Group Information
Groups are an integral part of growing in your faith. The greatest growth occurs when you are in relationship with others. Growing with a group provides several benefits:
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Bible Discussion: You gain insight about the Bible as you discuss it with others. Hearing what others think about a passage will broaden your understanding.
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Relationships: You develop close relationships with others who also are growing in their faith. The friendships you make in a group are friends that will be with you throughout eternity.
- Support: Groups provide a network of support through the storms on life. The unconditional love and suport of group members can help you make it through those tough times.
The Bible describes two relationships that are vital to our spiritual and emotional health. Jesus revealed the importance of these two relationships when he answered a lawyer who asked him, “What is the greatest commandment?” Jesus said, “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’” (Matthew 22:37-39 NIV) We all have a vital need for a LOVE relationship with God and one another.
It is important to get together in a large group to express our love for God, thanking Him for His saving grace and the abundant life He provides. Participating in a great worship service and hearing a challenging message can help us love God. But it is very difficult to really love one another in this large gathering. We provide groups that focus on BOTH relationships.
Group Information (Fall 2011)
(Sunday Morning Groups are always open to visitors and new members.)
8:15 a.m.
Challengers consists of middle-aged adults and meets in Room 5 in the South Hallway of the Main building. Bill Coats leads this group, which is in the midst of a 13-week study on Biblical Apologetics for Real Life.
Agape Lifetimers consists of a mixed group of young and middle-aged adults. They meet in the Upper Room of the Ministry Center and are currently studying 2 Samuel. Larry Evans leads this group.
Encouraging Sisters meets in the Chapel. This group of ladies of all ages is currently studying the book of Acts. Barb Blalock leads this group.
Wise for Salvation for young adults meets in Room 4 in the Ministry Center Lower Level. This mixed group for ages 18-30 is led by Jim Threadgill and is currently studying the Holy Spirit.
Winners meet in Room 5 in the South Hallway of the Main Building. Cheryl Higbie leads this adult mixed group.
Girlfriends Unlimited for women meets in the Chapel and is currently doing a 6-week study on the book "You're Designed to Shine."
Win-A-Couple meets in Room 5 in the South Hallway of the Main Building. Justin Fink leads this group of adults.
Fireproof Your Marriage for young couples meets in the Upper Room in the Ministry Center and is led by Ralph and Laurie Cole.
Mixed Adult Group meets at the residence of Mike and Leanne Benner east of Streator.
(Some Weekday Groups are open, but some may become closed due to size limitations.)
Monday
6:30 p.m. — Adult Ladies Group meets in the Chapel and is led by Jeanette Gaylord. The group is currently studying the work of Max Lucado.
6:30 p.m. — Adult Men's Group is led by Jim Bressner. This group meets in Room MCLL4 in the lower level of the Ministry Center and is currently studying "Crazy Love."
6:30 p.m. — Young Adult Group is led by Tony Ross. This group meets at Tony’s residence on Streator's southwest side.
9:00 a.m. — Adult Ladies Group, led by Diane Hallam, meets in the Upper Room of the Ministry Center. The group is currently studying Revelation.
6:00 p.m. — GriefShare, a 13-week support group for those who are grieving the death of a loved one, is led by Kevin and Misty Missel. The group meets in the Upper Room of the Ministry Center and is always open.
6:30 p.m. — Mixed Adult Group meets in the Chapel. Cheryl Higbie leads this group.
6:30 p.m. — Mixed Adult Group is led by Jack and Mary Beth Cunningham at their residence south of Streator.
6:30 p.m. — Mixed Adult Group is led by Bob Snedden at his residence on Streator's northwest side.
7:00 p.m. — Mixed Adult Group is led by Dave Cooke at his residence in Oak Hills Addition.
To find out more about growing with a group, call Jessica Pastirik, Director of Involvement Ministries, at 815-673-1581.