What is a Small Group? A small group is made up of about 12 people who meet together 2-4 times a month to help each other grow in their relationship with God and with each other.
5 Reasons Why You Should be in a Small Group: 1. Understand the Bible better through group discussion as you apply the Bible to your life situations. 2. Develop close relationships with other believers who will walk beside you in your journey as a Christ follower. 3. Find answers to the needs in your life through group prayer. 4. Get support in times of crisis or major changes from people who really care for you. 5. Discover and use your gifts and talents as you serve others.
The Top 10 Questions about Small Groups: How much time is this going to take?
The meetings are usually a couple of hours long. One hour for snacking, eating, and hanging out. One hour for Bible Study and prayer. However, many SG members begin to do life together eating out, playing golf, boating, and even taking vacations together. The Community that is built in a small group can be life-changing. Groups also participate in service projects or outreach opportunities a couple of times a year.
What are we going to do with our children during the small group? Each small group has come up with its own approach to childcare needs. Some groups hire a babysitter to watch all the kids. Some groups meet on the church campus where childcare workers are provided. Many group members take advantage of our non-needs based childcare subsidy to help cover the cost of hiring a babysitter. Your small group leader can provide you with a reimbursement form.
Will there be homework? If so, how much?
Most small groups do not have home work in a book. There may be daily devotionals that are suggested or weekly considerations to which you need to compare your life. Some groups will read a book together then meet to discuss it. The group members’ life-stage will often be a determining factor in the group’s level of outside preparation.
The Top 10 Questions about Small Groups: (continued) Am I going to have to talk or can I just sit and listen during the meetings? A Small Group is like family, sometimes you talk, sometimes you listen. No one is forced to talk or to lead the group. We all move at a different pace and you allowed to do just that.
Will I have to pray out loud?
No. Again, you are allowed to move, grow, at your own pace. If the time comes in your life that you feel you need to voice a prayer request, that is well received. If the time comes you would like to lead in prayer, that is also well received.
Who else is going to be in the group?
Most groups are made up of people from the same life stage or same gender. A few of our groups are made up of people from “all ages and life-stages.”
How much do I have to know about the Bible?
Nothing. Small Group is about learning the Bible not debating it or being tested on it.
How many weeks or months is this going to last?
Small Group is like family, some of them last for years, others multiply and start new groups in 18-24 months. We do ask that an apprentice be enlisted from the start so there is a plan to let others experience community in a Small Group as your group sends out the apprentice family sometime in the first 18-24 months.
If I don’t like it, can I leave without people being mad at me?
Yes, but most people build such community that they do not want to stop being part of the Small Group.
What are we going to be doing during the meetings?
Most meetings last a about two hours. There is roughly an hour for social, fellowship, eating, snacking time; building community. Then there is an hour of Bible Study where the group learns and discusses the material and Scripture that has been previously agreed upon. There is always time for prayer and sharing of life issues where others in your group can help you walk through life and not be alone.
The Alpha Course
What is the Alpha Course? The Alpha course is an opportunity for anyone to explore the Christian faith in a relaxed, non-threatening manner over 11, thought-provoking weekly sessions. It’s low key, friendly and fun.
What Happens at Alpha? DINNER: The evening begins with a meal together, giving people a chance to get to know each other. TALK: The course consists of a series of talks addressing key issues relating to the Christian faith such as: ● ● Is Christianity boring, untrue, or irrelevant? ● ● Who is Jesus and why did he die? ● ● Why and how should I read the Bible? ● ● What about church?
COFFEE, DESSERT AND SMALL GROUPS: After each talk we divide into small groups to discuss the topic of the evening, ask questions, and express opinions. Ask anything. Alpha is a place where no question is too naive or too hostile. This is your chance to listen, learn, discuss and discover.
Is Alpha for Me? Though the course is open to everyone, it is especially geared to: ● ● People interested in investigating Christianity ● ● New Christians ● ● Newcomers to Grace Fellowship interested in a short-term small group experience ● ● Christians who want to brush up on the basics
When and Where? Evening Alpha... Women’s Morning Alpha... When: Jan 20 th to Apr 14 th When: Jan 21st to Apr 8 th Time: Tuesdays, 6:30 - 8:30PM Time: Wednesdays, 9:30 - 11:30AM Dinner and childcare provided Snack is provided, no childcare Register: www.alphakaty.org
Small Groups Spotlight
UpWORD is a Bible study for women based on the belief that God’s Word transforms us. We desire to foster spiritual maturity by... •Connecting to God through deep, personal study of His Word •Connecting to each other in authentic community and •Connecting women to God’s mission in the world. We feature studies designed by the women of Grace for women of our community. We incorporate creative elements to enrich the learning experience. We focus on knowing God, delighting in Him, and belonging to a community of authentic women who desire to live lives that matter. Very simply… UpWORD is a community of women growing deep in God to live lives that matter. When:
Location:
Spring study:
Tuesdays, starting January 6 th mornings 9:30 - 11:30am evenings 7:00 - 9:00pm Epicentre (Youth Bldg) childcare in the Children’s Bldg (reg. your children & yourself below)
a study of Jesus as the new Moses
Register online at www.whatisgrace.org/upword Questions, contact UpWORD at graceupword@hotmail.com
Adult Discipleship Events for a full list of our events, go to: http://www.whatisgrace.org/adults/
NEW Small Group Leader Training Sunday, January 18th, 2-5pm. If you are interested in becoming a Small Group leader , contact Julia at jjohnson@whatisgrace.org GroupLink a 2-hour event to help you take what can be a scary step into a small group. You will meet others who would like to join a small group. After an 8-week “test run”, if the group is a fit, you stay connected. Join us… Sunday, Jan 25, 12:30-2pm in the Mansion Vista. Lunch & childcare provided. Questions, contact Julia or you can register now online. Men’s short-term small group - “Standing Strong Against Temptation” a 9-week study of the Book of James. Tuesdays, Jan 27th - Apr 7, 6:15-7:15am in the Mansion Vista. Contact Blair with questions or register online. Women of Faith “Upwrap the Bible” simulcast Save the date: February 20 -21, 2015. More details coming soon. Walk to Emmaus The Walk to Emmaus is a 72-hour Christian spiritual retreat designed to build leadership in the local church as well as provide spiritual renewal to both those attending a retreat and the volunteers who serve on a retreat. For more information contact: Brad Fuqua at brad.fuqua@me.com Scooter Lofton at sclftn1@gmail.com Mark Brewer at brewercrew@prodigy.net
Men’s Groups
Michael Zak Location: Cracker Barrel, I-10 When: Tuesday, 6:00AM Contact: 832-741-8117 Email: jmichaelzak@gmail.com
Jeff Davidson - starting in Jan Location: North of I-10, East of Mason When: Wednesday, 7:00PM Contact: 281-901-0005 Email: davidson.jeffery@gmail.com
Buddy Laird - Tuesday Location: East of Mason, South I-10 When: Tuesday, 7:00PM Contact: 281-850-9620 Email: otis@lairdlandscaping.com
Jimmy Ermon Location: The Mansion, Room 207 When: Thursday, 6:00AM Contact: 832-868-7728 Email: jaermon@gmail.com
Ken Goodson Location: CEB, Room 227 When: Tuesday, 7:00PM Contact: 281-220-7420 Email: kageyone@gmx.com
Toscano/White Location: Kelliwood Place When: Thursday, 7:00PM Contact: 281-615-1831/281-772-0502 Email: carlos.toscano@teamquest.com
Todd Hayes Location: Denny’s/Fry Rd & I-10 When: Wednesday, 6:00AM Contact: 832-600-3955 Email: thayes@whatisgrace.org
Terry McRight Location: Denny’s on Fry, N of I-10 When: Friday, 6:00AM Contact: 281-293-7677 Email: brkthrugh@aol.com
Brian Sell Location: Panera Bread at LaCenterra When: Wednesday, 6:30AM Contact: 281-394-5605 Email: bandcsell@aol.com
Brian Nessen Location: Cracker Barrel at I-10 & Barker Cypress When: Every other Friday, 7:00AM Contact: 713-705-1512 Email: nessenbh@gmail.com
Mark Elkins Location: Bagel Cafe When: Wednesday, 7:00AM Contact: 832-347-3130 Email: mark@efam.cc Buddy Laird - Wednesday Location: East of Mason, South I-10 When: Wednesday, 7:00PM Contact: 281-850-9620 Email: otis@lairdlandscaping.com
Brian Freer Location: Houston When: Saturday, 10:30AM Contact: 281-579-6641 Email: brian.freer@sbcglobal.net
Women’s Groups
ibloom Location: The Vista When: Monday, 9:15AM Leader: Denise Ruhl www.graceibloom.org
Bev Pantley Location: Grand Lakes When: Thursday, 9:30AM Contact: 832-321-4007 ryt2bev@gmail.com
UpWord Location: Epicentre (Youth Bldg) When: Tuesday, 9:30AM or Tuesday, 7:00PM Leader: Barbara Neumann www.whatisgrace.org/upword
Debbie Cooper Location: Kosmo’s Coffee Shop When: Friday, 6:00AM Contact: 281-216-9588/ dc2cooper@comcast.net
Beth McIlhenny Womens Singles (Over 50) Location: Mansion, 301 When: Wednesday, 6:30PM Contact: bethemack@gmail.com Elaine Pangle Location: CEB, 137 When: Wednesday, 6:45PM Contact: epangle@whatisgrace.org Jayne Couch / Cathy Hale Location: South of I-10, West of Mason When: Thursday, 9:30AM Contact: 281-578-0312 / 281-693-4253 Diane Armijo / Christine Jackson Location: South of I-10, East of Mason When: Thursday, 9:30AM Contact: armijofam@aol.com
Single & Parenting for women Location: CEB, 223 When: 1st & 3rd Sunday, 5:30PM Leader: Rhonda Coleman Contact: only1rc@yahoo.com
Women’s Groups (continuted) A gathering of women with children, (bir th to 5th grade), we meet weekly to share friendship, teaching by live speakers and video curriculum on parenting, marriage and spiritual grow th, followed by small group discussion led by seasoned mentor moms. Free childcare and no homework. Location: The Vista When: Mondays, 9:15AM Leader: Denise Ruhl register now online... www.graceibloom.org follows the KISD calendar
Experience the joys of blessing one another. ● ● As a mentor, use your walk with God to encourage another woman. (A mentor must be a member of Grace Fellowship.)
● ● As a mentee , you will be supported in your life’s journey by a Christian friend Contact Suzy Fontenelle at sdfontenelle@gmail.com
Sunday Groups
Monday Groups
Empty Nesters Location: Weston Lakes When: Sunday, 12:45PM Leaders: Seth Tidwell Contact: 713-213-9125 Email: sethtidwell@sbcglobal.net
Young Marrieds Location: varies When: Monday, 7:00PM Leaders: Austin & Allison Grafing Contact: 713-725-4294 or 832-606-8289 Email: austinallison2011@gmail.com
Orphan’s Hope -Families With/Without Children Location: Church When: 1st, 2nd & 3rd Sunday, 5:30PM Leaders: Morgan & Melanie Pylant Contact: 832-338-2341 Email: mpylant@whatisgrace.org
Recovery with Grace: Recovery from an unhealthy habit Location: Epicentre When: Monday, 7:00PM Leaders: Care Ministry Contact: 281-646-1903 Email: mreekwald@whatisgrace.org
Families w/ young children Location: Pin Oak When: Sunday, 3:30PM Leaders: Ryan Host & Mark Torrey Contact: 281-796-8833 Email: rhost@lonestarlandscapeco.com
SALT: Single Adults Learning Truth Christ-centered adults going through a single season due to a divorce or loss of a spouse. Location: Church When: Monday, 7:00PM Contact: Pic Pixley, 281-646-1903 Email: ppixley@whatisgrace.org
Families w/ elementary children Location: Varies When: Sunday, 5:30PM Leaders: Misti Slider Contact: 281-610-3454 Email: mistis@comcast.net Families w/ Sr. High & College Location: South of I-10, West of Mason When: Sunday, 6:15PM Leaders: Kelly & Heather Keahey Contact: 281-798-0978 or 281-798-6568 Email: pfskeahey@sbcglobal.net
Tuesday Groups
Wednesday Groups
Families w/ Preschool Children Location: Varies When: Every other Tuesday, 6:30PM Leaders: Craig Stovall Contact: 214-802-0719 Email: craig@medillcattleco.com
Families w/ High School/College Location: Varies When: Wednesday, 7:00PM Leaders: Jeff Campbell Contact: 281-579-7202 Email: jeff.campbell123@gmailcom
Families w/ Infants/Preschool Children Location: Nottingham Country When: Tuesday, 6:30PM Leaders: Mike & Deb Turner Contact: 832-474-6039 Email: debturner07@gmail.com
Families w/ High School/College Location: Varies When: Wednesday, 7:00PM Leaders: David Muir Contact: 281-392-4428 Email: muird2@bp.com
All Ages, Couples Location: South of Westpark Tollway When: Tuesdays, 7:00PM Leaders: Keith & Nancy Simmons Contact: 713-303-8410 Email: neiswander3@yahoo.com
All Ages, All Stages Location: East of Grand Parkway When: 1st & 3rd Wednesday, 7:00pm Leader: Adele Justis Contact: 281-798-9293 Email: asjustis4@yahoo.com
Young Marrieds w/ Childrern Location: Varies When: Tuesday, 7:00PM Leaders: Addison & Marissa Stevens Contact: 979-885-8332 Email: marissa_stevens@ymail.com
Empty Nesters Location: South of I-10, East of Mason When: Wednesday, 7:00PM Leaders: Ron & Terrie Dagley Contact: 281-492-6417 Email: rdagley@betzcompanies.com
All Ages, All Stages Location: South of I-10, West of Mason When: Tuesday, 7:00PM Leaders: Mark & Elise Ashey Contact: 281-395-6143 Email: markashey@gmail.com
Taylor High School Area Families Location: South of I-10, East of Mason When: 1st & 3rd Wednesday, 7:00PM Leaders: Jeff & Naomi Williams Contact: 281-578-9228 Email: jeffreywilliams522@att.net
College & Beyond Location: Epicentre (Youth Bldg) When: Tuesday, 7:30PM Leaders: Victoria Scott & Erik Tjon Email: vss92@hotmail.com eriktjon@live.com
All Ages, All Stages Location: West of Grand Parkway When: Wednesdays except 3rd, 7:00PM Leaders: Chris & Maureen Hiller Contact: 281-687-6336 Email: cnhiller@kw.com
Wednesday cont’d...
Friday Groups
Families w/ young children Location: Varies When: Wednesday, 8:00PM Leaders: Stephen & Ronniea Tycer Contact: 281-908-2427 Email: stycer@gmail.com
Families w/ infants through Jr. High Children Location: South of I-10, West of 99 When: 1st & 3rd Fridays, 6:30pm Leaders: Corey & Natali Evans Contact: 832-392- 4752 Email: coreyevans@sbcglobal.net
Thursday Groups All Ages, All Stages Location: Falcon Point When: Thursday, 7:00PM Leaders: Russ & Michelle Reekwald Contact: 281-948-8943 Email: mreekwald@whatisgrace.org Men’s Sexual Purity Support and Recovery group Location: Mansion When: Thursday, 7:00PM Leaders: Care Ministry Contact: 281-646-1903 22-29 Singles Location: Epicentre When: Thursday, 7:00PM Leaders: K ailey Miller Email: kailey_miller@yahoo.com Empty Nesters Location: East of Mason, South of HIghland Knolls When: Thursday, 7:15PM Leaders: Pat & Pam Miller Contact: 281-398-0652 Email: patpamksk@sbcglobal.net
All Ages, All Stages Location: Westheimer Lakes When: Every other Friday, 6:45PM Leader: Jim & Liz Boggs Contact: 713-819-0925 Email: onthelake08@reagan.com
Care Ministry Small Groups HopeKeepers/HopeCaregivers: Support Dealing With or Caring for a Chronic Illness For more info visit the Care Kiosk Contact: Pic Pixley 281-646-1903 Email: ppixley@whatisgrace.org Divorce Care - Faith-based recovery for adults and children For more info visit the Care Kiosk Contact: Terese Hamilton 281-646-1903 Email: thamilton@whatisgrace.org Recovery with Grace: Recovery From An Unhealthy Habit (a group for men and a group for women) For more info visit the Care Kiosk in Contact: Pic Pixley 281-646-1903 Email: ppixley@whatisgrace.org Leah’s Friends: Support For ExtraGrace-Required Marriages For more info visit the Care Kiosk Contact: Terese Hamilton 281-646-1903 Email: thamilton@whatisgrace.org
Parenting with Grace: Become The Parent That God Has Called You To Be For more info visit the Care Kiosk Contact: Terese Hamilton 281-646-1903 Email: thamilton@whatisgrace.org GriefShare: Recovery After Loss Of A Loved One For more info visit the Care Kiosk Contact: Pic Pixley 281-646-1903 Email: ppixley@whatisgrace.org Care Creations: Fellowship In A Creative Atmosphere For more info visit the Care Kiosk Contact: Pic Pixley 281-646-1903 Email: ppixley@whatisgrace.org Dave Ramsey’s Financial Peace University For more info visit the Care Kiosk Contact: Terese Hamilton 281-646-1903 Email: thamilton@whatisgrace.org Men’s Sexual Purity Support and Recovery Group For more info visit the Care Kiosk Contact: Win Brown 281-646-1903 Email: wbrown@whatisgrace.org
VIC-Victorious in Cancer: Women’s Cancer Support Group For more info visit the Care Kiosk Contact: Michelle Reekwald 281-646-1903 SALT: Single Adults Learning Truth Email: mreekwald@whatisgrace.org Christ-centered adults going through a single season due to a divorce or loss of a spouse. For more info visit the Care Kiosk Marriage Matters: Biblically-Based Marriage Enrichment Contact: Pic Pixley 281-646-1903 For more info visit the Care Kiosk Email: ppixley@whatisgrace.org Contact: Michelle Reekwald 281-646-1903 Email: mreekwald@whatisgrace.org
Prayer Ministry Small Groups Ban*Jar Prayer -Intercessory prayer for this unreached people group Location: Mansion room 207 When: 1st Sunday each month, 12:20PM Led by: Kristen Kershner Contact: 281-646-1903 x170 Email: kkerr@whatisgrace.org 4-14 Window Prayer -prays for youth ages 4-14 around the globe to take their place in the kingdom Location: Great Southwest Prayer Center When: 1st Sunday each month, 9:45-10:30AM Led by: Tutu Omilabu Contact: 281-574-1887 Email: adetootoo@gmail.com Pray for the Persecuted Church -prays for the persecuted Church around the globe Location: Great Southwest Prayer Center When: 1st Sunday each month, 9:00-9:45AM Led by: Tutu Omilabu Contact: 281-574-1887 Email: adetootoo@gmail.com Pray for Methodism -prays for the Methodist church around the globe Location: Great Southwest Prayer Center When: 4th Monday each month, 9:30-10:30AM Led by: Brandee Standley Contact: 281-395-4035 Email: brahar2@comcast.net
Women’s Prayer Life -prays for GFUMC and individual prayer requests Location: Mansion room 207 When: 1st & 3rd Tuesday each month, 1:30-3:30PM Led by: Brandee Standley & Dixie Leggett Contact: 281-395-4035 / 713-468-5929 Email: brahar2@comcast.net/ lwleggett@comcast.net Military Prayer -Prays for our military men and women and their families Location: Great Southwest Prayer Center When: 2nd & 4th Wednesday, 10:30-11:30AM Led by: Melissa Grace Contact: 281-395-4085 Email: mmgrace00@aol.com Pray for Israel -Prays for God’s chosen nation and people to return to Him Location: Great Southwest Prayer Center When: 2nd Thursday, 1:00-2:00PM Led by: Ann Behrens Contact: 832-651-8949 Email: ahbehrens45@aol.com Healing Small Group Location: When: Led by: seeking a leader! Contact: 281-646-1903 Email: caronson@whatisgrace.org Victory Over Darkness Location: Mansion room 301 When: Sundays, Sept 14-Oct 19 3:00-5:00PM Led by: Pam AlSheikh Contact: 281-346-0555 Email: alsheikh67@comcast.net
Adult Discipleship Staff Contacts Brian Owen
Discipleship Pastor bowen@whatisgrace.org
Julia Johnson
Small Groups Direc tor jjohnson@whatisgrace.org
Blair Lerner
Direc tor of Outreach & Discipleship blerner@whatisgrace.org
Christi Jeffries
Administrative Assistant cjef fries@whatisgrace.org
Heather Furr
Outreach & Communications Assistant hfurr@whatisgrace.org
As a House of Prayer for all Nations, Adult Discipleship equips people to live out the Great Commandment (Matt. 22: 37-39) and the Great Commission (Matt. 28:19 -20) through healthy small groups.
2655 South Mason Road Kat y, Texas 77450 Phone: 281- 6 46 -1903 Fax: 281- 6 46 -1920 w w w.w h at is g r a ce. o r g
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