Small-Group Learning Opportunities
Fall 2011
Groups will be limited to 8-10 participants and will meet weekly for about an hour. Most groups will begin during the week of October 18 and last for approximately 8 weeks. Small-group time may include some short videos, but will mostly focus on sharing, conversation, friendship and prayer. No bible knowledge is necessary. Bring your friends and your questions!
Making Sense of Scripture: Big Questions About the Book of Faith
by David J. Lose
Led by Pastor Summy
Thursdays, 6:30 – 8:00 p.m.
In Making Sense of Scripture, David Lose invites the reader to engage in a conversation, one that he imagines discussing around his kitchen table, about seven major questions of the Bible. More than a standard biblical reference book, Making Sense of Scripture is a dialogue that encourages readers to bring their questions or doubts to the table when reading Scripture. During this conversation, there are different opportunities for the reader to interact with the Bible, ultimately leaving room for personal transformation of the heart and mind.
Spiritual Formation
Led by Lois Hein
Tuesdays 6:30 – 8:00 p.m.
Are you longing for a deeper awareness of God’s movement in your daily life? Might God be longing for a deeper relationship with you? Sharing our longing for God and our response to God’s love for us, in a small group setting, can be transformative in our spiritual journey. In response to God’s invitation for us to be in relationship, we are inviting a small group of eight individuals to commit to seven evenings of gathering to notice and become comfortable in talking about God’s movement in their daily life. We will explore spiritual practices of silence, listening, contemplation, prayer, journaling, and reflection. A retreat in the midst of your busy life…come and be.
Boundaries: How to Say No. When to Say Yes. To Take Control of Your Life
by Dr. Henry Cloud and Dr. John Townsend
Led by Barbara Hibschman, Rick Chaveas, and Tom Scornavacchi
Wednesdays, 6:30 – 7:30 p.m.
A boundary is a personal property line that marks those things for which we are responsible. In other words, boundaries define who we are and who we are not. They impact all areas of our lives. Physical boundaries help us determine who may touch us and under what circumstances. Mental boundaries give us the freedom to have our own thoughts and opinions. Emotional boundaries help us deal with our own emotions and disengage from the harmful, manipulative emotions of others. Spiritual boundaries help us to distinguish God's will from our own and give us renewed awe for our Creator. Having clear boundaries is essential to a healthy, balanced lifestyle and healthy relationships.
Often, we focus so much on being loving and unselfish that we forget our own limits and limitations When confronted with their lack of boundaries we ask:
-Can I set limits and still be a loving person?
-What are legitimate boundaries?
-What if someone is upset or hurt by my boundaries?
-How do I answer someone who wants my time, love, energy, or money?
-Aren't boundaries selfish?
-Why do I feel guilty or afraid when I consider setting boundaries?
The Ragamuffin Gospel
by Brennan Manning
Led by Kate and Dave Aurentz
Tuesdays, 7:00 - 8:30 p.m.
Most of us believe in God’s grace – in theory. But somehow, we can’t seem to apply it in our daily lives. We continue to see Him as a small-minded bookkeeper, tallying our failures and successes on a score sheet. Yet, God give us His grace, willingly, no matter what we’ve done. We come to him as ragamuffins – dirty, chosen objects of his “furious love.” Brennan Manning’s now-classic meditation on grace and what it takes to access it – simple honesty – has changed thousands of lives.
Additionally...
If there is sufficient interest and we can identify small-group leaders, there are possibilities for small-groups on other evenings or during the day. |
