Small Groups

A Christian Small Group is an intentional face-to-face gathering of 3-12 people who meet on a regular time schedule with the common purpose of discovering and growing in the possibilities of an abundant life in Christ.

Programs
	Telling Your Story class
	Our new study will encourage us to explore and share our life story. Sally Bryant, SFC's Pastor of Adult Ministries, will be leading us in a 4-week class.
	Each of us has an unique story, shaped by the events of our life. We will look back over our lives, remembering the events and people that shaped the person we are today. Part of our story is how we see God. For many of us, experiences of past pain or loss may mean that we have difficulty in seeing God as a good and loving God. Through this process of looking back over our lives, we will discover God in our lives, not simply as our Creator and Redeemer, but as One who has been present and actively "at work" in our lives, inviting, directing, guiding, and drawing us into the fullness of life.
	Life with God was not meant to be lived in isolation but in community where life stories are celebrated and held in careful, loving hands. Join us for this 4-week class as we have the opportunity to reflect on the events that made us who we are today and discover how God has worked in our lives over the years and what he might be doing now. We are richer when we know one another's story.
	January, 9, 23, 30 and February 6. I hope you can all make it!
	Lenten Soup Supper
	February 17 at 6:00pm in Richards Hall. The small group team invites you and your family to our annual soup supper and Chapel service. Enjoying a shared meal and time of reflection with fellow believers is a good way to prepare for Lent. Children are welcome.
	This event has expanded over the past several years, and volunteer help is necessary and greatly appreciated. If you are able to volunteer, please email Camille Chapman.

Small Groups Are...

Where inquirers can discuss their questions with other seekers.
Where we meet others and develop friendships. (It is hard to meet and get to know others in an hour at Sunday services.)
Where we study the Bible together, try to discern God's message, and share with each other what the verses mean to us.
Where we develop friends and find comfort in our daily walk. As followers of Christ, we are to be with others. It is not to be a solitary walk.

"And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near." Hebrews 10:24-25

Small Groups... a place to belong, grow, and serve Christ's kingdom

Small groups...

Build relationship
Help us grow deeper in our relationship to God
Provide an excellent entry vehicle into the church community
Create and enhance relationships between members of the Christian community
Provide a setting to belong, grow, and serve in His Kingdom
Provide a place to share our concerns, needs and blessings through prayer together
Nurture fellowship
Encourage people to open their hearts and share their needs and blessings in a safe supportive setting
Build trust and sharing through caring for friends in small group
Help us grow Spiritually
Give us a better understanding of God’s Word by studying the Bible together
Increase our spiritual growth through personal Bible study
Improve personal and communal prayer life and meditation
Help us understand how our talents and gifts fulfill God’s purpose
Let us share how the Holy Spirit is working in our lives
Serve God
Exercise our spiritual gifts in practical ways to help others
Encourage participation in service projects that support both local and global outreach
Use your talents to fulfill the purpose for which God has created you

Get Involved

There are small groups for a wide variety of interests: singles, couples, families, men, women, morning, evening, etc.

If you are interested in joining a small group, pick up a Small Groups brochure from the Hospitality Center on Sunday morning and fill out the enclosed form or email Rol or Camille Chapman. Another way to connect is to fill out a yellow card in the back of the pews and drop it in the collection plate.

Small groups mutually decide upon an agreement with each other. (We call it their covenant.) They decide time and frequency of meetings, what their purpose will be, and how the meetings will be organized.

We stress that a Small Group spend time building relationships and that there be time for Bible study. In time they become supportive and caring of one another.

Finally, one mandatory rule – "What is said here stays here."