Grow
Grow in Extraordinary ways with Grow Classes!
Grow Ministry at Suntree
At Suntree, our vision is to love God, love each other, and love our neighbors in extraordinary ways – and we live into this vision with our five mission essentials: Worship, Connect/Care, Grow, Serve, and Give. We believe that every person can grow in their journey of discipleship with Jesus by engaging in these five spiritual disciplines. Therefore, we have Grow Ministry!
The purpose of Grow Ministry is to help you GROW in your walk with Jesus. Each semester, we offer a wide range of classes that are designed to help you take the next step in your walk of faith. Whether you are exploring the basic teachings of the Christian faith, wrestling with deep questions, or seeking to live out your faith in everyday life, you are welcome here.
At Suntree, we understand that spiritual growth is a lifelong process. John Wesley called it “going on to perfection.” We believe that God’s grace is always at work, helping us to grow from ordinary to extraordinary in our love for God and neighbor.
Wednesday Evening Grow Classes
Our Wednesday evening studies are for EVERYONE! Each semester we have dinner and then a variety of classes on different spiritual topics. These classes will help you build relationships in the church and grow in your relationship with God! Childcare is available for each discipleship option.
These classes will meet every Wednesday from January 14 to March 25, with a one-week break for Ash Wednesday on February 18. Some classes are five weeks, and some classes are ten weeks. Be sure to read the class description. Dinner will be served from 5:30pm - 6:15pm, and Grow Classes will meet from 6:15pm - 7:30pm. Some classes may require you to purchase a book to read.
Evening Schedule:
- 5:30pm - EDGE Middle School
- 5:30pm - 6:15pm - Dinner
- 6:15pm - 7:30pm - Class Time & Suntree Kids!
10-Week Classes (January 14th - March 25th):
Wednesday Night Dinner | 5:30pm | Dining Room | Feeling hungry? Welcome to dinner, church! Join us for a laid-back evening of fellowship and fun with a delicious meal at the table. Every meal is made with love, and we always have a sweet treat for dessert! The cost is $5 per person with a max of $20 per family. After the meal, we’ll break out into Suntree Kids, Suntree Youth (EDGE), and Grow Classes.
DivorceCare Support Group | 6pm | Room 103/104 | Deana & Richard. DivorceCare is a safe place where caring people help you find healing from the pain of separation or divorce. At this 13-week support group, you’ll find wisdom to manage the emotional turmoil, and you’ll receive some practical tools for decision-making. This group will begin on January 14 and continue until April 8. To register, visit SuntreeUMC.org/SupportGroups. If you need help with registering, contact Deana Massey-Dunlap at 321-255-7378.
Men’s Ministry: 24 Hours that Changed the World | 6:15pm | The Den | Lovit White & Larry Malone. “There is no single event in human history that has received more attention than the suffering and crucifixion of Jesus of Nazareth.” Join us as we examine the last 24 hours of Jesus's life, from the Last Supper to his crucifixion and resurrection. This study combines historical, geographical, and theological insights to help us understand the meaning and significance of these events. Please buy a copy of 24 Hours that Changed the World by Adam Hamilton for this class.
Women’s Ministry: Overwhelmed & Grateful | 6:15pm | Room 108 | Jillian Benfield. Overwhelmed & Grateful invites us to live with joy while acknowledging life’s real challenges. Culture tells us to ignore the hard and “stay positive,” but research shows that denying our struggles leaves us more stressed and unwell. Jesus offers an abundant life not by bypassing pain, but by embracing the “&” - we can be overwhelmed, grieving, angry, or unsure & still be grateful. Life is hard & life is beautiful. This study will be led by author Jillian Benfield. Please buy a copy of Overwhelmed & Grateful for this class. The book is available in paperback and audio formats.
Suntree Kids: Shipwrecked! | 6:15pm | Upstairs | Kaitlin Francavilla. While the adults are in Grow Classes, we invite the Suntree Kids (6 weeks through fifth grade) to join us upstairs from 6:15-7:30pm. We'll have fun games and activities, weekly Bible Lessons, and a story to help them wind down. From January 14 to February 11, our theme is Rolling River Rampage. Along the river, kids will discover that life with God is an adventure full of wonder and surprise, and they can trust God to be with them through anything. Then, from February 25 to March 25, we will focus on Jesus’ journey to the cross, known as Lent. This program is led by Kaitlin Francavilla, our Director of Children's Ministry.
Suntree Youth (EDGE) | 5:30pm | Upstairs | Pastor Bailey. Are you in grades 6-8? Join us for EDGE in the youth room! EDGE is our weekly youth ministry for middle schoolers. While Grow Classes meet from January 14 to March 25, we'll join everyone for Wednesday Night Dinner from 5:30-6pm, then we'll head up to the youth room for crazy games, worship, and Bible Study with Pastor Bailey from 6pm - 7:30pm.
5-Week Classes (January 14th - February 11th):
Spiritual Gifts 101 | 6:15pm | Room 101/102 | Pastor Lisa. Are you eager to serve with clarity and confidence? Well, this is the right class for you! Through lively conversation and proven tools, you will discover the gifts the Holy Spirit has already placed within you, and you will consider how those gifts can shape joyful, effective ministry. This class will be offered from January 14 to February 11 (five weeks).
Book Study: The Chase | 6:15pm | Room 109 | Mario Busacca & Rev. Hoyt Byrum. How can grace, gratitude, and generosity help you grow with God? Join authors Mario Busacca and Rev. Hoyt Byrum in a five-week study of their book, The Chase, which tells the story of a man who is desperate to find his purpose. Please purchase a copy of The Chase and its companion study guide for this class. Copies of both are available in the church office for $15 total. This class will be offered from January 14 to February 11 (five weeks). Participants are encouraged to enroll in Financial Peace University as well. See below!
5-Week Classes (february 25th - March 25th):
Final Moments with Jesus | 6:15pm | Room 101/102 | Pastor Lisa. Are you looking for thoughtful conversation, holy imagination, and a more immersive journey through the season of Lent? Join Pastor Lisa for Final Moments with Jesus, from Gethsemane to the Tomb. Each session will weave Scripture with compelling artwork, inviting deeper reflection through both word and image. Bring your Bible, your favorite journal, a pen, and a friend. This class will be offered from February 25 to March 25 (five weeks).
Financial Peace University | 6:15pm | Room 109 | Jim Davidson. Are you drowning in debt? Are you struggling to achieve your goals? Join us for Financial Peace University! This practical, faith-based study will help you create a budget that works, pay off debt, build your savings, and plan for the future with confidence. Financial Peace University has taught over ten million people how to take control of their money. This class will be offered from February 25 to March 25 (five weeks).
Sign up for Winter Grow Classes and Wednesday Evening Dinner here!
Thursday Morning Women's Ministry
Suntree UMC Women's Ministry offers a time of study and fellowship for women desiring a deeper relationship with God and with each other. You won’t want to miss this time of spiritual refreshment and inspiration for women of all ages!
We are pleased to offer many different classes for your spiritual growth and connection with other women!
These classes will meet every Thursday from January 15 to March 26, unless otherwise stated. This semester, classes will be offered from 9:30am - 11am. Some classes may require you to purchase a book. Please buy a copy before the am class begins!
- When: January 15th - March 26th
- Thursday Schedule: 9:30am - 11am: Classes
Bible Study: The Psalms | Room 101/102 | Cathrine Larrea | Where else can you find a book that includes hymns, prayers, worship, complaints, thanksgiving, and supplication to God? They reflect the history of Israel and their relationship with God as well as addressing our needs and concerns of today’s culture. Authored by various figures, including King David, the psalms reflect deep emotions and spiritual insights, offering guidance, comfort, and praise. The psalms emphasize God’s sovereignty and faithfulness, as well as the importance of trusting him in all circumstances. No book required. Just bring your Bible!
MomCo | 9:30am | Room 103/104 | Jenny Murdock | MomCo was founded in 1973 when seven women invited moms to meet regularly to grow together as women, parents, and leaders with the goal of reaching women with the hope of Jesus. If you’re ready to connect with other young mothers with children of any age, MomCo is the place to be! MomCo will meet every Thursday beginning January 8. See you there!
The Women of American Methodism | Room 108 | Rev. Margaret Johnson-Ghiz. Discover the courageous legacy of American Methodist Women like Georgia Harkness, Catherine Garrettson, Francis Willard, Mary Bethune, Ida B Wells, and Sojourner Truth. In this class, you’ll be encouraged to claim your voice, honor your gifts, and carry this legacy forward with confidence. For deeper study, you are invited to purchase Grace Sufficient: A History of Women in American Methodism and Spirituality & Social Responsibility: Vocational Vision of Women in the United Methodist Tradition. This class will be offered from January 15 to February 11 (five weeks), and it will be taught by Rev. Margaret Johnson-Ghiz, a retired United Methodist pastor.
Suntree Kids Nursery (6wks – VPK) | 9:15am | Room 209 | Kaitlin Francavilla | Need a break from the kids when you come to Thursday Morning Women’s Ministry? We are delighted to offer FREE childcare for children aged 6 weeks old through VPK from 9:15am - 11am. Drop off your kids at the nursery, and our staff will take it from there! This program is led by our Director of Children’s Ministry, Kaitlin Francavilla.
Elementary Enrichment (K-5) | 9:30am | Room 321 | Melissa Ebner | Suntree Kids! Elementary Enrichment is a Jesus-centered program for K-5 students where families learn and grow together every Tuesday and Thursday. Our new semester will begin on January 6. This semester, kids will explore extreme weather and space with hands-on science and engaging book studies that support every learning style. .For more information, visit the Thursday Morning Enrichment Facebook page! Questions? Email:
Click here to Register for Thursday Morning Women's Ministry Classes
Additional Grow Classes
Beyond Wednesday Night, we are happy to offer additional Grow Classes to help you grow in your faith. Check our the offerings below! If you have any questions, please contact Pastor Bailey at or (727) 710-2493.
Small Group: Tuesday Morning Coffee at Jacqueline’s Bakery | 2nd Tuesday at 10:30am. Are you new to Suntree? Are you eager to connect with other women? You’re invited to join us for coffee and conversation at Jacqueline’s Bakery (6977 N Wickham Rd) on the 2nd Tuesday of each month at 10:30am. We hope to see you there!
Wednesday Morning Yoga | Wednesdays from 9-10am | Worship Center | Stacey Herrington | Women’s Wednesday Morning Yoga with Scripture and Prayer is for EVERY body. Whether you prefer to use a mat or a chair, all levels of ability are welcome. Join certified yoga teacher Stacey Herrington as we move gently and mindfully for this one-hour class. We will offer two six-week sessions with a cost of just $20 per session. Session 1 will go from January 14 to February 11. Session 2 will go from February 25 to March 25. Session 3 will go from April 8 to May 6. If you are looking to move more and to find a sense of community, consider joining us!
Click here to register for Wednesday Morning Yoga
Women’s Bible Study: Romans | Wednesday from 10am - 11:30am | Room 101/102 | Joyce Yeung. Hey ladies! Join us for deep and meaningful journey through the book of Romans. Written by Paul near the end of his ministry, this book is jam-packed with theology about the transforming power of Jesus. Whether you’re new to Bible Study or have years of experience, you’ll be sure to enjoy this class with Joyce Yeung. Bring your Bible, your questions, and your desire to grow. This class will begin on Wednesday, January 7.
GriefShare Support Group | Wednesdays from 10am-12pm | Room 103/104 | Jill & Barbara. GriefShare is a safe, welcoming place where people understand the difficult emotions of grief. At 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 to cope with grief in all of its unpredictability and gain solid support each step of the way. This group will begin on January 14 and continue until April 8. To register, visit suntreeumc.org/supportgroups. If you need help, contact Deana Massey-Dunlap at 321-255-7378.