Join a Group

FIND COMMUNITY

Looking for community and a place to belong?

We have groups for different ages, schedules, and interests! Whether you’re brand new to church, returning after a long time, or looking for a place to belong, you’re welcome here. Come as you are — you don’t need to have everything figured out.

FIND FAITH

No matter where you are in your faith journey — exploring, rebuilding or growing — you’re welcome to join us. Through our small groups, you'll find practical Biblical teachings and people who will cheer you on.

If you're interested in having a spiritual conversation, click here and one of our pastors will be in touch.

Curious about spiritual growth?

Want help finding a good fit?

Email us at cumc@centralmethodist.com or call the church office at 865-986-7329, and we’ll connect you with the right group.

SMALL GROUPS AT CENTRAL

We're a group that wants to grow in Bible Knowledge, our relationship with Christ and learn from each other! We are just getting started so come grow with us!

Location: Conference Room

Leader: Kara Scheetz
We are a mix of singles and couples, many young families with infants to elementary age children. We are discussion oriented, using a variety of Bible-based studies and contemporary Christian writers’ series to help us grow together in our faith.

Location: Room C122

Leaders: Dan & Libby McCammon
We are not bible scholars. We are a class that wants to learn more about and walk closer with Jesus. Our class is like a family that loves and supports one another and are always looking to add to our family. Come join us!

Location: Room 124

Leader: Danny Lantz
Living Faithfully is a Bible based class for adults of all ages. We study passages of scripture and explore the deeper meaning of God’s word. This is an open discussion class.

Location: Room 121

Leaders: Brian Williams & Ken Cook
A class for adults of all ages that utilizes Bible study, video series, and book discussions to better understand God's word and how to be better followers of Christ. We enjoy fellowship opportunities, missions support, and always welcome new members.

Location: Room C120

Leader: Eric Good
Class sessions begin with singing of hymns. Opening discussions include prayer requests, announcements, member concerns/needs, and general comments as well as class finances and other administration needs. Lessons from Seedbed video study guides are presented.

Location: Room 125

Leader: Steve Abercrombie
Men's Group: Head, Heart & Hands

This group is for men interested in studying God’s word, growing in their relationship with Him and living out their faith.

Begins January 6 // Tuesdays 6:30-7:30pm

Leader: Steve Abercrombie

The Gospel of Luke

Join Pastor Scott for a 10-week, chapter-by-chapter journey through the Gospel of Luke. Explore the life and ministry of Jesus with fresh eyes—seeing His compassion, teachings and mission unfold in vivid detail. Each week offers practical insights, meaningful discussion and realistic application. Attention will be given to what makes Luke's gospel unique from the other three so that we may better glimpse the person of Jesus.

Begins January 21 // Wednesdays 10:30am

Leader: Pastor Scott Layer

Younger Adult Home Group

Younger adults (25-35) looking for community and connection are invited to meet for dinner and Bible study. Children welcome.

1st & 3rd Wednesdays // 5:30pm

Leader: Hannah Collins

Women's Bible Study - Finding I Am

Looking for a place to grow in your faith and connect with other women? Sign up this Sunday for a women's Bible study where you'll explore the seven "I Am" statements in the gospel of John. This is more than just a study -- it's an opportunity to be encouraged, build friendships and experience God's Word together. All women are invited, so grab a friend and come be a part of something special... you won't want to miss it!

Wednesdays beginning March 23 // 6:30pm

Leader: Melissa Best
GriefShare

A GriefShare support group is a safe, welcoming place where people understand the difficult emotions of grief. Through this 13-week group, you’ll discover what to expect in the days ahead and what’s “normal” in grief. Since there are no neat, orderly stages of grief, you’ll learn helpful ways of coping with grief, in all its unpredictability—and gain solid support each step of the way.

Begins January 21 // Wednesdays 11:00am-12:30pm

Leaders: Pastor Melissa Smith & Jeannine Martin

Music & Message

Join us for an informal Bible Study where we take secular music and tie it around Scripture and discussion. All are welcome!

Mondays // 6:30pm Cinco Amigo’s

Thursdays // 6:30pm Casa Fiesta

Facilitators: Pastor Melissa Smith & Various Church Leaders

Coffee & Conversation

Join us for an informal time of accountability and discussion through a short devotional and prayer time at a local coffee shop. All are welcome!

Thursdays // 9:30am Riverside Coffee Shop

Leader: Pastor Melissa Smith

*These groups meet on Sunday mornings at 10:00am

The Central Carillon (handbells) rings several times throughout each year. Our choir is designed so ringers from a wide range of skill levels can take part. This allows us to ring high-quality music that ranges from easy to advanced. It is our intent to grow closer to one another and to God as we develop our individual skills and hone our craft.

Time: Wednesdays @ 6:00pm

Location: Choir Room

Leaders: Tyler & Rachel Owens
The Central Chancel Choir serves as worship leaders for traditional worship, and they provide a weekly anthem for worship. Their selections cover a broad range of styles and genres, including literature from the classical, gospel, spiritual, and modern repertoires. They are made up of singers from many backgrounds and varying levels of training and musical ability, yet we work toward collective excellence.

Time: Wednesdays @ 7:00pm

Location: Worship Center

Leaders: Tyler & Rachel Owens
The ERT's mission is to facilitate the accomplishment of this goal by striving to provide a safe and secure place of worship of all Central's congregants through preparation, response and recovery from emergency or disaster incidents.

Time & Location: TBA

Leader: Stephen Gillman
Heavenly Helpings’ mission is to offer meals to people who are experiencing situations such as illness, recent hospitalization or life altering events. The group meets in small groups to prepare meals.

Time & Location: TBA

Leader: Phyllis Wilburn
At Central, we believe church is more than Sundays. The church does not just have a missions program; the church is mission. All throughout the year, Central seeks to engage people with the love and message of Christ across the street and around the world.

Time: 2nd Thursday @ 6:00pm

Location: Room C124

Leader: Stephen Rodier
Praying on your own is powerful, but that power is intensified and multiplied when done in a group. Whether you are new to prayer or have been doing it for a life-time, we would love to have you join us. No special skill is required. Our prayers are short, simple and heart-felt and can be prayed out loud or silently.

Time: Tuesdays @ 9:30am

Location: Prayer Chapel (Room A137)

Leader: Elaine Crowder
Serve on a team to help run technology in worship, including cameras, sound, media presentation, lights, streaming and more. Basic knowledge of computers is helpful, but not required - training offered. Interest in being a part of worship as a servant, and an interest in music is beneficial.

Time: Sundays // 9 & 11am Services

Location: Worship Center

Leader: Chris Garmon

We are a group that loves to worship the Lord through dance. All levels are welcome! "Let them praise his name with dancing and make music to him with timbrel and harp. For the Lord takes delight in his people; he crowns the humble with victory." Psalm 149:3-4

Time: Thursdays @ 4:00pm

Location: Worship Center

Leader: Marian Zerbi
Join a group throughout the week for various exercise routines. Available for any level.

Time: Monday, Wednesday & Friday @ 10:00am

Location: Worship Center

Leaders: Joyce Dunn, Rhonda Rasar, Jean Mashburn & Brenda Fitz
Our group meets to create together while providing a service to our church and community. We also support each other through the “ups and downs” of our lives!

We create prayer shawls and blankets for members of our church who may be in need of a “hug” from God. These could be people who are grieving, ill, or facing surgery or other treatment, as well as families who are welcoming new babies. We are also making “fidget mats” to share with local memory care facilities, and baby blankets for Suzanna’s House in Knoxville. New members are always welcome. You don’t need to know how to crochet or knit… if you want to learn, we’ll teach you! We will also accept any donations of yarn that you might have - bits and pieces or larger amounts!

Time: 1st & 3rd Mondays @ 10:00am

Location: Room B125

Leader: Barbara Williams
With a focus on women, children and youth, we act for justice and transform communities. Join us, because love in action can change the world.
Hope Circle

Time: 4th Tuesday @ 6:00pm

Location: TBA

Leader: Janice Willocks
Ruth Circle

Time: 3rd Thursday @ 1:30pm

Location: A134/5

Leader: Sandy Dunsmore
Martha Circle

Time: 1st Tuesday @ 1:30pm

Location: A134/5

Leader: Sharon Lantz
We meet bi-monthly at Matthew and Hannah Collins’ home to share a meal together and engage in a Bible study. Children of all ages are welcome!

Time: 1st & 3rd Wednesdays @ 5:30pm

Location: Matt & Hannah Collins' Home

Leader: Matt & Hannah Collins