Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
Small Groups! Small Groups! Small Groups! It just seems like you can’t avoid them – that is if you want to be intentional about growing in your faith. I can’t think of a faith development resource I have consulted in the last five years that didn’t list participation in small groups as a way of growing in our faith.
Robert Schnase, in his book Five Practices of Fruitful Congregations, writes the following about participation in small groups:
“Vibrant, fruitful, growing congregations practice intentional Faith Development. From the first generation of Christians to the earliest Methodists to the youngest generations of faithful members today, the followers of Jesus mature in faith by learning together in community. Churches that practice intentional Faith Development offer high quality learning experiences that help people understand Scripture, faith, and life in the supportive nurture of caring relationships. Sunday School classes, Bible studies, short-term topical studies, support groups that apply faith to particular life challenges, children’s church, Vacation Bible School, United Methodist Women, camps, retreats, and youth fellowship groups are only a few of the countless ways by w\which churches help people probe God’s will for their lives and for the world, and bring people together to strengthen the Body of Christ by building friendships and relationships. Christian disciples strive to develop faith and grow in Christ-likeness through study and learning, and God is best able to form disciples when people do this together and not by themselves.”
You may have participated in or are currently participating in one or more of the following small groups held at the Oakland UMC:
Coming in March/April are more opportunities for you to participate in a small group. Such as:
And All God’s Children Said, “Amen.”
Blessings, Pastor Karen
Small Groups! Small Groups! Small Groups! It just seems like you can’t avoid them – that is if you want to be intentional about growing in your faith. I can’t think of a faith development resource I have consulted in the last five years that didn’t list participation in small groups as a way of growing in our faith.
Robert Schnase, in his book Five Practices of Fruitful Congregations, writes the following about participation in small groups:
“Vibrant, fruitful, growing congregations practice intentional Faith Development. From the first generation of Christians to the earliest Methodists to the youngest generations of faithful members today, the followers of Jesus mature in faith by learning together in community. Churches that practice intentional Faith Development offer high quality learning experiences that help people understand Scripture, faith, and life in the supportive nurture of caring relationships. Sunday School classes, Bible studies, short-term topical studies, support groups that apply faith to particular life challenges, children’s church, Vacation Bible School, United Methodist Women, camps, retreats, and youth fellowship groups are only a few of the countless ways by w\which churches help people probe God’s will for their lives and for the world, and bring people together to strengthen the Body of Christ by building friendships and relationships. Christian disciples strive to develop faith and grow in Christ-likeness through study and learning, and God is best able to form disciples when people do this together and not by themselves.”
You may have participated in or are currently participating in one or more of the following small groups held at the Oakland UMC:
- Dave Ramsey Financial Peace University Classes
- Date Night Challenge
- Advent Bible Studies
- Lenten Bible Studies
- Youth Fellowship
- Sunday School Classes
- Vacation Bible School
- The Life Ready Woman
- 52 Things Kids Need From a Mom
Coming in March/April are more opportunities for you to participate in a small group. Such as:
- Made to Crave (will begin on Wednesday, March 12, more info about class in this newsletter)
- Art of Marriage (time to be announced)
- Lenten Bible Study (Sunday, 11:15 a.m., April 6 & 13)
- Men’s Lenten Breakfast Group (Saturday, April 5, 12, 19, at 7:00 – 8:00 a.m.)
And All God’s Children Said, “Amen.”
Blessings, Pastor Karen
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