “Reclaim the World” in the name of Jesus. This seven week class will include the topics: Restoring Relationships, Evil and Suffering, The Myth of Redemptive Violence and Practicing Resurrection.  

"Falling Upward"
6:30 p.m.
Pastor John invites all who have experienced or are experiencing failure and disappointment to join him in the study of Rohr’s powerful perspective of hope in the midst of the challenges that life brings. Falling Upward, by Father Richard Rohr--the founder of the Center for Action and Contemplation--offers a new paradigm for understanding one of the most profound of life's mysteries: how our failings can be the foundation for our ongoing spiritual growth. Drawing on the wisdom from time-honored myths, heroic poems, great thinkers, and religious texts, the author explores the two halves of life to show that those who have fallen, failed, or "gone down" are the only ones who understand "up." Rohr takes you on a journey to understand how the heartbreaks and disappointments of life are stepping stones to the spiritual joys that the second half of life has in store.

Drop In Group
6:30 p.m.
Bruce Stark will continue to meet lead the drop in group who focus on great conversation, building relationships and finding God in everyday life.

SATURDAY
8:00 a.m.—Men of Faith
Men of Faith is a diverse group of men looking to share coffee and bagels while having discussions on a variety of Christian topics. This group reads a variety of texts and is open to men at all stages of life. John Phillips leads discussion on a new book, “Game Plan for Life” by Joe Gibbs. Written with the sports fan in mind, Game Plan for Life is an “average Joe’s” guide to what the Bible has to say about such topics as relationships; finances; physical, emotional, and spiritual health; finding the right vocation; living a life of purpose; and overcoming sin and addiction.

More Formation Opportunities

Season of Advent
During the four weeks leading up to Christmas, special small groups are formed for focused study during this season of anticipation. Midweek services take place 6:30 p.m. Thursday evenings.