Winter Term 2018 Small Groups Catalog Adult Groups January 7* – March 31, 2018 Basics of the small group process: Groups begin the week of Jan. 7 (*Several exceptions begin in early or mid-Jan., or early Feb., please double check start date of your chosen group.)
Each group includes a commitment to: Pray for one another Attend the weekly group gathering Participate in the group times of service, mission and fellowship.
FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH OF HOLLAND
Overview of Small Groups Growth Groups
Meets 4-12 weeks during a term.
May have a limited number of members. May meet only one term, or continue in a following term(s).
Life Groups
Terms in Fall, Winter, and Summer
Meet consistently year around
A limited number of members May have a short open period to admit new group members to keep within the total numbers accepted.
Childcare: Nursery is available for Sunday mornings and Thursday evening groups (with one week notice) for groups meeting in the Church building.
Information following on available groups …
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Sunday Invitation to Romans led by Dave Minnich Would you like to learn more about the practice of prayer and worship? This invitation to Romans may be for you. With daily readings from Romans to prepare, and weekly video insights from a church historian, theologian, and a story teller, this group study makes the book of Romans available to all. Compare what Paul writes with what others like Augustine, Luther and Calvin have said over time trying to understand Paul’s letter. Sessions include: An Orientation to Romans The Righteousness of God and the Faith of Jesus Abraham, Father of All Christ the New Adam Sin, Law, and Grace Divine Purpose and Human Responsibility The Salvation of Israel and the Nations Love and Humility are the Making of God’s Kingdom Date: Sunday, beginning Jan. 7 How Long: 12 weeks, ending Mar. 25 Time: 9:40 am – 10:30 am Location: Conference Room Number of group members: up to 12
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Sunday, cont. Chasing Francis: A Novel with a Purpose. led by Pastor Brad Bartelmay When the elders tell him to take some time away from his church, broken pastor Chase Falson crosses the Atlantic to visit his uncle a Franciscan priest. There he is introduced to the revolutionary teachings of St. Francis of Assisi and finds an old, but new way of following Jesus that heals and inspires. Chase Falson’s spiritual discontent mirrors the feelings of a growing number of Christians who walk out of church asking, “Is this all there is?” This growth group runs for 11 weeks and is discussionoriented; based on the questions at the end of each chapter in the book. Please purchase your copy (Amazon has it in paperback and kindle editions) and read the first chapter prior to our first meeting. Date: Sunday, beginning Jan. 7 How Long: 11 weeks, ending Mar. 18 Time: 9:40am – 10:30am Location: Fellowship Hall Number of group members: up to 18
Active Listening led by Rev. Terry Allen In today’s world - high-stress, high-speed, high-tech - we devote less time to listening to each other. Genuine listening has become a dying art. Yet communication is more important than ever, and we keep creating new ways to try to solve the problem of not being heard by the other. Developing effective, active listening skills can help your build relationships, establish understanding between groups and individuals, and resolve conflict. 4
Sunday, cont. Active listening can save time, build friendships that might not otherwise exist, and save those in turmoil. Join this group exploring some skills needed to give the gift of genuine, active listening – a gift of our time. Date: Sunday, beginning Jan. 7 How Long: 4 weeks, ending Jan. 28 Time: 9:40am – 10:30am Location: Gathering Place Number of group members: up to 25
Making Sense of the Bible by Adam Hamilton led by Tania Dozeman The Bible can seem like it just doesn’t apply to life anymore. In his book Making Sense of the Bible Adam Hamilton invites us into a conversation that gets to the heart of just why the Bible might still apply. Hamilton gives us information to addresses questions like: How and when was the Bible written? Is Jesus the only way to salvation? How does God really view homosexual people? Why would Paul tell women to “keep silent in the church”? Using easily understood language, Hamilton helps us look at our questions about the Bible’s relevance, and consider developing an appreciation of the Bible that allows us to hear God speak though it into our loves and the world today. Date: *Sunday, beginning Feb. 4 How Long: 6 weeks, ending Mar. 11 Time: 9:40am – 10:30am Location: Gathering Place Number of group members: up to 25 5
Monday Ladies Plus led by Marsha Burnham
Study: Creed by Adam Hamilton “We’re all searching. Sometimes the search is easy: simply type a question and the answer pops up. But sometimes our questions are complicated, and the answers are difficult to see and harder to articulate. How do we discover and examine the truths that give meaning and purpose to life? Adam Hamilton believes that some powerful answers are contained in the Apostles’ Creed, an early statement of foundational Christian beliefs. In this book…Hamilton considers important questions of life, reality, and truth. He explores not only what Christians believe, but also why they believe it and why it matters.” amazon.com Sessions include: God Jesus Christ The Holy Spirit The Church at the Communion of Saints The Forgiveness of Sins The Resurrection of the Body Date: Monday, beginning Jan. 8 How Long: 6 session study, ending Mar. 19 Time: 1:15pm – 2:45pm, every other week Location: Lounge Number of group members: up to 10
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Monday, cont. Expressions of Faith led by Andy Snyder Since the earliest beginnings of Christianity, people have sought to express their personal relationship to the spirit moving in their lives. These expressions have been as varied as the creative process itself. Visual arts, music, dance and the written word have all been avenues to express the sacred and powerful experience of an encounter with God. In an increasingly secular world it has become harder and harder for people to tap into a creative process that includes their own personal faith journey as an integral part. This group will seek to allow people to tap into the deep well of faith to inform their artistic explorations. Part discussion group, part creativity work shop, we’ll take a hands on approach as we experiment with a variety of different creative disciplines as we grow together and closer to God. Date: Monday, beginning Jan. 8 How Long: 8 weeks, ending Feb. 26 Time: 7:30pm – 9:00pm Location: Gathering Place Number of group members: up to 8
Tuesday Fiber Arts Fellowship led by Jane Smith and Loretta Tiethof Fiber Arts Fellowship (previously Knitting Fellowship) will include quilting, crocheting and knitting. Want to learn any of these skills? We are excited to teach fiber art. The hope is to include lap quilts and crocheted and knitted prayer shawls for distribution. Presently our fiber art creations serve many ministries: we make community 7
Tuesday, cont. meal scarves, mittens and hats, prayer shawls and prayer pockets. We will supply yarn and fabric and accept donations. We welcome you! F.A. Fellowship will still meet on the second Tuesday of each month with e-mail contact in case of changes. You do not have to be part of the fellowship to contribute your fiber art creations. Date: Tuesday, beginning Jan. 9 How Long: 2nd and 4th Tuesdays, ending Mar. 20 Time: 1:00pm – 3:00pm Location: Lounge Number of group members: Unlimited
Financial Peace University led by Tim Hook “Financial Peace University (FPU) is a 9 lesson class on money management taught by America’s most trusted financial guru, Dave Ramsey. Dave and his teaching team will walk you through the basics of budgeting, dumping debt, planning for the future and much more.” ** Many individuals and families over the years have found this study to be life changing, including some folks here at 1st UMC of Holland. Please register both with church and online. See the link posted directly on 1st’s Facebook page. If you need help with the online registration, please contact Heidi DeMoss. **daveramsey.com
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Tuesday, cont. Date: *Tuesday, beginning Jan. 16 How Long: 9 weeks, ending Mar. 13 Time: 7:00pm – 8:30pm Location: Lounge Number of group members: no limit Cost: material and registration fee of $109.00 at registration online at http://www.fpu.com/1054408
Thursday Living with Alzheimer’s led by Kay Namovich Part education, part fellowship and support, this group will use print and video resources to assist in the understanding of the course of the disease, how the disease affects communication and relationship, and how to best support a loved one diagnosed with the disease and their immediate care givers. Additionally, it is my goal that a short devotion, a time of prayer, and the fellowship of a shared community will create a support network for the time ahead. Whether you are a spouse seeking support, an adult child wondering how to support your parents (and your own children), or a friend seeking to know how best to continue meaningful communication and relationship, you are welcome. Class is facilitated by Kay Namovich, whose Mother was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease seven years ago, and whose Father is her inspiration in the quest for knowledge and understanding of this tragic disease.
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Thursday, con’t. Date: *Thursday, beginning Jan. 18 How Long: 4 sessions, every other week, ending Mar. 1 Time: 7:00pm – 8:30pm Location: Gathering Place Number of group members: up to 14
Woman’s Spiritual Growth Group led by Tania Dozeman We are a supportive community of intergenerational women at FUMC of Holland who recognize our longing to know God more nad who through mutual mentoring support one another as we grow in our spiritual lives. We are always intentionally open and welcoming. We use books as the basis of our discussion, and work in large groups, small groups, and in pairs each session. All women, no matter your age or orientation are welcome. Study: We will again be using a book as a basis for our discussion that will be posted in January. In this semester we will be meeting with the same small group for the duration of our time together. Date: *Thursday, beginning Feb. 8 How Long: 6 session, ending April 26 Time: 7:00pm – 9:00pm, every other week. Watch the published dates on coming flyer announcing study Location: Gathering Place Number of group members: no limit
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Friday Crafting Fellowship led by Bobbie Piesko In the spirit of preserving memories, Bobbie Piesko invites you to her home for a new small group to fellowship while scrap-booking your memories. Digital or old fashioned, she has 4 six foot tables to share or spread out depending on the number of people. Any craft project will do if you just want a designated time and space with other crafters this may be the group for you. If you would like more information about this group before registering, e-mail, call or text Bobbie bpiesko@yahoo.com or 283-1730. Date: *Friday, beginning Jan. 5 How Long: 1st and 3rd Fridays of Jan. – Mar. , ends Mar. 23 Time: 7pm - 11pm Location: Piesko Home Number of group members: up to 8
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Why be part of a group? Being part of a group helps me: Connect with God’s love. Grow to know God Better. Grow to understand how unique and special I am. Share who I am and God’s love with others.
Come experience Christ with me. Heidi DeMoss Adult Discipleship Ministries, First UMC of Holland Our Mission: To make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. Our Vision: To be a Grace-filled community aflame with God’s love for the world.
Contact Us: First United Methodist Church of Holland 57 West Tenth Street Holland, MI 49423 Phone: 611-396-5205 Office Web: www.fumcholland.org Pastor: Brad Bartelmay Adult Discipleship Ministries: Heidi DeMoss 12