On the east side of Bradenton, just off 44th Avenue East, Braden River United Methodist Church has long been a steady presence in the surrounding neighborhoods. The congregation belongs to the United Methodist Church and gathers each Sunday morning for worship in its building at 5858 44th Avenue East, with sermons shared on a YouTube channel for those who cannot be there in person. Visitors driving up can follow the church's address straight from Bradenton to find the campus easily.
A New Chapter with Pastor Chandra Snell
The church is in a season of transition. Senior Pastor Chandra Snell recently introduced herself to the congregation, sharing that she came to Braden River UMC after three years as Senior Pastor at New Life UMC in Tallahassee, where she had been a member from 2007 to 2022. She describes the move as a calling for this season, writing that she looks forward to walking alongside the church in servant ministry and growing deeper in faith, love, and community together. Her son, Corey, joined her in the move, and the family is settling into the Braden River area.
Pastor Snell can be reached directly through the church at bradenriverpastor@gmail.com, and the office line at 941-745-1663 connects callers to the church during the week. She also introduced Avri Smith as the new Office Manager, whose background in HR administration is expected to support the day-to-day operations of the congregation.
Sunday Mornings and the Livestream
The rhythm of the week centers on the Sunday Morning Service, which meets weekly at the Bradenton campus. Those who prefer to join from home can watch the service through the church's YouTube channel, where recent full services have been posted with sermon titles such as "Right Now," "For Such a Time as This," "Cast your Bread upon the Water," "In the Cloud," and "Life Hidden." The archive of sermons offers visitors and members a way to follow along with the current teaching series at their own pace.
Seasonal services round out the church calendar. Each year the congregation observes Ash Wednesday with a dedicated service and Christmas Eve with a candlelight worship service. These special gatherings appear alongside the regular Sunday schedule.
Heaven-Cent Thrift Shop
A distinctive outreach of Braden River UMC is the Heaven-Cent Thrift Shop, which operates as a ministry of the church. The shop offers gently used clothing and household goods at affordable prices, with proceeds typically directed back into church and community work. It also serves as a practical place where neighbors in the Braden River area can shop, donate, and connect with the congregation outside of Sunday morning.
United Methodist Identity and Study
Braden River UMC is rooted in the United Methodist tradition, and its teaching is shaped by that connection. The United Methodist Church's "Basics of Our Faith" outlines the denomination's core teachings. Scripture readings used in worship draw from the New Revised Standard Version, accessible through Bible Gateway.
Staying Connected
For those who want to plan a first visit, the church offers a "Plan Your Visit" resource. Online giving is available through a secure electronic giving portal, and the church office is at 5858 44th Avenue East, Bradenton, FL 34203. Updates, sermon videos, and event announcements are shared through the church's Facebook and YouTube channels, while an email signup invites visitors to stay in touch.