FROM PASTOR RICK’S COMPUTER:
SMALL GROUP MINISTRY: THOUGHTS AND STEPS

As we move toward developing Small Group Ministry (SGM), some clarifying thoughts are in order. SGM is church in a special way. SGM is done by a few people, but not everything done by a few is Small Group Ministry. Groups will do many of the things we do now at church – study, pray, serve, maintain – but not everything we do will become Small Group Ministry.

The unique aspects to SGM are personal care and encouragement for one another in the group. Whatever else the group does together, the people are central. “In a small group, people experience the love of God as they care for one another, help each other on their faith journey, pray for each other and are transformed by God’s amazing power,” reads a statement from another church.

This is a Biblical model for spiritual growth. From Jesus’ mentoring of the twelve disciples and the groups that met in homes in Acts 2:42 through today, we grow best when we are known by and know other Christians personally. It is strongly encouraged in the book, “Purpose Driven Life.”

It could be a study group of some kind such as how to parent young children or Bible study, etc. This is what our 2 Men’s Study groups are. It could be group that gathers to do service: make toys for children. It could be a group that gathers for fellowship such as a volleyball group or movie buffs. All groups grow in faith and living as followers.

I hope this makes SGM just a bit clearer. I think they fit very well with our Vision “to be a welcoming, spiritual community that nurtures an intimate relationship in our daily walk with Christ and invites participation through sharing our gifts to the glory of God.”

Our next step is the enclosed survey. It was put together by George and Annette Ryan, Bill Gibbons and Pr. Paul. Your response will help us develop these groups with you in mind.

We are committed to becoming the spiritual community that our Lord wants to be. As you are moved, please return the survey.

AMONG OUR MEMBERS:

NEW MEMBER

COMMISSIONED 

Carl Ballard was commissioned a Lay Missionary, June 27^th. 

A Lay Missionary is not a foreign missionary. You sense a spiritual call to give yourself to sharing the good news and serving. After training, you work in a committed ministry in the community or a congregation, in addition to your regular work. Carl is currently interim lay minister at Hope Community Church,  Rockford , while he continues to work for the Court of Appeals.

BIRTHS

RETIREMENTS

Congratulations to Sharon Catey, who retired from the State of Michigan, and Richard Wellman, who retired from John Henry this month.

NEWS AND EVENTS:

SUMMER HIGHLIGHTS

Worship 4th of July at 9:30 a.m. Worship in parsonage backyard 10:45 Early American Colonial Picnic,  Games, and Homemade ice cream.   Please bring a dish to share and lawn chairs.  Car Wash Saturday, July 17 from 9:30 – 2:00 for Habitat for Humanity  Elementary Youth at Camp July 18-23  VBS July 26-30 from 9:00 – 12:00

CAR WASH

LUTHER LEAGUE II

Luther League II Picnic and Pantoon Ride “On the Grand” Monday, July 12, 2004 Meet on the Island @ 12:00 noon   Bring a sack lunch and your own beverage Dessert will be furnished   Bring your lawn chair  Call Joyce 627-6839 for more information.

NOTES:

A big thank you to so many, especially Hope Circle , for my 95^th birthday celebration and for the many many cards.  You made me very, very happy.

Eileen LaCombe 

CELEBRATIONS:
JULY BIRTHDAYS

JULY ANNIVERSARIES

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