Here At FIRST, we believe that the best way to learn to follow Jesus is in community with others. We believe that while gathering together on Sundays is essential, we are made for deep relationships that can only be forged (or formed) in smaller group settings. These groups are meant to be a catalyst for connection, discipleship, and mission both at our church as well as where we live, work, and play! At FIRST, we call these groups Disciple Making Communities. In the section below, you will see a list of active Disciple Making Communities that are open to others joining them.
Women
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Leader: Sarah Hornback
Meets after 10:30A Service (appr. 11:45A)
Single Moms/ChildcareThis growing group meets at the church and is led by Sarah Hornback. While anyone is welcome, this group exists so single moms can come together and grow in their relationship with Jesus while fostering spiritual conversations using the Discovery Bible Study method. Here, women come together to bear each other’s burdens and celebrate the little and big wins! No previous Bible knowledge is needed! Childcare is available for a nominal fee.
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Leader: Kim Belanger | 6-7:30P | Any Woman
This disciple-making community, led by Kim Belanger, meets on Monday evenings at the Champaign location. In this group, you will grow in community with other women in varying life stages while digging deeper into God’s word together. This group engages in Christ-centered content and uses the Discovery Bible Study tool to engage with scripture. They desire to grow in following Jesus where they live, work and play. Childcare is not provided.
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Leader Deb Orr | 9-10:30A | 50+
This group meets in the Community Room at the church and is led by Deb Orr. Deb has been attending First Christian since birth (Scott Trumbull, brother, and Selena Douglas, sister). She loves God with a servant's heart and desires to study God's word with other women of faith. This group is geared towards women 50+, but anyone is welcome if this day and time works.
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Leader: Kelly Cooke | 7P
This disciple-making community, led by Kelly Cooke, meets virtually on Tuesday evenings. This group exists to meet the needs of women who are working, or have busy schedules, or even those who live a bit outside the Champaign-Urbana area. This group uses the Discovery Bible Study tool to dive into scripture, allowing the Holy Spirit to lead our conversations and grow our faith. Contact Kelly at Kelly.Blucker@gmail.com for the online link to join in!
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Leader: Nia Smith | 6:30-8P | Anyone/Childcare
Nia Smith is a seasoned group leader who is excited to provide an opportunity for women to gather in the evening to study scripture, foster connection, and establish praying for one another. Studies will vary, and this group is perfect for any woman. This group meets at the Champaign location.
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Leader: Michelle Jacob | 9-10:30A | Anyone/Childcare
This growing group meets in the Community Room at the Champaign location and is led by Michelle Jacob. Michelle has a heart for women and wants to help women foster community while studying God’s word and praying for one another. We also like to have fun in this group so we try to allow a good amount of time for bonding to occur. Studies vary. Childcare is available for a nominal fee.
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Leader: Sarah Eisenmenger | 7P-8:30P | Anyone
This group meets in the Fellowship Hall at church and is led by Sarah Eisenmenger. Sarah loves building community and hopes all will be encouraged and interested in building community while studying scripture and growing in their relationship with Jesus. She is passionate about celebrating victories together and sharing requests for prayer. All women are welcome as they focus on bringing their hungry, available, and teachable spirit and having a good time learning together!
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Leader: Mykenzie Green | 8A
This group meets at Hessel Park or Harvest Market in Champaign and is led by Mykenzie Green. While anyone is welcome, this group exists to help neighbors get to know neighbors in the Hessel Park area and foster spiritual conversations using the Discovery Bible Study method. No previous Bible knowledge is needed! Mykenzie would love to meet you. During the summer, kids can play at the park while the ladies meet. During the colder weather months, contact Mykenzie at 217-433-5589 to ask about the location.
Men
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LEADER: Lyle Ormsby
TIME: Mondays at 6P
LOCATION: Church
CURRENT CONTENT: The Bible Project
We are a men's group of varying ages devoted to studying God's word and applying it to our lives. To each man's comfort level, we share our struggles and concerns and lean on one another for support.
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LEADER: Steve Aden
TIME: Mondays at 6P
LOCATION: Church
CURRENT CONTENT: The Bible Project
We are a men's group of varying ages devoted to studying God's word and applying it to our lives. To each man's comfort level, we share our struggles and concerns and lean on one another for support.
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LEADER: Jeff Graham
TIME: Tuesdays at 7A
LOCATION: Harvest Market (Champaign)
CURRENT CONTENT: Study of Various Books and Characters of the Bible
We are a small group of guys who get together to dive deeper into the Word and other important topics of the day.
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LEADER: Jeff Graham
TIME: Tuesdays at 6P
LOCATION: Harvest Market (Champaign)
CURRENT CONTENT: Study of Various Books and Characters of the Bible
We are a small group of guys who get together to dive deeper into the Word and other important topics of the day.
Co-ED
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LEADER: Spencer & Nia Smith
TIME: Sundays at 9:00A
LOCATION: Church
CURRENT CONTENT: Message Discussion Guide
We are a couples group that meets together every two weeks and on the weeks in between the guys or girls get together and separately do something fun.
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LEADERS: Brian Paragi & Kevin Teal
TIME: Sundays at 9:00A
LOCATION: Church
CURRENT CONTENT: Sermon Content from the previous week
We are a multigenerational Group and open to Singles and Couples who want to grow in God's Word with others. We are looking to help each other through prayer and fellowship.
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LEADERS: Raquel & Rick Eshleman
TIME: Sundays from 6-7:30P
LOCATION: Loda (but with members from Urbana, Champaign, Fisher, Paxton, & Gibson as well)
CURRENT CONTENT: Message Discussion Guide
We are a group filled with many stages of life, yet with Christ at the center of it all we are able to come together to do life. Our unique dynamic allows us the capability to discuss common issues from many different perspectives. We do allow children to attend with their parents if that's what’s needed!
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LEADERS: Michelle & Don Takehara
TIME: Mondays at 6P
LOCATION: Church
CURRENT CONTENT: Message Discussion Guide
We are a group that gets together to share life. We are all about having the kids with us as we meet!
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Leaders: Travis and Morgan Wilson
Time: 6:00P
Location: Church
Current Content: Message Discussion GuideWe are a group of families that get together every other week to connect and study God’s word together. Children are with us while we gather.
Young Adult
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Leader: Olga Akulich
Where: Fellowship Hall at FIRST
Time: Mondays, 7:30–9PJoin us and be a part of a dynamic and supportive community of young adults where your faith journey can flourish! Let’s connect and live out our faith with purpose and confidence. Anyone who is post-high school through late 20 is welcome!
Questions? Reach out to our Student Pastor, Jordan, at jordand@fcc-online.org.
Senior
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1st & 3rd Wednesdays of each Month
Leader: Tina Giamberdino
Room 110 & 112
10A–1PWe are a coed group of 60+ people who gather together for bible study, light exercise, potluck lunch, fellowship, games and crafts and serve together with Jesus at the center of all we do.
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Upcoming Group Events
Grab this week’s message discussion guide to follow along or discuss with your group.