Small Group Ministries
John Wesley was a brilliant preacher, who convicted and converted tens of thousands with his “open-air” services. However, more important to the revival that swept over Britain because of Wesley’s ministry, was the spiritual growth of these same converts, which occurred in early Methodist Class Meetings.
The Class meeting existed in order that its members might enjoy salvation in its fullest sense. The members were united together to help each other to gain complete deliverance from sin. They pleaded for one another in prayer. By the recital of their experience, they encouraged the timid, counseled the perplexed, rebuked the lukewarm, instructed the ignorant, and guided the anxious inquirer “into the way of peace.” Nor was the bond of mutual sympathy and help broken when the Class meeting closed. They watched over each other during the week; ready to help in the moment of temptation, quick to place a hand under a brother’s cross, courageous to point out a fault in spirit or conduct, inflexible in their protest against wrong-doing, eager to rejoice with them that did rejoice, ready to weep with them that wept.
- from A Manual of Instruction: Advice for Class Leaders by the Reverend John S. Simon, 1892
It is our desire that every member of Fairbanks First United Methodist Church know first-hand the “bond of mutual sympathy and help” described above. It is our conviction this still occurs when we come together in small groups the same way it did when the Wesleys first began the Methodist Class meeting. It is our prayer all of us might “enjoy salvation in its fullest sense.”
May you and yours experience the fullness of all that God has promised and offers through His Church. Offered below is the catalog of small groups scheduled this spring. Please let me know how I can help get you connected.
David Rumph
Small Groups Catalog for Spring 2010
Class schedule is February 7th -March 28th, 2010.
STUDY GROUPS
Sundays
9:45 am Adult Sunday School in the Church Lounge
Life’s Healing Choices
Facilitated by Dan Anderson
11 am Adult Sunday School in the Church Lounge
Life’s healing Choices
Facilitated by Patti Gallagher
11 am Young Adult Sunday School class in Room 2
Life’s Healing Choices
Facilitated by Jennifer Whorton and Heather Culp
1 – 2:30 pm Room 2 at the Church
Life’s Healing Choices
Facilitated by David Rumph
Mondays
6:30 – 8 pm Home of Gary & Chelsea Walker
Life’s Healing Choices
Facilitated by Sandy Hampton
6:30 – 8 pm Short Term Disciple Bible Study in Room 2 at the Church
Invitation to Romans
David Rumph will facilitate this 8-week look at one of the most important texts of our Christian Scriptures. Weekly topics include the righteousness of God and the Faith of Jesus; Sin, Law, and Grace; Divine Purpose and Human Responsibility; Love and Humility are the Making of God’s Kingdom.
Tuesdays
6 pm Second Generation Disciple Bible Study in Room 2
Jesus in the Gospels
For those of you missing the long-term commitment of a Disciple Bible Study, we are offering this Second Generation Study. The course focuses on the portraits of Jesus found in the four Gospels – Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. The group will look at the way each Gospel writer presents events and teachings and at the picture of Jesus that emerges in each of the Gospels. In the course of thirty weeks, participants will read the four Gospels and considerable amounts of Scripture from other parts of the Bible. The weekly preparation is rigorous, and the expected commitment level is high. This group is intended for those who have completed Disciple: Becoming Disciples Through Bible Study (Disciple I). Holly McClain will lead this group through their significant study of Jesus.
Wednesdays
12 noon – 1 pm Church Lounge
Life’s Healing Choices
Facilitated by Pastor Tom Telfer
Thursdays
6:30 – 8 pm Church Lounge
Life’s Healing Choices
Facilitated by Liz and Dave Gerdes
Fridays
10 am – 12 noon Study in the Church Lounge
NOOMA
Suzanne Henning will organize this eight-week study from the NOOMA video series. The dates are March 19 thru May 7.
AFFINITY GROUPS
Mondays
9 am -12 Church lounge facilitated by Suzanne Henning
Craft Group
The craft group meets weekly for a time of fellowship (this means a lot of laughing) and crafting. Suzanne invites you to “drop by” anytime between 9 and noon. The doors are open and the hearts are warm around the crafting table. The first Monday of each month is known as “salad day,” and involves a potluck lunch.
Tuesdays
9 am Church Lounge facilitated by Edrie and Esther
Exercise Group
This group will feature a low-impact aerobic workout. Sign up and test your meddle weekly against Edrie Armstrong and Esther Murray.
MINISTRY TEAMS
Tuesdays
5:30 pm Church Sanctuary facilitated by Dianne Coursey
Bell Choir
The Jubilee Bell Choir is inviting new members to join the group. No bell ringing experience is necessary. We have positions open for people who read music and those who do not. Not sure? Come and try for a week or two just to see. The group rehearses weekly and has Sunday morning worship offerings scheduled for October 4, November 22 and two evening services on Thursday December 24.
Wednesdays
5:30 pm Church Sanctuary facilitated by Francis Lupton
Vocal Choir
This choir rehearses weekly on Wednesdays and brings their sacred offering to Sunday morning worship at 8:30 and 11 am services.
Saturdays
9-10:30 Church Sanctuary facilitated by Patti Gallagher
Praise Band
The Praise Band is one of the most vibrant groups in the Church. They rehearse Saturday morning and minister on Sundays at the 9:45 worship service.
11-12 Church Sanctuary facilitated by Patti Gallagher
Drama Team
Patti is looking for people interested in sharing their gift of performance. Weekly group meetings will consist of instruction in the art, as well as rehearsal for the presentation of dramatic stories. If you are feeling called to a more committed role within the life our congregation, and sense a level of giftedness, please prayerfully consider becoming part of the Drama Team.
