As rector,
I highly recommend our Home Groups as the most important
ministry going on at Christ Church. I hope every parishioner
will consider the tremendous benefits of being involved!
--The Rev. Chuck Collins
What is a Home Group?
Roberta Hestenes* defines it as “an intentional, face-to-face
gathering of 3 to 12 people on a regular time schedule
with a common purpose of discovering and growing in the possibilities
of the abundant life in Christ.”
When do they meet?
Each group commits to meet sometime each week for 1 ½ to
2 hours as agreed upon by the group. It’s important to start
and end on time.
Where do they meet?
Most groups meet in homes of the members, sometimes on a
rotating basis, sometimes in one or two homes. Hosting
is not a requirement for participation.
What do they do?
Typically a group gathers at 7:00 PM; a few minutes for reporting
in and light refreshments; Bible study discussion (someone prays,
another person reads the passage, and all discover its meaning
as you discuss it based on the provided study questions);
meeting ends with prayer at 8:30 (no one will be put on the spot
to pray out loud).
How long will I be in this group?
The normal commitment for Home Groups is about 9 months.
Groups typically break during the summer and are reorganized
in the fall. Because many new groups will form after “40
Days of Purpose,” we will ask you
to consider staying with your current group through May 2005,
and then to sign up again in September.
Why should I bother?
When you join a Home Group you become a member of a small
Christian extended family and reap the benefits of family
membership: support, Christian friendships, love, fun and growing
together in Christ.
What will we be studying?
One suggested study would be the lessons for the upcoming
Sunday based on questions that are written each week by
one of our clergy. There is no homework, and Bible knowledge
is not a prerequisite.
Can I trust my group?
Every group member will agree to a set of ground rules,
including: I will make group meetings a priority, everyone
participates and no one dominates, everyone is given
a right to their own opinion, an empty chair is placed
in the circle as a reminder that the group is always open to
new people, and anything that is said in the meeting is never
repeated outside the meeting.
How can I join one?
Please contact Greg Sethness at 822-4160 for more information
or look at the Home Group bulletin board in the church
office hallway.
*The Rev. Dr. Roberta Hestenes, an
ordained Presbyterian minister, is Minister-at-Large,
World Vision International.
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“If a building has no support
and foundation it collapses. In the same way, you need support from
other people and a foundation to keep you strong in your walk with
God. You find that loving support when you join your brothers and
sister in Christ’s church”.
CALL GREG AT 822-4160 FOR INFORMATION.
| Small Group Locations |
Location: North Central
Day/Time: Wednesday evenings
w/ a potluck supper once a month
Group Make-up: mostly couples with young
children present
Format: We are a family oriented group, our
kids play together every week (we split childcare and
craft costs) while we meet. We spend some time worshiping,
in the Word, sharing our lives (what God is doing),
and praying for each other. Once a month we have a potluck
and invite lots of friends, with a specific focus on including
those who don’t have a church home.
Location: Terrell Hills
Day/Time: Wednesday evenings after
supper
Group Make-up: singles and couples
Format: Fellowship and Bible Study
Location: West
Day/Time: Friday evenings w/ a potluck
supper
Group Make-up: Couples or singles -
children may attend
Format: Fellowship and Bible Study
Location: North
Day/Time: Tuesday evenings w/ supper
provided!
Group Make-up: Young singles and married – 20’s
group
Format: Dinner and Bible study |
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