"Where two or three are gathered in my name,
I am there among them" (Jesus’ words in Matthew 18:20)
To some degree all humans long for a place where we can be valued and cherished for who we are- messy, wounded, fragile people- such a place is called a loving community. Christ formed the church to be the place where our deepest human needs are to be met – by a loving community. Yet to be a loving community is also the church’s greatest challenge. One way – and a good way at that- for the church to embody a loving community – is through Small Groups.
Small Groups are an opportunity for people to have conversation about scripture, relationships, and life in general. These groups provide a place for deeper discussion and encouragement towards life transformation. Christianity has a rich heritage of gathering in groups of just a handful of people for meeting this deeply shared human need. Very few individuals are able to make important life growth steps without a relationship support structure to help them accomplish their goals. Small Groups can serve as a support network for the practice of your spiritual discipline over the next several weeks.
Reclaiming the Promise
Claiming this Promise, and ecumenical welcoming Bible Study on homosexuality is designed to help people listen to and accept difference, and to affirm people wherever they are in the process of understanding biblical references to same-sex conduct. This group will be facilitated by Rev. Pat Longabaugh, retired clergy.
Contact: Pastor Kristen Larsen at kristenjlarsen@yahoo.com - to RSVP your course booklet.
Meets: Monday Nights @ 7:00pm - staring 2/22 in room 11 adjacent to the social hall.
Family Dinner Table Conversations
Share a family friendly meal and conversation about faith formation around the dinner table. Parents and children are encouraged to attend together. Please RSVP for the meal hosted by the Hamilton Family.
Contact: Pastor Rob Hamilton at rhamilton@glenviewumc.com - to RSVP.
Meets: Monday Evenings @ 6:30-8pm – 2/22, 3/1, 3/15, 3/22 at the Linneman St. parsonage.
Alpha
Explore questions of faith such as “How does God guide us?” and “Who is the Holy Spirit?” This group addresses these questions over a meal, hosted by Jan Jeffery
Contact: Pastor Stuart Salvatierra at stuart.salvatierra@garrett.edu - to RSVP.
Meets: Thursday Evenings for 2 hours 2/18 – 3/25 at the home of Jan Jeffery.
Theology on Tap
This group for men will discuss issues facing men today over a pint at a local watering hole.
Contact: Larry Brand at LBrand@Fellowes.com - to RSVP and find out where the group is meeting.
Meets: Thursday Nights @ 7:30pm - 8:30pm on 3/4, 3/11, 3/18, 3/25.
Parenting Today
A casual setting for parents to discuss the following topics and enjoy a cup of coffee: helping your children choose healthy friendships; bullying, and learning from our teens.
Contact: Linda Duback at Lduback@glenview.com
Meets: Saturday Mornings @ 9:30-10:30am – Feb. 20, 27, March 13 in the church conference room.
