Fall 2013
What is a Small Group? A small group is made up of about 12 people who meet together 2-4 times a month to help each other grow in their relationship with God and with each other.
5 Reasons Why You Should be in a Small Group: 1. Understand the Bible better through group discussion as you apply the Bible to your life situations. 2. Develop close relationships with other believers who will walk beside you in your journey as a Christ follower. 3. Find answers to the needs in your life through group prayer. 4. Get support in times of crisis or major changes from people who really care for you. 5. Discover and use your gifts and talents as you serve others.
The Top 10 Questions about Small Groups: How much time is this going to take?
The meetings are usually a couple of hours long. One hour for snacking, eating, and hanging out. One hour for Bible Study and prayer. However, many SG members begin to do life together eating out, playing golf, boating, and even taking vacations together. The Community that is built in a small group can be life-changing. Groups also participate in service projects or outreach opportunities a couple of times a year.
What are we going to do with our children during the small group? Each small group has come up with its own approach to childcare needs. Some groups hire a babysitter to watch all the kids. Some groups meet on the church campus where childcare workers are provided. Many group members take advantage of our non-needs based childcare subsidy to help cover the cost of hiring a babysitter. Your small group leader can provide you with a reimbursement form.
Will there be homework? If so, how much?
Most small groups do not have home work in a book. There may be daily devotionals that are suggested or weekly considerations to which you need to compare your life. Some groups will read a book together then meet to discuss it. The group members’ life-stage will often be a determining factor in the group’s level of outside preparation.
The Top 10 Questions about Small Groups: (continued) Am I going to have to talk or can I just sit and listen during the meetings? A Small Group is like family, sometimes you talk, sometimes you listen. No one is forced to talk or to lead the group. We all move at a different pace and you allowed to do just that.
Will I have to pray out loud?
No. Again, you are allowed to move, grow, at your own pace. If the time comes in your life that you feel you need to voice a prayer request, that is well received. If the time comes you would like to lead in prayer, that is also well received.
Who else is going to be in the group?
Most groups are made up of people from the same life stage or same gender. A few of our groups are made up of people from “all ages and life-stages.”
How much do I have to know about the Bible?
Nothing. Small Group is about learning the Bible not debating it or being tested on it.
How many weeks or months is this going to last?
Small Group is like family, some of them last for years, others multiply and start new groups in 18-24 months. We do ask that an apprentice be enlisted from the start so there is a plan to let others experience community in a Small Group as your group sends out the apprentice family sometime in the first 18-24 months.
If I don’t like it, can I leave without people being mad at me?
Yes, but most people build such community that they do not want to stop being part of the Small Group.
What are we going to be doing during the meetings?
Most meetings last a about two hours. There is roughly an hour for social, fellowship, eating, snacking time; building community. Then there is an hour of Bible Study where the group learns and discusses the material and Scripture that has been previously agreed upon. There is always time for prayer and sharing of life issues where others in your group can help you walk through life and not be alone.
The Alpha Course
What is the Alpha Course? The Alpha course is an opportunity for anyone to explore the Christian faith in a relaxed, non-threatening manner over 11, thought-provoking weekly sessions. It’s low key, friendly and fun.
What Happens at Alpha? DINNER: The evening begins with a meal together, giving people a chance to get to know each other. TALK: The course consists of a series of talks addressing key issues relating to the Christian faith such as: ● ● Is Christianity boring, untrue, or irrelevant? ● ● Who is Jesus and why did he die? ● ● Why and how should I read the Bible? ● ● What about church?
COFFEE, DESSERT AND SMALL GROUPS: After each talk we divide into small groups to discuss the topic of the evening, ask questions, and express opinions. Ask anything. Alpha is a place where no question is too naive or too hostile. This is your chance to listen, learn, discuss and discover.
Is Alpha for Me? Though the course is open to everyone, it is especially geared to: ● ● People interested in investigating Christianity ● ● New Christians ● ● Newcomers to Grace Fellowship interested in a short-term small group experience ● ● Christians who want to brush up on the basics
When and Where? Evening Morning (for women) Begins: Jan 21st Begins: Jan22 nd Location: Mansion Vista Location: Mansion room 207 When: Tuesdays, 6:30 - 8:30PM When: Wednesdays, 9:30am Dinner & childcare provided Snack provided, no childcare Register: www.alphakaty.org
Community Groups Try a Community Group! They are offered twice a year and are like Small Groups, but meet weekly for a short term to explore one topic. Register for a group at www.whatisgrace.org/communitygroups
Biblically based teaching on parenting, marriage and spiritual growth including relevant video curriculum, small group discussion, and the interaction of more experienced mothers with moms of children from birth to fifth grade. When: Mondays at 7:00pm Location: CEB 222 Leaders: Janelle Lyles & Bronda Goates Contact: lylesjm@yahoo.com
Sacred Rhythms by Ruth Haley Spiritual practices that nourish your soul and transform your life. When: Thursdays at 9:30am Leader: Terrie Dagley
Location: Mansion 203 Contact: trdagley@msn.com
Adult Discipleship Events GroupLink GroupLink gives you the opportunity to meet others in your community who want to connect for a 6-week small group experience. When: Sunday, January 26th, 12:30-2:30pm Where: The Vista, Mansion 2nd floor Lunch is included and childcare is provided. Contact Julia Johnson at jjohnson@whatisgrace.org or 281.646.1903 ext 175. Women’s Adventure 2014 Whats love got to do with it? Jesus invites us on a true love adventure! February 7-9, 2014 Pine Cove - The Outback Walk to Emmaus The Walk to Emmaus is a 72-hour Christian spiritual retreat designed to build leadership in the local church as well as provide spiritual renewal to both those attending a retreat and the volunteers who serve on a retreat. For more information contact: Brad Fuqua at brad.fuqua@me.com Scooter Lofton at sclftn1@gmail.com Mark Brewer at brewercrew@prodigy.net
Men’s Groups
Michael Zak Location: Cracker Barrel, I-10 When: Tuesday, 6:00AM Contact: 832-741-8117 Email: jmichaelzak@gmail.com
Jeff White Location: Westgreen Rd & I-10 When: Wednesday, 7:00PM Contact: 281-772-0502 Email: jeffcwhite@aol.com
Greg Mesler Location: Various When: Tuesday, 6:30PM Contact: for location Email: greg.mesler@earthlink.net
Jimmy Ermon Location: The Mansion, Room 207 When: Thursday, 6:00AM Contact: 832-868-7728 Email: jaermon@gmail.com
Ryan Keel Location: Cracker Barrel on I-10 When: 1st & 3rd Wednesday, 6:00AM Contact: 281-797-5083 Email: ryankeel@gmail.com Larry Lengyel Location: Denny’s/Fry Rd & I-10 When: Wednesday, 6:00AM Contact: 281-599-8281 Email: lengyel.larry@yahoo.com Brian Sell Location: Panera Bread at LaCenterra When: Wednesday, 6:30AM Contact: 281-394-5605 Email: bandcsell@aol.com Mark Elkins Location: Bagel Cafe When: Wednesday, 7:00AM Contact: 832-347-3130 Email: mark@efam.cc
Jeff Davidson Location: North of I-10, East of Mason When: Wednesday, 7:00PM Contact: 281-901-0005 Email: davidson.jeffery@gmail.com Terry McRight Location: Denny’s on Fry, N of I-10 When: Friday, 6:00AM Contact: 281-293-7677 Email: brkthrugh@aol.com Study: Book of Romans Brian Nessen Location: Cracker Barrel at I-10 & Barker Cypress When: Every other Friday, 7:00AM Contact: 713-705-1512 Email: nessenbh@gmail.com Brian Freer Location: Houston When: Saturday, 10:30AM Contact: 281-579-6641 Email: brian.freer@sbcglobal.net
Women’s Groups
ibloom
Bev Pantley Location: Grand Lakes When: Thursday, 9:30AM Contact: 832-321-4007 ryt2bev@comcast.net
A gathering of women with children, (bir th to 5th grade), we meet weekly to share friendship, teaching by live speakers and video curriculum on parenting, marriage and spiritual grow th, followed by small group discussion led by seasoned mentor moms. Free childcare and no homework. Location: The Vista When: Monday, 9:15AM Leader: Denise Ruhl Register now at www.graceibloom.org
Sacred Rhythms - Community Group Location: Mansion, 203 When: Thursdays, 9:30am Leader: Terri Dagley Contact: 713-417-1933/ trdagley@msn.com
Mom to Mom- Community Group Location: CEB, 222 When: Mondays, 7pm Leaders: Janelle Lyles & Bronda Goates Contact: lylesjm@yahoo.com Beth McIlhenny Women’s Singles (Over 50) Location: Mansion, 301 When: Wednesday, 6:30PM Contact: bethemack@gmail.com Jayne Couch / Cathy Hale Location: South of I-10, West of Mason When: Thursday, 9:30AM Contact: 281-578-0312 / 281-693-4253 Diane Armijo / Christine Jackson Location: South of I-10, East of Mason When: Thursday, 9:30AM Contact: armijofam@aol.com
Debbie Cooper Location: Kosmo’s Coffee Shop When: Friday, 6:00AM Contact: 281-216-9588/ dc2cooper@comcast.net Single & Parenting for women Location: CEB, 223 When: Sundays, 5:30PM Leader: Rhonda Coleman Contact: only1rc@yahoo.com
Women’stoGroups (continuted) Woman Woman Mentoring Experience the joys of blessing one another. ● ● As a mentor, use your walk with God to encourage another woman. (A mentor must be a member of Grace Fellowship.)
● ● As a mentee , you will be supported in your life’s journey by a Christian friend
Welcome Coffee & Orientation (must attend both) CoffeeLocation: Vista, Mansion 2nd floor When: Sunday, March 23 2014, 2:00-4:00PM Orientation- (meet your mentor/mentee) Location: Vista, Mansion 2nd floor When: Thursday, March 27 2014, 7:00-9:00PM Contact: Suzy Fontenelle at sdfontenelle@gmail.com
Sunday Groups Orphan’s Hope -Families With/Without Children Location: Church When: 1st, 2nd & 3rd Sunday, 5:30PM Leaders: Morgan & Melanie Pylant Contact: 832-338-2341 Email: mpylant@whatisgrace.org Families w/ High School & Older Children Location: Grand Lakes When: Sunday, 6:00PM Leader: Mike Weber & Chuck Stewart Contact: 713-447-9185 Email: liza.stewart@comcast.net Families w/ young children Location: Pin Oak When: Sunday, 3:30PM Leaders: Ryan Host & Mark Torrey Contact: 281-796-8833 Email: rhost@lonestarlandscapeco.com All Ages, All Stages Location: Varies When: 1st, 3rd, 4th Sunday, 6:30PM Leaders: Brad & Cindy Bruere Contact: 281-908-8093 Email: bbruere@comcast.net All Ages, All Stages-SOAP Journaling Location: Mansion, #203 When: Sunday, 9:00AM Leaders: Mark Brewer Contact: 281-813-6661 Email: brewercrew@prodigy.net
Families w/ Sr. High & College Location: South of I-10, West of Mason When: Sunday, 6:15PM Leaders: Kelly & Heather Keahey Contact: 281-798-0978 or 281-798-6568 Email: pfskeahey@sbcglobal.net
Monday Groups All Ages, All Stages Location: West of Grand Parkway When: Monday, 7:00PM Leaders: Chris & Maureen Hiller Contact: 281-687-6336 Email: cnhiller@kw.com
Tuesday Groups Families w/ Preschool Children Location: Varies When: Every other Tuesday, 6:30PM Leaders: Craig Stovall Contact: 214-802-0719 Email: craig@medillcattleco.com All Ages, Couples Location: South of Westpark Tollway When: Tuesdays, 7:00PM Leaders: Keith & Nancy Simmons Contact: 713-303-8410 Email: neiswander3@yahoo.com Young Marrieds Location: Varies When: Tuesday, 7:00PM Leaders: Addison & Marissa Stevens Contact: 979-885-8332 Email: marissa_stevens@ymail.com
All Ages, All Stages Location: South of I-10, West of Mason When: Tuesday, 7:00PM Leaders: Mark & Elise Ashey Contact: 281-395-6143 Email: markashey@gmail.com
Disciple Bible II Location: Epicentre Attic When: Wednesday, 7:00PM Leaders: Christina Bell / Brad Nelson Contact: tinalyn123@gmail.com brad.nelson2@gmail.com
College & Beyond Location: CEB When: Tuesday, 7:30PM Leaders: Victoria Scott & Erik Tjon Email: vss92@hotmail.com eriktjon@live.com
Empty Nesters Location: South of I-10, East of Mason When: Wednesday, 7:00PM Leaders: Ron & Terrie Dagley Contact: 281-492-6417 Email: rdagley@betzcompanies.com
Wednesday Groups Families w/ High School & College Children Location: Varies When: Wednesday, 7:00PM Leaders: Jeff Campbell & Clark Hamilton Contact: 281-579-7202 / 713-899-7495 Email: jeff.campbell123@gmailcom / ctham777@att.net Families w/ High School & College Children Location: Varies When: Wednesday, 7:00PM Leaders: David Muir Contact: 281-392-4428 Email: muird2@bp.com All Ages, All Stages Location: East of Grand Parkway When: 1st & 3rd Wednesday, 7:00pm Leader: Adele Justis Contact: 281-798-9293 Email: asjustis4@yahoo.com
Taylor High School Area Families Location: South of I-10, East of Mason When: 1st & 3rd Wednesday, 7:00PM Leaders: Jeff & Naomi Williams Contact: 281-578-9228 Email: jeffreywilliams522@att.net Families w/ Jr./Sr. High Children Location: Cinco Forest When: Wednesdays, 7:00PM Leaders: Mark & Kay LaCour Contact: 281-693-1330 Email: marklacour@consolidated.net
Thursday Groups
Friday Groups
Sacred RythymsCommunity Group Location: Mansion 203 When: Thursday, 9:30AM Leader: Terrie Dagley Email: trdagley@msn.com
Families w/ infants through Jr. High Children Location: South of I-10, West of 99 When: 1st & 3rd Fridays, 6:30pm Leaders: Corey & Natali Evans Contact: 832-392-4752 Email: coreyevans@sbcglobal.net
Cry Freedom: Mission to end Human Trafficking Location: Mansion Vista When: Thursday, 7:00PM Leaders: Suzanne Pretti/Michelle Burris Email: cryfreedomsmallgroup@ hotmail.com
All Ages, All Stages Location: Westheimer Lakes When: Every other Friday, 6:45PM Leader: Jim & Liz Boggs Contact: 713-819-0925 Email: onthelake08@reagan.com
All Ages, All Stages Location: Falcon Point When: Thursday, 7:00PM Leaders: Russ & Michelle Reekwald Contact: 281-948-8943 Email: mreekwald@whatisgrace.org
Families w/ Jr./Sr. High Children Location: North of I-10, West of Mason When: every other Friday, 7:00PM Leaders: Harry & Sandra Hughes Contact: 832-216-8228 Email: harry6370@gmail.com
Empty Nesters Location: East of Mason, South of HIghland Knolls When: Thursday, 7:15PM Leaders: Pat & Pam Miller Contact: 281-398-0652 Email: patpamksk@sbcglobal.net
Early Career Location: Falcon Point When: Friday, 7:00PM Leaders: Jessica Rogers, Kyle Withner, Kaily Miller Email: kailey_miller@yahoo.com pianoman.withner@gmail.com Families w/ Jr. High Children Location: Varies When: Friday, 7:00PM Leaders: Melissa Clark & Christina Mirabal Contact: 281-770-4658 Email: mlclark2300@gmail.com
Care Ministry Small Groups
HopeKeepers: Support Dealing With A Chronic Illness For more info visit the Care Kiosk Contact: Kathy Alt 281-646-1903 Email: kalt@whatisgrace.org
Marriage Matters: Biblically-Based Marriage Enrichment For more info visit the Care Kiosk Contact: Kathy Alt 281-646-1903 Email: kalt@whatisgrace.org
HopeCaregivers: Support For Caregiver of Ill Or Elderly Loved One For more info visit the Care Kiosk Contact: Kathy Alt 281-646-1903 Email: kalt@whatisgrace.org
Parenting with Grace: Become The Parent That God Has Called You To Be For more info visit the Care Kiosk Contact: Laura Ritchie 281-646-1903 Email: lritchie@whatisgrace.org
Divorce Care - Faith-based recovery for adults and children For more info visit the Care Kiosk Contact: Alicia Bell 281-646-1903 Email: abell@whatisgrace.org
GriefShare: Recovery After Loss Of A Loved One For more info visit the Care Kiosk Contact: Michelle Reekwald 281-646-1903 Email: mreekwald@whatisgrace.org
Recovery with Grace: Recovery From An Unhealthy Habit (a group for men and a group for women) For more info visit the Care Kiosk in Contact: Laura Ritchie 281-646-1903 Email: lritchie@whatisgrace.org
Care Creations: Fellowship In A Creative Atmosphere For more info visit the Care Kiosk Contact: Kathy Alt 281-646-1903 Email: kalt@whatisgrace.org
Leah’s Friends: Support For ExtraGrace-Required Marriages For more info visit the Care Kiosk Contact: Kathy Alt 281-646-1903 Email: kalt@whatisgrace.org VIC-Victorious in Cancer: Women’s Cancer Support Group For more info visit the Care Kiosk Contact: Alicia Bell 281-646-1903 Email: abell@whatisgrace.org
Dave Ramsey’s Financial Peace University For more info visit the Care Kiosk Contact: Alicia Bell 281-646-1903 Email: abell@whatisgrace.org Men’s Sexual Purity Support and Recovery Group For more info visit the Care Kiosk Contact: Rick Mowrer 281-646-1903 Email: rmowrer@whatisgrace.org
Prayer Ministry Small Groups Ban*Jar Prayer -Intercessory prayer for this unreached people group Location: Mansion room 207 When: 1st Sunday each month, 12:20PM Led by: Kristen Kershner Contact: 281-646-1903 x170 Email: kkerr@whatisgrace.org 4-14 Window Prayer -prays for youth ages 4-14 around the globe to take their place in the kingdom Location: When: Led by: seeking a leader! Contact: 281-646-1903 Email: caronson@whatisgrace.org Pray for the Persecuted Church -prays for the persecuted Church around the globe Location: When: Led by: seeking a leader! Contact: 281-829-6051 Email: jan-31graham@sbcglobal.net. Pray for Methodism -prays for the Methodist church around the globe Location: Great Southwest Prayer Center When: 4th Monday each month, 9:30-10:30AM Led by: Brandee Standley Contact: 281-395-4035 Email: brahar2@comcast.net
Prayer Life -prays for Grace Fellowship UMC and one another Location: Mansion room 207 When: 1st & 3rd Tuesday each month, 1:30-2:30PM Led by: Brandee Standley & Dixie Leggett Contact: 281-395-4035 / 713-468-5929 Email: brahar2@comcast.net/ lwleggett@comcast.net Military Prayer -Prays for our military men and women and their families Location: Great Southwest Prayer Center When: 2nd & 4th Wednesday, 10:00-11:00AM Led by: Melissa Grace Contact: 281-395-4085 Email: mmgrace00@aol.com Pray for Israel -Prays for God’s chosen nation and people to return to Him Location: Great Southwest Prayer Center When: 2nd Thursday, 1:00-2:00PM Led by: Ann Behrens Contact: 832-651-8949 Email: ahbehrens45@aol.com Healing Small Group Location: Mansion room 203 When: Tuesday, 9:00-10:00AM (10/1-11/5) Led by: Pam Alsheikh Contact: 281-346-0555 Email: alsheikh67@comcast.net
Adult Discipleship Staff Contacts Brian Owen
Discipleship Pastor bowen@whatisgrace.org
Julia Johnson
Small Groups Direc tor jjohnson@whatisgrace.org
Blair Lerner
Direc tor of Outreach and Discipleship blerner@whatisgrace.org
Christi Jeffries
Administrative Assistant cjef fries@whatisgrace.org
Heather Furr
Outreach Administrative Assistant hfurr@whatisgrace.org
2655 South Mason Road Kat y, Texas 77450 Phone: 281- 6 46 -1903 Fax: 281- 6 46 -1920 w w w.w h at is g r a ce. o r g
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