This new concept for Noblesville First is called The Vineyard because Jesus taught his disciples that he is the Vine and we are the branches, so we want everyone to be a part of at least one Branch in the church.
Branches are much more flexible and informal than traditional church small groups. Branches can connect in a variety of ways. You might meet in person, but the connection can also take place through email, text, phone or Zoom meetings. Some Branches will see themselves as more of a shepherding circle that looks after each other and other Branches might want to pursue more serious study of the Bible or do a book study. Other Branches may organize themselves around an activity or ministry they perform.
Monday Morning Study Branch
Meeting most Monday mornings throughout the year, this group tackles many different types of studies: Bible Study, scripture related studies, inspirational studies from many different authors. Each study lasts 6 to 12 weeks. We continually support each other through prayer and share devotions and writings to help us to dig deeper into our faith and to walk as Christ's disciplines in the world.
Contact: Carol Miller
Chancel Choir Branch
The Chancel Choir Branch exists to renew a connection & communication with choir members during this time when we have not been able to be together to rehearse or sing on Sunday's. It involves making phone calls and/or sending cards/emails to check in with members who are not attending church or singing in ensembles to let them know we are thinking about them. This is something anyone can do & become a part of to keep our choir members connected until we can join together in song, fellowship & worship in-person again.
Contact: Susie Long
Coffee & Life Branch
The Coffee and Life Branch is an adult Sunday school class. Class discussion topics vary. Coffee and Life meets in the church Parlor at 9:30, but is currently meeting via zoom on Tuesday evenings at 7pm. A link to the zoom meetings can be found at NoblesvilleFirst.com/CoffeeAndLife
Contact: Dale Morris
Wright Branch
Our branch is a social and community service branch. We are the parents of teenagers who get together to socialize and volunteer our time at different church and community events throughout the year. We are one of the only groups in central Indiana who accept Purdue fans, begrudgingly!
Contacts: Greg and Charron Wright
Priscilla Circle
One of five United Methodist Women Circles, this branch meets on the second Wednesday of each month at 6:30 p.m. in the Church Parlor for fun, fellowship and project planning. The Circle hosts the Bags, Baskets and Blessings event each November. They sort, pack and deliver supplies for babies to organizations in Hamilton County that serve families in need.
Contact: Phyllis Hunter
Elderberries Study Group
The Elderberries Study Group meets from 10-11am on Thursday mornings in the church parlor. Everyone is welcome. We do studies on books by our favorite authors such as Adam Hamilton, James Moore, Max Lucado and John Ortberg.
Contact: Phyllis Hunter
Weaver Branch
This branch is connected by either a Bible study class, former coworkers, Charley Oldham golf group, Sommerwood resident, or just someone we've gotten to know over the years.
Contacts: Mike and Barb Weaver
Navigating COVID19 Branch
The Navigating COVID19 Branch was originally initiated with two needs in mind: first, to have a conduit of dependable information about COVID19 in the early days of the pandemic, and second, to provide a safe place for a person to share their experience of COVID19 if and when they became exposed and/or infected. Currently, the provision of vaccination information has become of the greatest importance. Sharing and commenting about social responsibility, especially for Noblesville First, as the pandemic winds down is a direction that may be next explored.
Contact: Paul Ernst
United Methodist Women board
The United Methodist Women’s board is made up of women who are members of a United Methodist Women circle and are willing to represent that circle and serve in a specified office on the board. Anyone interested in being a part of the board should contact Anita Beck, UMW President,
Contact: Jean Morris
Prayer Branch
The Prayer Branch provides access to our community of believers to online or in-person group prayer time. Participants engage in two-way communications either through Facebook, Zoom, email, phone or through group fellowship during in-person prayer sessions (as permitted post-covid). This branch also provides educational videos and other Biblical resources to help you grow in your faith journey and prayer life.
Contact: Bonnie Zickgraf
Tuesday Night Growth Group
The Tuesday Night Growth Group is made up of a diverse set of people (both couples and individuals, retirees as well as those still working) that meets every other week for dinner (pitch in, dine out, picnic etc) for social connection, and spiritual growth and connectedness.
Contact: Julie Clarkson
