Church Ministries
Team Bracken
At Bracken, no matter where you are in your life, you are welcome here! Join us as we work together to share the unconditional love of Jesus Christ with all we meet. If you have a desire to learn more about God’s love for you, if you have a passion to serve others, or if you want to be part of a loving community, then this is the place for you! We have ministries for all ages! Come and join #TeamBracken!
Small Groups
Often, small groups of people are better able to interact and learn about a topic than larger groups are. We have groups for children, women, men, youth, and seniors.
Sunday School for All
Adults
Fellowship Class Studying God’s Word, the Bible, seeking to understand, discuss its meaning & application to our lives. They meet at 10 am each Sunday morning in our Fellowship Hall, but you are welcome to join by ZOOM from home as well. You can email admin@brackenumc.org for more information.
Children and Youth
Preschool through 5th grade and Youth (Grades 6–12) -Sunday School is 10:00-10:45 between our two worship services allowing you to attend Sunday and the worship service of your choice. We meet again Sunday evenings at 4:30 for faith, fellowship and food.
Bracken Mamas
MAMAS 2023 – All mothers, of all ages, are encouraged to join Bracken Mamas for devotional, sharing, and crafting. As a group of moms with varying needs, we support each other as moms. Our first meeting for the year is September 11th. For more information contact Amanda: satx.landlady@gmail.com
We have an active children’s ministry we would love for your whole family to get involved with; from Sunday school led by our children’s ministries director, to games, and crafts (4:30-5:30PM) and a Sunday night dinner at 5:30. There is something for every child (infant through 5th grade). For more about our awesome Children’s Ministry, click here.
We offer a mobile food pantry to the community of Schertz on the 2nd Monday of each month at our church. We are blessed to serve our neighbors in need. Follow the signs and directions and remain in your car to receive your items.
Hand N Hand
The Hand N Hand Ministry provides resources and support to children with differing abilities and their families. We offer parent training, resource fairs, preschool inclusion support and a social group for elementary and middle school age students.
Media & Technology
Using media to spread the gospel is a privilege of today’s age. In an age of widespread technology, we are to use these tools as best as possible for kingdom purposes. We have a team of people who run our media during worship. We also maintain an active Facebook feed for additional church and community communication. During this time, we have services available online through YouTube and links to worship on our website.
Music
God-honoring worship is something we strive for. Many members get involved in our music ministry. Some play instruments. Some are vocalists. Others are involved in the choir or praise team. These volunteers are an important part of the ministry of our church, using their talents and gifts to glorify God.
Prayer Team
Prayer cannot be overestimated. Prayer moves the hand of God. Our Church is a body of believers dependent upon prayer, and committed to prayer daily. Throughout the week, staff and volunteers from our Prayer team pray for their pastor, a list of church members, any special requests, and other prayer needs.
Randolph Area Christian Assistance Program (RACAP)
Bracken UMC teams up with our local RACAP to provide social assistance to persons in the Schertz, Universal City, Cibolo, Marion, and Garden Ridge areas. https://www.racap.org Chair: Elaine Smith & Barbara Gordy
Scouting: Cub, Boy, and Eagle Scouts
Scouting is thriving here at Bracken. We are fortunate to have Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts and an Eagle Scout review board who meet here weekly and monthly. We love being able to support our young men and women in their Scouting adventures.
Senior Ministry
Join our Senior Ministry group the 2nd Tuesday of each month at 11:00am in the Fellowship Hall.
Come for Fun, Fellowship, Games, and Lunch with a great group of people.
Shawl Ministry
Our Shawl ministry ladies have a heart for mission and a talent for knitting or crocheting shawls, prayer squares, chemo caps, baby blankets, and more. Lessons in knitting and crocheting and supplies are available.
Vision Statement: May the favor of the Lord our God rest upon us; establish the work of our hands for us. Yes, establish the work of our hands. Psalm 90:17
Mission Statement: Agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one heart and purpose. Philippians 2:2
Meetings are held the second Thursday of the month at 11:00 AM in the church Fellowship Hall. Bracken UWF welcomes women of all ages, whether or not you are a member of Bracken. Our meetings begin with a light lunch & time of fellowship. Most months, lunch is followed by a time of social awareness, through guests from mission organizations or through short studies, & a short meeting. Childcare is gladly provided upon request. Fellowship events & mission projects are also held at other times. (See Bracken’s emails for meeting day exceptions & special events.) Prayerfully consider becoming a part of this meaningful organization that has been active at Bracken Church for over 100 years.
VBS (Vacation Bible School)
A fun, faith-filled time where kids and adults get to know Jesus better through music, story, games, and activities. Open to all kids ages 3 years-5th grade (children must be potty trained to attend).
Worship Assistants
Worship is vital to spiritual growth. These wonderful people help us prepare our hearts for worship. The ushers and greeters at our church fill an important role as well. They are involved in directing attendees to their seats, ensuring the safety of the building during services, guiding traffic, helping visitors, answering questions, providing direction, and generally ensuring that the service can proceed problem-free. Worship assistants are servant-hearted group of men and women whose ministry is integral to church life.
Youth
The youth ministry of Bracken exists to grow the faith of youth in our community so that they may serve and lead as disciples. BASICS (Brothers and Sisters in Christ Service) meet Sunday evening at 4:30 for fun, fellowship and a brief lesson and then come together with the children and enjoy fellowship dinner at 5:30.