SUMMER 2016
GATHER. GROW. GO.
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Introduction | What Are Connection Groups? Getting Connected Foster Creek Neighborhood Connection Groups First Colony Neighborhood Connection Groups First Colony Men’s Connection Groups First Colony Women’s Connection Groups First Colony Care Groups First Colony Sunday Morning Connection Groups First Colony Wednesday Night Connection Groups Common Questions
WHAT ARE CONNECTION GROUPS? We want to help you experience community on a deeper level. A Connection Group is the best way for you to form meaningful relationships and belong to a group of people that truly know you. Connection Groups GATHER to fellowship and encourage one another. They GROW through Bible study and prayer, and they GO as they serve each other, volunteer in our church and reach out to our community. We value friendships, and want you to be connected with others as you GROW in Christ. If you are not in a Connection Group already, we pray you will join one today!
GETTING CONNECTED Getting connected is EASY! If you are looking for a Connection Group just follow the 3 Easy Steps on the next page.
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3 EASY STEPS TO GET CONNECTED!
EXPLORE
Explore the Connection Group Catalog. Which group interests you?
RESPOND
Fill out a brief form on campus or online. firstcolonychurch.org/respond
CONNECT We will connect you
We will connect you to a Connection Group! to a Connection Group!
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FOSTER CREEK NEIGHBORHOOD
CONNECTION GROUPS
Neighborhood Connection Groups GATHER in homes to fellowship and encourage one another. They GROW through Bible study and prayer, and they GO as they serve each other, volunteer in our church and reach out to our community.
Families With Children
Families With Teens
Empty Nesters
Young Marrieds & Families With Children
Lee & Michelle Carlson Robbie & Sarah Bizzell Where: Cinco/Fulshear When: Sundays | 5:00pm Frequency: Weekly Age Range: 30’s- 40’s Status: Open
Gary & Kathy McLoughlin Richard DeSantis & Judy Evans DeSantis Where: Richmond/River’s Edge/ Pecan Grove When: Sundays | 6:00pm Frequency: Weekly Age Range: 50+ Status: Open
Don & Jennifer Bryan Where: Richmond/Wood’s Edge When: Sundays | 6:00pm Frequency: Weekly Age Range: 35+ Status: Open
Aaron & Danielle McManus Buzzy & Allie Wendtland Where: North East Richmond When: Sundays | 2:00pm Frequency: Semi-Monthly Age Range: 20’s - 30’s Status: Open
Families With Children
Andy & Stephanie Pace Dan & Sarina Grasham Where: Richmond/River’s Edge When: Sundays | 5:00pm Frequency: Weekly Age Range: 30’s - 40’s Status: Open
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FIRST COLONY NEIGHBORHOOD
CONNECTION GROUPS
Neighborhood Connection Groups GATHER in homes to fellowship and encourage one another. They GROW through Bible study and prayer, and they GO as they serve each other, volunteer in our church and reach out to our community.
Children’s Programs Available
YOUNG SINGLES & FAMILIES Multi-Generational
Chris & Bre Whiteley Where: Katy/Cinco Ranch When: Sundays | 4:30pm Frequency: Semi-Monthly Age Range: All Ages Status: Open
Multi-Generational
Grant & Laura Wright Where: First Colony Campus When: Wednesdays | 6:30pm Frequency: Weekly Age Range: All Ages Status: Open
Multi-Generational
Chad & Andi St. Jean Where: Rosenberg/Bonbrook Plantation When: Sundays | 5:00pm Frequency: Weekly Age Range: All Ages Status: Open
Young Singles
Cherise Sanford, Joel Bouldin & Tricia Case Where: Sugar Land When: Sundays | 6:00pm Frequency: Weekly Age Range: 20’s- 30’s Status: Open
Families With Children Young Couples
Payton & Corinne Giacomarro Where: First Colony Campus When: Sundays | 5:00pm Frequency: Weekly Age Range: 20’s - 30’s Status: Open
Tim & Paige Pope Where: First Colony Campus Rm 106 When: Sundays | 9:45am Frequency: Weekly Age Range: 30’s- 40’s Status: Open
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Families with Children
Andrew & Erin Leeser Where: Sugar Land/First Colony/ Sienna When: Saturdays | 5:00pm Frequency: Semi-Monthly Age Range: 30s - 40s Status: Open
Families with Children
Chad & Ashley Baker Where: Sugar Land/First Colony/ Sienna When: Saturday | 5:00pm Frequency: Semi-Monthly Age Range: 30s - 40s Status: Open
Young Marrieds & Families With Children
Families with Children & Teens
Johnny & Laura Spiegel Where: Sugar Land When: Sunday Evenings Frequency: Semi-Monthly Age Range: 30s - 40s Status: Open
Families with Children & Teens
Pete & Missy Edgmon Where: First Colony Campus When: Wednesdays | 7:00pm Frequency: Semi-Monthly Age Range: 35 - 45 Status: Open
Families with Children/Teens & Mature Singles
Ryan & Katie Bien Where: Richmond/Riverpark West When: Sundays | 5:00pm Frequency: Weekly Age Range: 20s - 40s Status: Open
Dave & Kay Stacy Where: Missouri City/Sienna When: Sundays | 6:00pm Frequency: Weekly except 2nd Sunday of the Month Age Range: 35 -50+ Status: Open
Families with Children
Young Marrieds & Families With Children
Ben & Kelly Edmiston Where: Sugar Land/First Colony When: Thursdays | 7:00pm Frequency: Weekly Age Range: 30s - 40s Status: Open
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Gary & Karen Salyers Where: Sugar Land/First Colony When: Sundays | 4:30pm Frequency: Semi-Monthly Age Range: 30s - 50s Status: Open
Families with Older Teens Curtis & Meredith Duncan Where: Sugar Land/ Commonwealth When: Sundays | Afternoon Frequency: Weekly Age Range: 40s - 50s Status: Open
Families with Teens & Empty Nesters
Tracy and Crystal Wilson Where: Fresno/Missouri City/ Sienna Plantation When: Mondays | 7:00pm Frequency: Weekly Age Range: 40s - 50s Status: Open
Families with Teens
Scott & Kari Opaleski Where: Sugar Land/New Territory When: Sundays | 6:00pm Frequency: Semi-Monthly Age Range: 40s - 50s Status: Open
Families with Children & Teens
Jeremy & Dana Williams Where: Rosenberg/Bonbrook Status: Full
Young Marrieds
Derek & Stacy Seawel Where: Greatwood/New Territory Status: Full
Young Marrieds & Families with Children
James & Tiffany Wright Where: Sugar Land/First Colony Status: Full
Families with Children Aaron & Cheryl Weaver Where: Sugar Land Status: Full
Families with Children Sam & Christel Walker Glen & Kelly Russell Where: Pearland Status: Full
Families with Children
Landon & Aja Speights Brandon & Brittnie Blackburn Where: Sugar Land/First Colony Status: Full
Families with Children & Teens Alex & Tiffany Nuno Clay & Jennifer Nall Where: Sugar Land Status: Full
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Multi-Generational
Randall & Rosemary Dixon Where: Sugar Land/Missouri City Status: Full
Multi-Generational & Families with Teens Robert & Shannon Aaron Where: Richmond Status: Full
Families with Teens
Bill & Anna Taylor Where: Sugar Land/Needville Status: Full
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EMPTY-NESTERS & MATURE SINGLES Empty-Nesters & Families with Older Children
Charles & Pam Foster Where: Missouri City/Quail Valley When: Sundays | 6:00pm Frequency: Weekly Age Range: 50s - 60s Status: Open
Empty-Nesters/Marrieds & Singles
Don & Judy Avera Where: Missouri City/Quail Valley/ Sugar Creek When: Sundays | 6:00pm Frequency: Monthly Age Range: 45 - 75 Status: Open
Empty-Nesters
Don & Shirley Jennings Don Payne Where: Sugar Land/Richmond/ Sienna When: Sunday or Monday | 5:30pm Frequency: Semi-Monthly Age Range: 50+ Status: Open
Empty-Nesters & Mature Singles
Dan & Chris Florence Where: Sugar Land/Missouri City When: Sundays | 4:00pm Frequency: Monthly Age Range: 60s - 80s Status: Open
Empty-Nesters
Kim & Shirley Brigham Where: Sugar Land/ Commonwealth When: 2nd Saturday of the Month | 6:00pm Frequency: Monthly Age Range: 50+ Status: Open
Multi-Generational
Ron Ballard Where: Houston/Inside 610 Loop When: Sundays | 6:30pm Frequency: Weekly Age Range: All Ages Status: Open
Empty-Nesters
Empty-Nesters
Greg & Stephanie Hoogerwerf Matt & Laura Corbin Where: Missouri City/Quail Valley When: Sundays | 5:30pm Frequency: Weekly Age Range: 50’s - 60’s Status: Open
Tim & Rhonda Beckett Where: Rosenberg /West Sugar Land/Richmond When: Saturdays | 5:30pm Frequency: Monthly Age Range: 50+ Status: Open
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Empty-Nesters & Mature Singles
Paul & Brenda Rizzotto Lynn & Pam McGuire Where: New Territory/ Sienna Plantation Status: Full
Empty-Nesters & Mature Singles
Gary & Shirley Panetti Where: Sugar Land/First Colony Status: Full
Empty-Nesters & Mature Singles
John & Ann Fregia Pam Clarke Where: Sugar Land/First Colony Status: Full
Empty-Nesters
Rocky & Ginger Hudson Where: Missouri City/Sugar Land Status: Full
Empty-Nesters
Walter & Joyce Caskey Where: Sugar Land/Missouri City/ Rosenberg Status: Full
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Empty-Nesters
Galen & Kathy Cobb Where: Sugar Land/First Colony Status: Full
Empty-Nesters
Brad & Anita Clarkston Where: Richmond/Sugar Land Status: Full
Empty-Nesters
Randy & Becki Glover Where: Houston/Missouri City/ Sugar Land/Stafford Status: Full
Empty-Nesters
Butch & Melanie Watterson Where: Sugar Land/Greatwood/ Rosenberg Status: Full
Empty-Nesters
Alan & Cindy Scott Where: Pecan Grove/ Long Meadow Farms Status: Full
Empty-Nesters
Matt and Jeri Davis Where: Sugar Land Status: Full
Empty-Nesters
Bill & Bridget Norton Where: Greatwood/Richmond Status: Full
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FIRST COLONY MEN’S
CONNECTION GROUPS
Men at First Colony GATHER + GROW + GO to build friendships, encourage and support each other, study the Bible together and serve our community.
Children’s Programs Available
Men’s Group
Charles Foster Where: First Colony Campus When: Thursdays | 7:00am Frequency: Weekly Age Range: 18+ Status: Open
Men’s Group
Thom Besso & Paul Rizzotto Where: La Madeline Sugar Land When: Wednesdays | 7:30am Frequency: Weekly Age Range: 18+ Status: Open
Men’s Group
Walter Caskey Where: IHOP Sugar Land When: Thursdays | 7:30am Frequency: Weekly Age Range: 18+ Status: Open
Men’s Group
Jordan Black Where: Skeeter’s Sugar Land When: Thursdays | 7:00am Frequency: Weekly Age Range: 18+ Status: Open
Men’s Group
Alan Scott Where: Panera Bread in Sugar Land When: Fridays | 6:30am Frequency: Weekly Age Range:18+ Status: Open
Men’s Group
Kyle Mickelson & Wade Holmes Where: First Colony Campus When: Wednesdays | 7:00pm Frequency: Weekly Age Range: 18+ Status: Open
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FIRST COLONY WOMEN’S
CONNECTION GROUPS
Women at First Colony GATHER + GROW + GO to build friendships, encourage and support each other, study the Bible together and serve our community.
Children’s Programs Available
Women’s Bible Study
September 20 - December 6 firstcolonychurch.org/wbs Register for the study of your choice each semester. Where: First Colony Campus When: Tuesdays | 9:45am Frequency: Weekly, Sept - Nov Age Range: All Ages Status: Open
Working Women’s Group
Sandy Besso & Missy Edgmon Where: First Colony Campus When: Tuesdays | 6:30am Frequency: Weekly Age Range: All Ages Status: Open
Monday Night Girl’s Group
Sheila Wright Where: Sugar Land When: Mondays | 6:30pm Frequency: Weekly Age Range: 20 - 35 Status: Open
Divorced Women’s Group
Kathy Krimsky Where: First Colony Campus When: Sundays | 5:00pm Frequency: Semi-Monthly Age Range: All Ages Status: Open
Monday Night Girl’s Group Where: Various locations in Houston When: Mondays | 6:30pm Frequency: Weekly Age Range: 20 - 35 Status: Open
Women’s Group Unwind
Kristin Wyatt & Janell Mickelson For The Love Book Club Join anytime! Where: First Colony Campus When: Wednesdays | 7:00pm Frequency: Weekly Age Range: 18+ Status: Open
Women’s Class
Harden, Reinoso, Wilson Where: First Colony Campus When: Sundays | 9:45am Frequency: Weekly Age Range: All Ages Status: Open
Summer Women’s Group
Peggy Polvado Where: Sugar Land/New Territory When: Mondays | 7:00pm Frequency: Weekly, 6-20 thru 7-25 Age Range: All Ages Status: Open
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FIRST COLONY CARE & SUPPORT
CONNECTION GROUPS You were not meant to go through life’s struggles alone. First Colony offers groups and counseling in various capacities to meet the needs that accompany difficult times. Biblical guidance, compassion and strong communal support form the basis of our Care Ministries. MORE INFO shaneg@firstcolonychurch.org
Children’s Programs Available
Celebrate Recovery
First Colony Networking Group
Divorce Care
Virgil Fry Where: First Colony Campus When: Sundays | 9:45am Frequency: Seasonal, Weekly Age Range: All Ages Status: Open
Phil Martin Where: First Colony Campus When: Fridays | 6:00pm Frequency: Weekly Age Range: All Ages Status: Open
Various Times & Locations Contact Shane Gage For More Info Status: Open
Chronic Pain/Illness Support Group
Cindy Scott Where: First Colony Campus When: Sundays | 9:45am Frequency: Monthly Last Sunday Of Month Age Range: All Ages Status: Open
Carl Wolfe Where: First Colony Campus When: Fridays | 6:30pm Frequency: Weekly Age Range: All Ages Status: Open
Grief Support Group
Grace & Truth Support Group
Ron Ballard Where: First Colony Campus When: Sundays | 9:45am Frequency: Weekly Age Range: All Ages Status: Open
Physical Handicap/Disability Support Group Noor Ferrell Where: First Colony Campus When: Wednesdays | 5:00pm Frequency: Weekly Age Range: All Ages Status: Open
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FIRST COLONY SUNDAY MORNING
CONNECTION GROUPS Meet on First Colony campus every Sunday at 9:45am. Sunday Morning Connection Groups are a great opportunity to GATHER for fellowship and community, GROW through discussion based Bible study and GO by serving together.
Children’s Programs Available
Family Class
Young Adults
Young Singles
Josh & Denise Cummings This Connection Group is for anyone with a desire to pursue God’s Word together in a discussion-based study. Where: First Colony Campus When: Sundays | 9:45am Frequency: Weekly Age Range: 40s - 50s Status: Open
Tim Smith & Charlie Onstead This Connection Group is for parents, kids, grandparents, and more! An interactive Bible class that seeks to stimulate cross-generational discussion and study God’s Word together. Where: First Colony Campus When: Sundays | 9:45am Frequency: Weekly Age Range: All Ages Status: Open
Tyler Davis, Tommy Waldron This Connection Group is a great place for young adults (married and single) with or without children to connect with one another! Class time is heavy on fellowship and discussion-based Bible study. Where: First Colony Campus When: Sundays | 9:45am Frequency: Weekly Age Range: 20s - 30s Status: Open
Journeys
Stan & Harriet Cottrell This Connection Group gives young singles the opportunity to develop meaningful relationships, ministry skills and a knowledge of biblical truths that will equip them as they serve together and make a difference for God’s Kingdom. Where: First Colony Campus When: Sundays | 9:45am Frequency: Weekly Age Range: 20s - 30s Status: Open
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East Room Class
Brad & Anita Clarkston This Connection Group’s focus is on learning and developing a deeper understanding of how God’s Word applies to our lives. Discussion and questions are greatly encouraged! Where: First Colony Campus When: Sundays | 9:45am Frequency: Weekly Age Range: 50+ Status: Open
Mature Singles
Don Payne & John Ricks This Connection Group is a fun, lively bunch that enjoy exploring God’s Word together as well as connecting for lunch and other times of fellowship. Where: First Colony Campus When: Sundays | 9:45am Frequency: Weekly Age Range: 40+ Status: Open
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Chapel Class
Rodney Howald & Kimmett Brigham This is a Connection Group that loves to study God’s Word together with a good dose of fellowship and food every Sunday. Where: First Colony Campus When: Sundays | 9:45am Frequency: Weekly Age Range: 60+ Status: Open
Women’s Class
Harden, Reinoso, Wilson This Connection Group for women of all ages, is full of rich discussion and application from the Word specifically encouraging women in their everyday lives. Where: First Colony Campus When: Sundays | 9:45am Frequency: Weekly Age Range: All Ages Status: Open
International Group
Ronnie Wright & Jim Shahan This Connection Group is a place for discussion and Bible study with people from a variety of nationalities! Class is primarily in English, however limited translation is available. Where: First Colony Campus When: Sundays | 9:45am Frequency: Weekly Age Range: All Ages Status: Open
Spanish Class
Tony Aguilar A bi-lingual Connection Group for Spanish speakers who would like to enhance their English skills, and for English speakers seeking to improve their Spanish. Where: First Colony Campus When: Sundays | 9:45am Frequency: Weekly Age Range: All Ages Status: Open
Deaf Fellowship
Tony Slate This Connection Group is for the partially or fully deaf, as well as anyone who would like to learn or improve their sign language skills! Where: First Colony Campus When: Sundays | 9:45am Frequency: Weekly Age Range: All Ages Status: Open
Summer College Group
Claire Owen Home from college for the summer? GATHER with us Sunday mornings for coffee, snacks and a discussion-based bible study. Where: First Colony Campus When: Sundays | 9:45am Frequency: Weekly Age Range: College Age Status: Open
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FIRST COLONY WEDNESDAY NIGHT
CONNECTION GROUPS
Meet on First Colony campus every Wednesday at 7:00pm. GATHER + GROW + GO on Wednesday Nights while building lasting relationships and experiencing a connected community of believers.
Children’s Programs Available
Men’s Group
Kyle Mickelson & Wade Holmes Where: First Colony Campus When: Wednesdays | 7:00pm Frequency: Weekly Age Range: 18+ Status: Open
Women’s Group Unwind
Kristin Wyatt & Janell Mickelson For The Love Book Club Join anytime! Where: First Colony Campus When: Wednesdays | 7:00pm Frequency: Weekly Age Range: 18+ Status: Open
Families with Children & Teens
Pete & Missy Edgmon Where: First Colony Campus When: Wednesdays | 7:00pm Frequency: Semi-Monthly Age Range: 35 - 45 Status: Open
Multi-Generational
Grant & Laura Wright Where: First Colony Campus When: Wednesdays | 6:30pm Frequency: Weekly Age Range: All Ages Status: Open
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COMMON QUESTIONS What does it mean when a group is listed as Open? Groups listed with a status of open are actively seeking new members.
What does it mean when a group is listed as Full? Groups can become full for a season when they have reached an optimal size, and can no longer accommodate additional members.
I visited a group, but it isn’t the right fit for me. What do I do now? We encourage you to visit a group 2-3 times before committing. No pressure - if a group isn’t the right fit, we will gladly help you find another one. Everyone understands the need to find a group that fits your schedule and spiritual needs.
I found a group that looks like a good fit, but I don’t fall within the listed age range. Can I still join? Listed age ranges are suggestions to give you an idea of the group demographics, not to exclude you from attending. Generally, we encourage you to find a group that is similar to your age, life stage and neighborhood.
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Can I belong to more than one group? Yes, however we ask you to be involved in one primary Connection Group. One where you develop deeper relationships in a close-knit community.
I have children, is childcare provided during group meetings? We have on-campus groups at our First Colony Campus Sunday mornings, Wednesday nights and Tuesday mornings that run concurrent with children’s programs. All other Connection Groups choose their own approach to meet childcare needs.
Look for this
icon to quickly
locate groups with concurrent children’s programs. I am interested in leading or hosting a new group, how do I do this? Contact us! We are always looking for new leaders and hosts. Group Leader Training Sessions are offered regularly throughout the year.
CONTACT Ryan Bien ryanb@firstcolonychurch.org
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Easy steps to Get Connected!
EXPLORE
RESPOND
CONNECT
FIRSTCOLONYCHURCH.ORG
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