Summer 2014
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 Alpha... Women’s Morning Alpha... When: Sept 9 th to Nov 18 th When: Sept 10 th to Nov 19 th Time: Tuesdays, 6:30 - 8:30PM Time: Wednesdays, 9:30 - 11:30AM Dinner and childcare provided Snack is provided, no childcare Register: www.alphakaty.org
Small Groups Spotlight
UpWORD is a Bible study for women based on the belief that God’s Word transforms us. We desire to foster spiritual maturity by... •Connecting to God through deep, personal study of His Word •Connecting to each other in authentic community and •Connecting women to God’s mission in the world. We feature studies designed by the women of Grace for women of our community. We incorporate creative elements to enrich the learning experience. We focus on knowing God, delighting in Him, and belonging to a community of authentic women who desire to live lives that matter. Very simply… UpWORD is a community of women growing deep in God to live lives that matter. Join us starting Sept 9 th on Tuesday mornings from 9:30 - 11:30am or Tuesday evenings from 7:00 - 9:00pm in the Epicentre to study Exodus: Hope For Those Who Aren’t Enough
Register online at www.whatisgrace.org/upword Questions, contact UpWORD at graceupword@hotmail.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, September 14th, 12:30-2:30pm Where: The Vista, Mansion 2nd floor Lunch is included and childcare is provided (please RSVP to Julia). Contact Julia Johnson at jjohnson@whatisgrace.org or 281.646.1903 ext 175. Men’s Conference 2014 - Sept 5-7 Join us for an opportunity for spiritual growth, a great way to meet new friends, a down time to relax, and one of the best things you can do for yourself! Come hear our speakers Tom Crick and Jamie Winship who have a combined life-time of experience to share. Sept 5-7, Friday night to Sunday morning $150.00, register at whatisgrace.org/mensconference by Aug 31st. For more info go to whatisgrace.org/mensconference or call 281.646.1903. Men’s Short Term Small Group – A Bible study, Intimacy: Understanding a Woman’s Heart An 8 week men’s small group Bible study that will help you grasp God’s purposes for connecting with your wife’s (or wife-to-be’s) heart. You will discover essentials for a growing healthy marriage relationship by understanding character gaps which can drive you to God for solutions. September 9th – October 28th Meeting in the VISTA from 6:15 am – 7:14 am beginning with breakfast COST: $10 for the workbook 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: Red Oak Grill, Mason Rd When: Wednesday, 6:30PM Contact: 281-635-7518 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 Todd Hayes Location: Denny’s/Fry Rd & I-10 When: Wednesday, 6:00AM Contact: 832-600-3955 Email: thayes@whatisgrace.org 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 Location: The Vista When: Monday, 9:15AM Leader: Denise Ruhl www.graceibloom.org
Bev Pantley Location: Grand Lakes When: Thursday, 9:30AM Contact: 832-321-4007 ryt2bev@comcast.net
UpWord Location: Epi, 254 When: Tuesday, 9:30AM or Tuesday, 7:00PM Leader: Barbara Neumann www.whatisgrace.org/upword
Debbie Cooper Location: Kosmo’s Coffee Shop When: Friday, 6:00AM Contact: 281-216-9588/ dc2cooper@comcast.net
Beth McIlhenny Womens Singles (Over 50) Location: Mansion, 301 When: Wednesday, 6:30PM Contact: bethemack@gmail.com Elaine Pangle Location: CEB, 137 When: Wednesday, 6:45PM Contact: epangle@whatisgrace.org 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
Single & Parenting for women Location: CEB, 223 When: 1st & 3rd Sunday, 5:30PM Leader: Rhonda Coleman Contact: only1rc@yahoo.com
Women’s Groups (continuted) 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: Mondays, 9:15AM Leader: Denise Ruhl www.graceibloom.org follows the KISD calendar registration starts in the summer
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 Contact Suzy Fontenelle at sdfontenelle@gmail.com
Welcome Coffee & Orientation (must attend both) CoffeeLocation: Vista, Mansion 2nd floor When: Sun, Sept 28, 2-4PM Orientation- (meet your mentor/mentee) Location: Vista, Mansion 2nd floor When: Thur, Oct 2, 7-9PM
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/ young children Location: Pin Oak When: Sunday, 3:30PM Leaders: Ryan Host & Mark Torrey Contact: 281-796-8833 Email: rhost@lonestarlandscapeco.com 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 Young Marrieds Location: varies When: Monday, 7:00PM Leaders: Austin & Allison Grafing Contact: 713-725-4294 or 832-606-8289 Email: austinallison2011@gmail.com
Recovery with Grace: Recovery from an unhealthy habit Location: Epicentre When: Monday, 7:00PM Leaders: Care Ministry Contact: 281-646-1903 Email: mreekwald@whatisgrace.org
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 College & Beyond Location: CEB When: Tuesday, 7:30PM Leaders: Victoria Scott & Erik Tjon Email: vss92@hotmail.com eriktjon@live.com
Wednesday Groups
Thursday Groups
Families w/ High School & College Children Location: Varies When: Wednesday, 7:00PM Leaders: Jeff Campbell Contact: 281-579-7202 Email: jeff.campbell123@gmailcom
Cry Freedom: Mission to end Human Trafficking Location: Mansion Vista When: Thursday, 7:00PM Leaders: Suzanne Pretti Email: cryfreedomsmallgroup@ hotmail.com
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: Falcon Point When: Thursday, 7:00PM Leaders: Russ & Michelle Reekwald Contact: 281-948-8943 Email: mreekwald@whatisgrace.org
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 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 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
Men’s Sexual Purity Support and Recovery group Location: Mansion When: Thursday, 7:00PM Leaders: Care Ministry Contact: 281-646.1903 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
Friday Groups 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 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 22-29 Singles Location: Falcon Point When: Friday, 7:00PM Leaders: K ailey Miller Email: kailey_miller@yahoo.com
Care Ministry Small Groups HopeKeepers/HopeCaregivers: Support Dealing With or Caring for a Chronic Illness For more info visit the Care Kiosk Contact: Pic Pixley 281-646-1903 Email: ppixley@whatisgrace.org Divorce Care - Faith-based recovery for adults and children For more info visit the Care Kiosk Contact: Terese Hamilton 281-646-1903 Email: thamilton@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: Pic Pixley 281-646-1903 Email: ppixley@whatisgrace.org Leah’s Friends: Support For ExtraGrace-Required Marriages For more info visit the Care Kiosk Contact: Pic Pixley 281-646-1903 Email: ppixley@whatisgrace.org
Parenting with Grace: Become The Parent That God Has Called You To Be For more info visit the Care Kiosk Contact: Terese Hamilton 281-646-1903 Email: thamilton@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 Care Creations: Fellowship In A Creative Atmosphere For more info visit the Care Kiosk Contact: Pic Pixley 281-646-1903 Email: ppixley@whatisgrace.org Dave Ramsey’s Financial Peace University For more info visit the Care Kiosk Contact: Terese Hamilton 281-646-1903 Email: thamilton@whatisgrace.org Men’s Sexual Purity Support and Recovery Group For more info visit the Care Kiosk Contact: Pic Pixley 281-646-1903 Email: ppixley@whatisgrace.org
VIC-Victorious in Cancer: Women’s Cancer Support Group For more info visit the Care Kiosk Contact: Michelle Reekwald 281-646-1903 SALT: Single Adults Learning Truth Christ-centered adults going through a Email: mreekwald@whatisgrace.org single season due to a divorce or loss of a spouse. Marriage Matters: Biblically-Based For more info visit the Care Kiosk Marriage Enrichment Contact: Pic Pixley 281-646-1903 For more info visit the Care Kiosk Email: ppixley@whatisgrace.org Contact: Michelle Reekwald 281-646-1903 Email: mreekwald@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: Great Southwest Prayer Center When: 1st Sunday each month, 9:45-10:30AM Led by: Tutu Omilabu Contact: 281-574-1887 Email: adetootoo@gmail.com Pray for the Persecuted Church -prays for the persecuted Church around the globe Location: Great Southwest Prayer Center When: 1st Sunday each month, 9:00-9:45AM Led by: Tutu Omilabu Contact: 281-574-1887 Email: adetootoo@gmail.com 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
Women’s Prayer Life -prays for GFUMC and individual prayer requests Location: Mansion room 207 When: 1st & 3rd Tuesday each month, 1:30-3:30PM 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, 10:30-11:30AM 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: When: Led by: seeking a leader! Contact: 281-646-1903 Email: caronson@whatisgrace.org Victory Over Darkness Location: Mansion room 301 When: Sundays, Sept 14-Oct 19 3:00-5:00PM 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
Grace Fellowship will be a House of Prayer for All Nations building a communit y that knows God and makes Him known.
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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