Please contact
the church if you are interested in any of these small groups
or wish to start a new group.
Guidelines for starting new groups may be found at the end of this page.
Presby Paws (formerly Pet Visitation Ministry): The purpose of this ministry is to take temperament- tested pets to visit people in isolated situations. New members are accepted into this group on an ongoing basis.
Men’s Fellowship Group: The purposes of this group are study, prayer, and fellowship for men of the community. The group meets on Tuesday mornings in the Guild Room, 7:00-7:50 am. New members are accepted into this group on an ongoing basis.
Supper Shuffle: This is a proposed “meet 'n eat” small group ministry designed for the purpose of meeting new people in the congregation and/or getting better acquainted with those you may already know. Participants are organized into groups of seven or eight adults, couples and singles, who meet together at different host homes once a month. The host furnishes the main dish while the others bring the rest of the meal.
Food Resource Bank: FRB is a Christian, non-governmental humanitarian organization committed to allowing people to know the dignity and pride of feeding themselves through programs of sustainable agriculture. This goal is achieved by forming coalitions of landowners, farmers, and urban and rural churches to grow crops that will help hungry people overseas. Pending Session approval , this ministry proposes a cooperative effort with Richland Presbyterian Church and a cooperating farmer to plant, grow, harvest, and market ten acres of crops. FRB sells the original crops and uses the funds to purchase grain, seeds, tools, and other resources for affected areas. Supporters of this ministry are being solicited. For more information contact Jim Van Buren.
Note: If you have an idea for a possible small group ministry, we want to hear from you! Staff resources have been dedicated to working with congregation members who want to nurture ideas into small group ministries. Contact elders Veronica Harik or Sarah Chase of the Small Group Resource Team for more information.
What is a small group? A small group is at least three people and generally not more than twelve, who organize around an issue, interest, need, or service that ultimately helps to build up relationships within the congregation.
What kinds of activities might such a small group pursue? The possibilities are limited only by the imagination, enthusiasm, and interest of those organizing the group. Groups have been organized for fellowship (supper clubs, book clubs, bowling team, reader’s theater), study (Parables of Jesus, Psalms, Lord’s Prayer, Gospel of Mark), worship (banner makers, praise band, puppet ministry, worship design), support (singles, grief and loss, divorce recovery), prayer (lectio divina, breath prayer, centering prayer), and mission (CROP walk, tutoring, mentoring).
What does it take to get started? The person with an idea visits with a pastor about the possibility. The pastor makes a preliminary evaluation of whether the idea is consistent with the church mission statement and seems reasonable in terms of resources required. The pastor serves as a source of encouragement and support, providing names of others who might be interested in such a group.
What happens after the pastor offers initial support? The person with the original idea recruits 2-4 others with similar interests through word of mouth, minute for mission, presbyter article or bulletin board display. These people constitute an “organizing cluster” that will work with a pastor and/or staff person to complete a self directing ministry proposal questionnaire available at the church office. The proposal questionnaire is a tool to help the organizing cluster think through all the details associated with the prospective small group. Groups that will be more resource intensive in terms of personnel, budget or professional support will be asked to complete a more thorough proposal questionnaire.
What does one do after the proposal questionnaire is completed? The proposal is submitted to the Small Group Resource Team for final review and feedback. The Resource Team consists of two Session members, congregation members recruited as needed, and a pastor. When the Resource Team affirms the proposal, the group can expect ongoing support in terms of prayer, administrative assistance, and a staff resource. The small group is expected to keep the Resource Team updated on the ministry while the Resource Team will keep session informed of the ministry’s progress. Proposals associated with groups that are more resource intensive in terms of personnel, budget or professional support may necessitate Session approval. The Resource Team will make that determination during their review.
What happens after the Resource Team review is completed? The organizing cluster then convenes the initial small group meeting where the group is instructed to adopt a group covenant that clarifies expectations and ground rules for the group. The group covenant is a self directing questionnaire, available from the church office, that can be developed directly from the completed ministry proposal. Upon completion of the group covenant, pursue your ministry, honor your covenant, and keep the Resource Team informed of your progress.
A whimsical brochure entitled, “How to Build A Rainbow,” is available at the church office. This handout describes the overall small group building process outlined above. Additionally, the church office has copies of the two associated handouts including the “Proposal Questionnaire” and the “Small Group Covenant.” For more information, contact Barbara Langshaw or Pastor Kevin at the church office.
Small Group Ministry Update: Organized Groups
Pet Visitation Ministry: The purpose of this ministry is to take pets to visit people in isolated situations. Such visits are particularly well suited for people who have had pets in the past but have given up their homes and former lifestyle to establish residence at a senior/assisted living center. New members are accepted into this group on an ongoing basis. For more information contact Gayle Sparks or Dawn Morrison.
Sunday Afternoon Bible Study Group: The purpose of this group is to study God’s word in depth, explore the Bible together, and discover what it is God wants for us by being in the word on a daily basis. The group will meet every two weeks in the Adult Lounge beginning Sunday, September 19, 4:00 pm. The study resource through November is “Lord, Teach Us to Pray: Six Studies on Spirituality and the Lord’s Prayer.” New members are accepted into this group on an ongoing basis. For more information contact Dave or Ginny Dell or Ellen Dykhuis.
Men’s Fellowship Group: The purpose of this group is for study, prayer, and fellowship for men of the community. The group meets on Monday mornings in the Guild Room, 7:00-7:50 am. The study resource has been Your God Is Too Small by J.B. Phillips. A new study resource will be selected by the group in October. New members are accepted into this group on an ongoing basis. For more information contact Bill Sorensen or Mike Hammond.
Food Resource Bank: FRB is a Christian, non-governmental humanitarian organization committed to allowing people to know the dignity and pride of feeding themselves through programs of sustainable agriculture. This goal is achieved by forming coalitions of landowners, farmers, and urban and rural churches to grow crops that will help hungry people overseas. Pending Session approval , this ministry proposes a cooperative effort with Richland Presbyterian Church and a cooperating farmer to plant, grow, harvest, and market 10 acres of crops. FRB sells the original crops and uses the funds to purchase grain, seeds, tools, and other resources for affected areas. Supporters of this ministry are being solicited. For more information contact Jim Van Buren.
Parenting 101: Get the basics with this parenting plan that focuses on the family’s priorities and values. DVD/Student Book format. Homework assigned. Six sessions to meet at the time, location and duration determined by the group. Need at least six people willing to commit to this group, develop the proposal, and launch the ministry. For more information contact Pastor Kevin (344-0119).