Grace Groups

We're Moving to the City

2011-11-22T16:36:00.001-05:00

We are packing up our bags and moving all of the small groups leaders at Grace to "the City." There is a new group on the City named "Small Group Leaders." From here out it will be the new gathering place where we will find resources, training, ideas, announcements, and conversations for anyone and everyone that leads a small group at Grace. It is open for all Leaders, Co-Leaders and Apprentices from every ministry including Children, Youth, Men Alive, Women's Connections, Starting Point, Foundations, and Grace Groups.

Small Group Leaders will become place for some new online training that we will roll out next year. It will be the place to learn about new curriculum, to post a prayer request, tell a story about your group, get answers to about group issues. It will also be where we will post all important information and announcements for all group leaders. I am hoping that we will see many conversations in this new forum and that this will become a place where we can learn from each other.

So come on over, join in, post an idea, tell us how your group is doing. If you are on the City, then just search for Small Group Leaders and hit join. If you are not on the City yet, this link will get you started. If I can answer any questions for you about the City, just ask. Soon we will be posting some stories about how group leaders are using the City for their group. See you on the City.

Orphan Sunday

2011-11-04T07:00:00.002-04:00

Orphan Sunday is this weekend, and it is another great opportunity for your group to learn together. James 1:27 says that "Pure and genuine religion in the sight of God the Father means caring for orphans and widows in their distress and refusing to let the world corrupt you." Caring for the orphans looks different for every believer, but clearly it should play some part in every believer's life. Come out to the Grace Place at 5pm on Sunday and learn more about what is going on around the world and in our own backyard. We will hear about adoption, social justice, and everything in between. Don't miss this day being observed in churches around the world. Also check out http://marylandorphansunday.org/ . See you there.

Join all of our groups on the City

2011-10-22T22:45:00.000-04:00

Many of our small group leaders have accepted their invitations and got their small group up and running on the City. They have invited their whole group in and are using all the tools available for their group. The feedback has been incredibly positive. The stories are already coming back to us about how the groups are using the City and how helpful it has been for their group.

If you are not on the City yet and you would like some help; or if you are on, but you are stuck at some point in getting your group on and using the tools...

We are going to have a kiosk at the GroupLife table with a City 'expert' for the next couple of Sundays who can answer any questions and walk you step by step through any issues or concerns. Please come on by and ask any questions you might have about the City. We hope to have all of our small groups on the City before we roll it out to the rest of the church in a couple of weeks.

Bring Your Group

2011-10-21T10:09:00.001-04:00

I just wanted to make sure everyone knows about the Prayer Workshop Event coming up on Sunday Night, October 30th, 6:00-8:30pm. This is tailored made for you to bring your group and really explore what the next step in the prayer life of each individual and the group might be. I didn't want you or your group to miss out on this "Going Deeper" opportunity.

David Shive will lead us through an evening of teaching and very practical activities that will help us connect to the true meaning of prayer. You will learn how your "conversations" with God can bring you into a much closer relationship with Him, and explore what true Biblical prayer looks like. Bring your whole group if you can. You will not regret the extra effort. I hope to see you there.

Growing?

2011-10-17T18:52:00.000-04:00

How is everyone doing in your small group? Really? In an honest evaluation, would you say each individual is whole heartedly pursuing their relationship with Jesus? Are they closer, more connected, more intimate with God than six months ago? Would you like some help in creating the best environment for that to occur in your group? This Saturday, group leaders will meet for our workshop Leader Training 201. Maybe you've taken this before (it is even more helpful the second time.) Maybe this would be your first time. (We ask all leaders to take this workshop.) Either way, it is a great way to get your group on track and learn how to create the perfect environment for spiritual growth to occur. Do not miss out on this opportunity. Bring someone from your group along. Register by sending an email to training@gracegroups.net . Saturday, October 22nd, 8:30am-12:30pm at Grace.

Sunday Night & the City

2011-10-05T08:48:00.001-04:00

Hi Group Leaders - Two Quick Things

1. Last Reminder for our Fall Leader Gathering this Sunday, 5-7pm. Please come out and be with us. It is a great time to meet some other group leaders and sharpen your group skills. If you are a Sunday group, you can ask someone in your group to take the helm for just this week so that you can attend this gathering. A couple of Sunday groups have asked if they can bring their group along. Sure you can. The more, the healthier. Just drop us an email to let us know your whole group is coming. We will have some finger foods for snacks.

2. As a group leader you are about to be invited on to the City. You have heard us talking about it on Sundays, now it is open to your group. This is going to be a great place for us to grow closer as a church even as we are getting bigger. The City has a boatload of benefits that you will learn about as we move forward. I am really looking forward to how this will help our groups grow deeper and become healthier.

Come on in and get ready to invite and encourage your whole group to join you on the City. I will send you an invitation separately that will get you into your small group on the City. Once you are there, send me (Michael Moore) a message and I will make you the LEADER of your group. Then you can invite everyone in and begin to enjoy all of the benefits. Please make sure your personal profile is complete including a picture and change your group description (not the Name) for your group. Check out this link to get all you need to get started as a group leader on the City.

http://www.gracegroups.net/leadtheCity.html

We will talk more about the City Sunday Night and have an opportunity for you to get your questions answered. See you there.

Fall 2011 GroupLife Leader Gathering

2011-09-22T10:02:00.000-04:00

Twice a year, as a part of our ongoing training for small group leaders, we gather to sharpen or skills and learn how to be better group facilitators. I am always looking for opportunities to learn from other leaders and get better at facilitating my group. This is the place to do that. Our Fall Gathering for Small Group Leaders is on Sunday, October 9th, 5:00-7:00pm. If you have any part in facilitating a small group at Grace please set aside this time to be encouraged, be trained, meet other leaders, and learn from Mark Norman. We also will be some of the first at Grace to get on to the City. I am hoping every small group leader will invest in the health of their group by being a part of this important event. Remember,
"It Takes Healthy Groups to Make a Healthy Church."

Your Materials are Here

2011-09-17T12:56:00.003-04:00

Group Hosts - The DVD's are made and the Participant's Guides are in for the Fall 2011 Campaign.
Come by the GroupLife Table on Sunday to pick up your groups DVD and books.
Every group needs a DVD (Free). Every group member needs a Participant's Guide ($6).
Read the insert in the DVD for everything you need to know about the next 6 weeks.

We are asking all of our small groups to set aside whatever you are studying for the next 6 weeks and join Mark Norman for this important series in the life of our church. Please pray along with us that God will have his way and that we will all cultivate the heart of a servant in our lives, and learn to Live Beyond Ourselves during this time.

Michael moore

Fall 2011

2011-09-01T12:28:00.000-04:00

Welcome to the beginning of a new ministry year. It seems like the summer has just rushed bythis year. There are so many excitingthings ahead for us this year. Our 2011Fall Series, “The Great Step Down”,begins on September 25^th. This year Mark Norman and Ryan Richardson will be leading us through a sixweek journey where we will examine what it looks like to have the heart ofa servant. In every small group at Grace this fall we will following along and asksome very practical questions of ourselves in regards to how living like aservant would look in our day-to-day lives. Groups will be using a study titled “LivingBeyond Myself” to help guide us.

Each week, Living Beyond Myself" has an “at Home” component and an “atGroup” component.

At Home Personal Time: 3 days each week we will spend about 15minutes alone with God, where we will read some Scripture and a page or twofrom the participants guide, then reflect by answering a couple of questions.This material is important in helping to prepare our hearts for the group timeeach week.

At Group Community Time: We will watch a video introduction from oneof our pastors at Grace. Then the groupwill discuss the topic that week using questions and information in the smallgroup section of the guide.

Each group participant will need a Participants Guide to useat home and at group. The cost will be$6. Each group will need a DVD. Group Leaders can pay for and pick up theirGuides and DVD’s at the GroupLife Table starting September 18^th.

As we do each fall, we are asking every GRACE Group to setaside whatever you are currently studying and join with all of GraceCommunity. The teaching, activities,application, and study will be coordinated in the Worship Center, in the Warehousewith our Youth, and in every small group meeting all over our area. It is our hope to see the whole church growtogether in this very important area of following Jesus.

Summertime

2011-07-04T23:15:00.000-04:00

I know most of you group leaders remember Steve Gladen. He was our main speaker at the Community U GroupLife Conference held at Grace last October. Steve's a good buddy of mine and the Small Group Pastor of that small church in Southern California called Saddleback. This month he wrote an article about what to do with your group during the summer. I thought it might spark some ideas. Take a look here.

Michael m.

110% in 2011

2011-06-30T15:57:00.000-04:00

You guys know the Grouplife Department motto is "Every Person Connected - Every Group Healthy" That is every person in the Grace Community, from the outer fringes to the inner core, connected into a healthy growing small group. Our groups keep getting healthier and healthier each semester because of the investment of you, the leaders. Because you are investing in your own relationship with Jesus and into the lives of those in your circle, our church is "growing deeper."

This time 2 years ago we set the goal of having 110% of the amount of adults attending Grace on the weekends, to be a part of a small group during the week. In another words, 10% more people in groups during the week than in services on Sunday. At that time 2 years ago that number was 67%. And as I'm sure are experiencing, Worship on Sunday has been growing during that time significantly. Last December we had reached 97% in groups. With numbers up through May & June we are at 102%.

Thanks for making room in your groups, for inviting people to join your circle. Thanks for keeping your eye out for people who are not in groups, and encouraging them to join yours or helping them find the one that fits them best. Thanks for you leaders who keep starting groups in your neighborhoods and inviting your neighbors who are not even coming to Grace yet. You guys keep this up and we will reach 110% this year. You are the greatest.

It is an honor to serve with you,
Michael

Create a Grace Adventure

2011-06-27T09:58:00.003-04:00

Hey groups, want to be a part of helping some kids this summer? Grace Adventures Day Camp has several kids who would love to come to camp but cannot afford to. This year we have more need for scholarships than funds available. Your group could help by coming together and providing funds that would send one child to camp. Many of our camp families are not from Grace and do not know Jesus yet. So, this is a great opportunity for outreach to our community. Ask your group this week and if you can help, please email Michelle Conner right away -
graceadventures@gmail.com

Easy Serving Opportunity for Every Group

2011-06-22T17:29:00.000-04:00

We have a great opportunity for your small group

We need 50 more people each week this summer to serve in our totZone and kidZone. Your small group can help us by filling in as a small group team sub for two or three times this summer - serving as a sub is a great way to make a difference this summer.

No preparation is required – it’s an easy serve and you will learn about “the Purpose Driven life” for kids. We also invite you to grab some refreshments afterwards and visit with your group and our CM team.

Email Kathy Deibler at Kathy.deibler@gcconline.org or drop by the totZone or kidZone Summer Serve tables this Sunday and sign-up.

In the summer, we try to give our 400 dedicated team members some much needed and deserved “time-off”. We want (and need) them to be refreshed and ready for the fall ministry year.

Don’t miss out on this opportunity to have some summer fun together, help us out, and serve in a way that really matters!

- The Children's Ministry Servant Team and Staff

Small Group Makeover

2011-05-31T13:15:00.003-04:00

Sometimes we come to a place in our group where it just needs a makeover. Something that will help us get things back on track. Something that will breath some new life into us.

Ask yourself these diagnostic questions.

* Is the group still an environment where life-change is happening?

* Are we working on spiritual growth issues?

* What are the spiritual next steps that are being taken by members?

* Are there group members whose spiritual life is limited to church on Sunday and this group?

* Do group members like to come to group every week?

Maybe it's time to check out these 10 tips to revitalize your group.

Ready to Play?

2011-05-25T03:57:00.000-04:00

Is your group feeling competitive?!?!? Bring em out to the Grace Family Reunion on June 4th. There are going to be two tournaments you group could compete in, Vollyball and Wiffleball. It would be great fun to see groups go head to head with each other, or join forces with another group to go up against another ministry. So, form your team and get ready to show your stuff. Not enough in your group to form a team, then join an existing team. Sign up for an afternoon of fun at this link.

Can Your Group Help??

2011-05-20T15:49:00.003-04:00

It's time for the Grace Community Church Family Reunion!! June 4th is going to be a great afternoon of fun for everyone that calls Grace their home. We will enjoy yummy food, engage in some friendly competitions, share in the joy of baptisms and even worship God together. As always we need the small groups of Grace to help make this day happen. Would you ask your group to serve together for just a short portion of the afternoon to help make this day a success? There are all kinds of things you can do together. Supervising the moon bounces, face painting, playing with small kids in the pre-school area, and making cotton candy are some of the activities groups can do together. It would be great to have a small group with lots of enthusiasm take on the sack races/tug of war for an hour. We are also looking for people to do pre-judging of the Bake-off entries. If one group signed on, that would probably cover that. Thanks in advance for any help your group can offer. You can sign up to help at this link.

Any questions - email Becky Cooper at becky.cooper@gcconline.org

2011-05-09T15:55:00.003-04:00

By this point I hope that every Small Group has chosen a way to serve together during ServeFest 2011. Just in case you still looking where to plug in your group (or at least some of your group,) here is a list of the opportunities for this weekend. Head over to the website to register for any of the opportunities.

Come on out and help show our community how much we care for them.

SATURDAY, MAY 14, 2011

ATHELAS INSTITUTE: (Melting Pot Project) Athelas, located in Columbia, provides a variety of support options for individuals with developmental disabilities. There are two project options at this site:

LANDSCAPING AND SITE CLEANUP – all ages welcome!

PAINTING – Painters age 12 and over, please.

CLOTHING SORT: At Grace, sort and organize donated clothing to prepare for clothing giveaway on May 21.

PLEASE BRING YOUR GENTLY USED CLOTHING TO GRACE TO HELP OTHERS IN OUR COMMUNITY. DROP OFF ANY TIME IN THE BIN LOCATED AT THE BARN OR IN THE LOBBY MAY 1-14.

GLENWOOD 50+ SENIOR CENTER HORSESHOE PIT: The Glenwood Senior Center has asked us to build a horseshoe pit for the Kindred Spirit Social Club, providing opportunities and activities for those with early stage dementia.

HOME CARE AND REPAIR: May 14 is the 2^nd Saturday, so we’ve got some 2^nd Saturday-style projects at the homes of people in our community. If you’re handy around the house and would like to help others with projects that they are unable to tackle on their own, this is the project for you.

NURSING HOME VISIT: Provide support and encouragement to local residents staying in a nursing home. Gather first to create gift bags that will be distributed during our visits with the residents. Adults and children are needed to brighten someone’s day!

PRAYER TEAM: (Melting Pot Project) Join with other believers at various locations (Board of Education building, County Government offices, Jessup prison, Howard General Hospital) to pray on behalf of our county leaders and citizens.

PUBLIC SERVANT– FOOD DONATION: Donate store-bought or home-baked goodies to Grace on Friday, May 13, or before 9:00 a.m. May 14 to be delivered to Howard County public servants. No nuts, please! Great family activity!

PUBLIC SERVANT– FOOD DELIVERY: Prepare and deliver trays of donated goodies to Howard County police and fire stations. Great family activity!

THE SAMARITAN WOMEN: There are two projects with this organization that promotes health, healing, & growth:

CONSTRUCTION – Projects include constructing a shed structure around dumpster/trash cans and a picket fence around the children’s garden. Ages 14 & over.

LANDSCAPING/GARDENING - Mulching, weeding, planting, etc. in the community garden. All ages welcome!

HOWARD COUNTY SCHOOL PROJECTS:

BOLLMAN BRIDGE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL:

CRAFT PROJECT WITH STUDENTS - Spend time with students from this school completing a woodcraft project together. Excellent opportunity to invest in kids in our community.

LANDSCAPING – Help to make the school more welcoming by weeding, planting, and mulching the entrance and an inner courtyard. All ages are welcome.

LAUREL WOODS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL:

CAFETERIA MURAL PAINTING – Encourage school spirit by helping to paint the school’s mascot in the cafeteria. Ages 13 and over.

LANDSCAPING (cleanup, planting, washing portable classrooms) – Create a more inviting welcome to the school by weeding, planting, and mulching several areas at the front of the school. Also, clean and wash the exteriors of temporary classrooms. All ages are welcome.

SWANSFIELD ELEMENTARY SCHOOL:

CRAFT PROJECT WITH STUDENTS - Spend time with students completing a woodcraft project together.

LANDSCAPING – Help to beautify the school grounds by weeding, planting, and mulching. All ages are welcome.

SUNDAY, MAY 15, 2011

MARYLAND HALF MARATHON: Held at Maple Lawn to benefit the University of MD Greenebaum Cancer Center.

WATER STATION – Grace is hosting a water station along the route. Prepare and distribute water to runners, while providing encouragement as they pass.

FINISH LINE – Be the first to congratulate the runners as they cross the finish line and place a ribbon around their necks. Ages 11 and over.

CHEERING – Provide support and encouragement by cheering on the runners as they pass Grace. All ages encouraged! No need to sign up. Please line up at Old Columbia Rd. by 8 a.m.

let's talk curriculum.

2011-02-16T15:40:00.002-05:00

Let's talk about curriculum. Over the next few weeks I will highlight some new studies for you group to consider. I am looking over some now and will make recommendations soon about the best ones. But before we do that I would like to survey all of you groups and leaders. What have you studied in the last year that had the most impact on your group? When I say impact, I mean, what study has led to the most life change in your group? Have you studied anything that has caused group members to actually change how they live or what their relationship with Jesus and others looks like? Please hit reply or leave a comment on the blog to answer. Thanks for your help.

Small Group Leaders Spring Workshop

2011-02-14T14:23:00.002-05:00

March 27th - Sunday - 5-7pm - KidZone
Twice a year (March & October) ask we everyone who has any role in leading any kind of small group at Grace to invest in their group and in themselves by attending our Spring and Fall Training Workshops. This is a time to interact with other small group leaders learning from each others successes and failures. It is a time to pick up some new skills and get some great tips on how to best facilitate your group. Our goal is to have every group healthy and for every member of a group to be growing in their relationship to Jesus. You can help make sure that this is true of your group and its members by spending two hours on the 27th getting better at what you do and also helping some other leaders get better at leading their groups. You should bring anyone in your group who leads along side you. Also invest in the future ministry of someone in your group by inviting them to attend with you.

A couple of the topics we will be exploring is:
** 3 Steps to a healthy small group!
**Dealing with Difficult Situations in our groups.

We would like to know you are coming, so please reply here and let us know that you are attending and who you are bringing with you.

2011-01-19T09:38:00.002-05:00

The Registration Website is live now at:

www.gcconline.org/lc

Just a reminder that the Leadership Collective is for you! It is our once-a year event for all Grace leaders; every ministry leader at Grace including every Small Group Leader, Co-Leader and future leader that you are investing in. Don't miss out on this great time of teaching, training, sharing, and collaboration with your team. As always, Mark Norman will cast vision to leaders for the coming year at Grace.

Please join us!

Friday, January 28th - 6:30pm-9:30pm

Saturday, January 29th - 8:30am-12:00pm

2010-12-14T08:04:00.001-05:00

The Leadership Collective

(formerly known as The Leadership Summit)

Connected - Inspired - Empowered

Every Grace Community Leader -

(Including all Small Group leaders, co-leaders & apprentices)

Please join us!

Friday, January 28th - 6:30pm-9:30pm

Saturday, January 29th - 8:30am-12:00pm

Registration begins January 2nd
at www.gcconline.org/LC

Childcare

Friday Evening—Partial scholarships available for
AT HOME childcare by reservation through website

Saturday Morning—Limited ONSITE childcare provided
by reservation through website.

A New Perspective on Missions

2010-11-29T09:45:00.002-05:00

Perspectives on the World Christian Movement is a 16-week course that will forever change your perspective on God's place in your world, and your part in His. You will learn how you can take part in His work all over the world, from the jungles of Africa to Main Street, USA.
Over the 16 weeks, you will have the opportunity to learn from some of the most highly-regarded missions leaders and mentors in the world. If you or anyone in your group is thinking about missions and want to explore further, you should consider this quality course. Meeting Mondays, beginning January 3rd at Grace. Click here for more information and to register.

Our Missionaries at Christmas

2010-11-19T09:56:00.000-05:00

Last year, we had Grace Groups adopt our missionary families for the holidays. Each group collected some gifts and items that a specific family needed, boxed them up and Grace shipped them out. It was such a treat for both the groups and the missionary families. It went a long way in helping them feel like they were still part of the family of Grace. It went so well that we are doing it again this year. Some of the groups even stayed connected with their missionary family throughout all of last year. We are again sending year end boxes to our overseas missionaries. We would love for some more Grace Groups to be involved in collecting and packing items to be sent by Grace to them. Grace would pay for the shipping you just have to put them together. We have about 4 missionaries that have not been adopted yet and would like to find them a Grace group. If your group would consider this and would like more information please e-mail Wendy Burner at wendy@burnerfamily.org .

Reveal - Church Survey

2010-11-16T09:59:00.000-05:00

We still need about 1000 people to take our church survey before Monday when the website closes. It is critical for us to get your input about our church, it's people, it's programs, and it's impact on your spiritual life. As we prepare to make some important plans for the future of Grace, we need to have the best information you can give us, so that we can make the best decisions possible. This is a place where your input really makes a difference. Would you talk to your whole group and ask them to each take the survey. Maybe even bring a laptop to group and let a couple of people do their's before or after your group meets this week. We appreciate any help you can give us as we hope everyone will participate. Here is the link.

Group Night Out

2010-11-15T11:47:00.004-05:00

Francis Chan - Steven Curtis Chapman - Orphan Friday at Grace

Anyone who has done the "Crazy Love" study remembers Francis Chan. Join us as he and Steven Curtis Chapman leads us through a one hour worship and learning time designed to help us better understand the lives and conditions of orphans living in our world today. This is not a fund raiser. It is a great opportunity for your group to learn what the Bible and Jesus have to say about orphans. Grace's ministry Ekisa and We Are Kenya are presenting this event for individuals and groups to learn and pray about what is being done to help orphan's worldwide. Bring everyone to the kidZone this Friday Night at 6:36 for the simulcast. See you there!

Michael

Pick Up Your DVD this Sunday!!!

2010-11-04T15:12:00.004-04:00

THIS SUNDAY (Nov 7) will begin week 7 of our One:2:Another Fall Series. I am reminding all small group leaders to pick up your DVD and printed material. We will be at the GroupLife Booth, in the lobby with all the materials and information you will need for weeks 7-9 of the series. Make plans to drop by the table before or after service pick up everything you will need. All the instructions are on the DVD.

Two more things. One, don't forget to set you clock back Saturday Night or else you will be very early for church on Sunday. And, Cynthia said, "tell everyone to bring back the 40 Days DVD's if they are done with them. :) " See you all on Sunday.

2nd Saturday SUPERSIZED

2010-10-28T09:25:00.004-04:00

Each month on the 2nd Saturday we gather at Grace at 8:30 a.m. before going out in teams to love people by helping them with household projects that they are unable to take care of on their own (usually until about 1:00). This may involve yard work or painting projects, or fixing something broken, or doing heavy lifting they can't do. This is an outreach ministry both to people in our church body and to people in our community.

On November 13th, 2nd Saturday is going to be SUPERSIZED. We have lots of our regular household repair projects, and in addition we are planning on sending out teams to rake leaves for people who are unable to do so. We will be serving at The Samaritan Women either renovating their facilities or working on their community garden projects. We are working with the Office on Aging about needs in the elderly and disabled community. This will be a family-friendly day of serving, and we are hoping every Grace family and every Grace small group (including Men's Fraternity, Connections, D-Teams, Spotlights...) will join us. Check out this link to register or for more information.

Weeks 7-9 of One:2:Another

2010-10-23T12:10:00.003-04:00

November 7th will begin week 7 of our One:2:Another Fall Series. By then you will have finished the 40 Days of Love DVD and Study Guide in your small groups. We will be in the lobby on November 7th with all the materials and information you will need for weeks 7-9 of the series. Make plans to come by the GroupLife Booth sometime that morning to pick up everything you will need. See you then.

Healthy Training

2010-10-21T11:20:00.002-04:00

It's time for Small Group Leader Training 201. If your group is stuck and trying to figure out how to take the next step towards being a healthy group, then 201 might be just what you need. If you would like to figure out what your personal next step is in your walk with Christ, 201 is what you need. Leader Training 201 is designed to help you take your group deeper in their spiritual journey. If you are leading a group and have not taken this workshop, please make room for this in your schedule. Join us next Saturday Morning, October 30th (no masks please,) 8:30am-12:30pm. Bring someone else from your group along. Register by calling/emailing Cynthia. Cynthia@gracegroups.net / 240-553-1090

Please Pray With Me

2010-10-11T17:40:00.001-04:00

I know you are still out there thinking and trying to figure out how you can work out your schedule to participate in the Small Group Conference this week. Over 50 churches will be joining us from as far away as Canada. Here is my promise. If you attend and apply just one of the dozen new principles you will learn, then your small group will never be the same. It's not too late. You can still get tickets for just $20. If you cannot come, send someone to be your ambassador.

For those of you who are coming, we are praying that God will use this time to impact all of our hearts, to challenge each of us to grow deeper in our commitment to Him, and to teach us what it looks like to live more surrendered lives. I am praying earnestly that group life at Grace will never look the same after this conference; that our hunger for God's authentic presence in our groups will lead us to a deeper level of community with Him and with each other. Please pray with me for the next few days. See you on Friday.

Michael m.

How to Grow a Healthy Small Group

2010-09-30T17:03:00.003-04:00

Join the over 300 people who have signed up from all over the East Coast (Illinois, Indiana, New York, New Jersey, North Carolina, Virginia...) to come to Grace and learn "How to Grow a Healthy Small Group."

The good news is that while each of these individuals are paying well over $100 to attend and hear this great training; because you are the host church, the cost for you is only $20. This teaching from the folks at Saddleback Church goes hand-in-hand with our "One:2:Another" series. Please do not miss out on this chance to become a better small group leader, a better small group member, and a more surrendered follower of Christ as we gather to learn how to invest our lives in each other.

Saddleback Small Groups Conference at Grace - October 15 & 16

more info here

Steve Gladen – Prime Track – (Worship Center)

Steve Gladen is the Pastor of the Small Group Community of over 3500 small groups at Saddleback Church in Lake Forest, California; an author; founder of the Purpose Driven Small Group Network, a network of North American small group pastors and point leaders; featured speaker at conferences around the world; and developer of numerous small group resources (www.smallgroups.net.) In six sessions over two days you will go through how you can grow a healthy small group, can’t-miss principles, and how to connect your community and your church for spiritual health.

2010-09-25T06:20:00.001-04:00

The new fall series "One:2:Another" begins tomorrow. Your groups Participant's Guides and DVDs are waiting for you at the GroupLife Booth. Don't forget - It all starts this week!

2010-09-24T06:29:00.000-04:00

The Community U Small Group Conference

Speakers now listed on our website -

http://www.gracegroups.net/Conference/ConferenceSpeakers.html

October 15-16

Friday - October 15 - 8:30am-4:30pm

Saturday - October 16 - 8:30am - 3:00pm

Cost to all Grace Leaders/Members - $20

($199 at door)

LT101 This Weekend

2010-09-23T11:08:00.003-04:00

If you are a small group leader at Grace and have not yet taken Leader Training 101...

The fall class is this Saturday, 8:30am-1:00pm.

Call or email Cynthia to register.

Extra Credit

2010-09-11T11:08:00.001-04:00

For the members and leaders of our groups who want to take this fall's study an extra step there is a book available to read right along with each week's study. You will see this book referenced in both the Participant' Guides and on the DVD. It is called "The Relationship Principles of Jesus" by Tom Holiday, and it tracks right along with our study.

For all who are interested, you can purchase this book at this website.

The Books are In

2010-09-09T10:43:00.003-04:00

It all begins in 2 weeks. The DVDs and Participant Guides for our fall series are ready for you to pick up. All of our small groups should be following along with our fall series. Since the series is highlighting how we as a church should be interacting with each other, it is important for everyone to participate this year.

The small group curriculum includes:

* Mark Norman's Sunday messages
* a DVD you will use during small group time

* and a Participant's Guide

The Guide includes some group questions along with some personal assignments and questions for each group member. For the first six weeks of the series we will be using "40 Days of Love" by Rick Warren.

The church will loan a DVD to each group for the duration of the campaign. Leaders should purchase Participant Guides for each member of their group for $7.00/guide. Both the DVD and Guides are available at the GroupLife Booth this weekend.

Leaders please pray with us that God will use this series to impact each member of the Grace Community in a very significant way this fall. Thank you for the sacrifices you make to serve your group.

Michael

Your Leader Training This Fall

2010-08-31T16:32:00.015-04:00

Do you want to know how to take your small group to the next level?

Are you ready to break through the barriers that are holding your group back?

Interested in learning can't miss principles and strategies that will help you grow a healthy small group?

For our fall 2010 "Grace Small Group Leader's Training Experience” we will take part in the "Community U Small Group Conference." This national conference is being held live right here at Grace Community.

Steve Gladen, Small Groups Pastor at Saddleback Community Church in CA, his team, and pastors from successful small group ministries around the country will teach on-site live for two days at Grace Community Church. We will be hosting as other churches from around the Mid-Atlantic Region join us.

The focus is on how to have healthy groups which lead to a healthy church. We will talk about how to disciple people, not just lead a meeting. Learn how to make groups more about life transformation than about information. We will work on very practical skills such as equipping leaders to deal with difficult people in their groups as well as exploring strategies to increase the commitment level and more fully engage the members of your small group.

Grace is hosting for the opportunity to expose our leaders to this great teaching. The cost to you is minimal, only $20 registration for both days. Please take the time to attend both Friday and Saturday if at all possible. You will not be sorry for the investment in your own life and your group. Registration for only one day is also available.

Details:

Date:
October 15th & 16th. Friday 8:30am - 4pm, Saturday 8:30am - 2:45pm

Registration:
$20 registration for one or two days is the same price for all Grace Leaders.

You must register ahead of time, at the GroupLife Table, for special price. Price at the door will be $199.

(Do NOT register through the Saddleback Conference Site - the price for outside guests is considerably more.)

Lunch:
Lunch is available on-site each day for $6.00. It will be a box lunch each day. You will pre-order lunch when you register for conference and pay when you sign-in for the conference.

Tracks:
The conference offers two tracks you can attend plus breakout options on Saturday. To help us prepare, we will ask you to choose a track when you register. I recommend the Prime Track with Steve Gladen for both days if you have never attended a Saddleback conference with our team in the past.

More schedule and track information is available here on our website.

Feel free to send me your questions at michael@gracegroups.net .

One 2 Another

2010-08-26T08:16:00.004-04:00

The Fall Teaching Series for Grace Community and your small group is almost here! This years series in called "One-2 Another." As you know, the mission of Grace is about "Pursuing Christ - Engaging Each Other - Impacting the World ; 3 relationships, Jesus - The Church - The World. For 9 weeks we will take a long look at the 2nd relationship, the Church, our relationships with each other.

We will explore what it means to be "the Church." We will take a look together at how God expects us to relate to each each other. How should we deal with personal conflict? How can I be an encourager? What does forgiveness really look like? How do I find where I fit into God's family? Every Sunday Morning, and in your small group during the week, we open the Bible and find the answers to these questions. Make sure your group is a part of Grace as we grow closer 'One 2 Another' in our church.

A few more details about the Fall Campaign for your group.. We start on September 26th. All 9 weeks will follow right along with the Sunday morning messages. Mark will be referring to what you are studying in his messages. Your small group curriculum for these first 6 weeks comes from the 40 Days of Love series by Saddleback Church and will consist of:

* Mark Norman's Weekend Messages
* DVD (video teaching during group time)
( the DVD also has a leaders section for each week for you to watch before group time)
* a small group discussion guide (that each group participant should purchase)

*The Small Groups Office will provide 1 DVD for each group to borrow. (Please return at the end of series - Anyone wishing to purchase for personal use may do so for $16.00)
*Group Leaders may purchase the discussion guides for their participants from Cynthia beginning today.
Participants Guides are $7.00

Curriculum for Weeks 7-9 of the study will be provided for you later in the series. More information to come about that.

Alright, let's get started. Come pick up your DVD and buy the participants guides for your group starting today. Call the office or see us at the GroupLife Table on Sunday. As always, we will be launching brand new groups to go along with this series as well. The GroupLink Launch Event will be September 19th, 5-7pm.

Michael

To All Ladies of Grace

2010-08-09T09:06:00.001-04:00

Ladies! Where can you get a day of awesome worship, life changing teaching, refreshments, fellowship, and Beth Moore? Right here at Grace Community. It is a great way to start off the fall!

Summer Interruption

2010-08-02T13:07:00.002-04:00

I am interrupting this summer for a special announcement!

I hope your summer is going well. Things are beginning to heat up in office at church in preparation for an exciting fall in small groups at Grace. I want to make sure that every group leader has two things on their calendar.

The Fall Series - 8 weeks beginning September 26th. We expect every Grace Group will be following along with the Sunday Series as we do each fall. More info about the curriculum coming soon. It will be DVD driven and will examine how we should relate to each other within the Church.

Small Groups Conference - October 15-16 at Grace Community. This is our fall training for all small group leaders at Grace. We have some incredible teachers coming in from Saddleback Church in California to help us make each and every small group healthier. Please set aside this Friday and Saturday date to invest in making your group a better environment for spiritual growth.

More info coming soon about both the Series and the Conference. So save these dates.

Now back to your regularly scheduled summer!

Michael m.

James 1:27

2010-07-17T21:05:00.002-04:00

This is a great way you or your group can get involved helping orphans in a significant way.

James 1:27 Pure and genuine religion in the sight of God the Father means caring for orphans and widows in their distress and refusing to let the world corrupt you.

�

Wrapping Around Adoptive Families
By Kelly Rosati | Focus on the Family

What if you haven't been called to adopt a waiting child, but you still want to help orphans and play a role in the adoption process? If you can pray, listen, cook, clean, drive, shop or baby sit, you can play a key role in helping former orphans and their adoptive families.

You can read the full article here:
http://www.catalystspace.com/content/read/JULY10_article_fotf_-_wrapping_around_adoptive_families/

Tune Up Follow Up

2010-05-02T16:21:00.002-04:00

When we were together in March for the Small Group Leaders Tune-Up Gathering, we watched a portion of a talk by Lance Witt called "The Leader's Heart." Many of you expressed a desire to hear the whole talk. I have posted it on our website for you to listen to or download. You can only access it through this link.

Lance Witt - The Leader's Heart

This talk is different from the one we handed out at the tables as a gift for everyone to listen to. That talk addressed the quality of our small group meetings and was also by Lance Witt. If you have listened to that CD, I would love to hear your feedback. Did it address any needs in your group? Was it helpful to you as a group leader? Reply at michael@gracegroups.net and let me know what you think.

Bestivus 2010

2010-04-12T10:28:00.003-04:00

We want to celebrate what is the Best-of-us, and what is best about us is YOU! I am so thankful for the part you play as you serve your small group and the body of Christ. I would like to express that appreciation during a fun night together. It is a great opportunity to spend some time together while just laughing and having fun with other servant volunteers in the Grace Community.

Here is what you need to know:
Friday Night - April 30th - 7:00-9:30pm at Grace

Spouses (or a guest) are invited

Light Desserts will be served

AT HOME childcare scholarships are available
(You MUST register at www.gcconline.org/volunteercelebtation to receive funds the night of the event.)

The Grace Cheering Pastors will be returning (with a twist.)
(Check them out here and here.)

Comedian Ron Pearson will be joining us for the evening.
(Check out his website)

Would you join me and let's have a fun night together? See you there!

Michael m.

ServeFest 2010

2010-04-02T13:59:00.002-04:00

Grace is a church who is serving in the community all year long. And I know that many of our groups are serving together on a regular basis. But once a year, every year, our whole church family comes together on a Saturday Morning to reach out and serve our community. This year Grace is joining with over a hundred other churches from all around central Maryland to participate in ServeFest. It is a great way for the church in Maryland to come together and share the love of Jesus in practical and tangible ways with our communities.

Grace will be working on 23 projects around our area. Our groups, families, ministry teams, and individuals will gather at 8:30am on April 24th in the Grace parking lot and head out to work until about lunch time that day. We need you and your group to participate. Check out www.uservecentral.com and register for whichever project your team would like to be a part of. With so many projects, we need lots of people to come out and join in. Whatever you do, do not miss out on this special day in the life of Grace Community Church.

Leader Training 201

2010-02-25T09:11:00.000-05:00

If you are a small group leader at Grace and you have never been a part of this Leader Training 201, whether you have been here 10 years or 10 weeks, March 6th will be a great benefit to you. Some leaders have returned to this training over and over, often bringing people from their group with them. Come explore with us how we can help everyone in our group become healthy followers of Christ. Saturday, March 6th, 8:30am-12:30pm. Register by emailing Cynthia here.

The High Schoolers of Grace Need You

2010-02-22T09:03:00.000-05:00

Looking for something your group could do together? Want to have a fun time while serving our youth. We need people to serve on the Work Crew for the CPR Spring Retreat, March 12-14. Doesn't matter whether you are an inside or an outside person because we need folks who can work in the kitchen and folks who will help out on the Ropes Course outdoors. If your whole group isn't interested, would you ask and see if any individuals could help out? This Retreat is a significant time in the spiritual lives of our high schoolers. Often kids give their lives to Jesus during this weekend and many surrender more of their hearts and lives to him during this time. Be a part of making that possible by serving on the Work Crew. Email or call Erin O'Brien in the Youth Office today. erin.obrien@gcconline.org / 240-553-1090 ext.114

Small Group Leaders Spring Workshop

2010-02-18T09:52:00.000-05:00

March 28th - Sunday - 5-7pm - KidZone

Twice a year (March & October) ask we everyone who has any role in leading any kind of small group at Grace to invest in their group and in themselves by attending our Spring and Fall Training Workshops. This is a time to interact with other small group leaders learning from each others successes and failures. It is a time to pick up some new skills and get some great tips on how to best facilitate your group. Our goal is to have every group healthy and for every member of a group to be growing in their relationship to Jesus. You can help make sure that this is true of your group and its members by spending two hours on the 28th getting better at what you do and also helping some other leaders get better at leading their groups. You should bring anyone in your group who leads along side you. Also invest in the future ministry of someone in your group by inviting them to attend with you.

A couple of the topics we will be exploring is:

** As a leader, what is the best gift I can give my small group?

** How can I best assure that everyone in my group is invested in the group rather than just attending?

We would like to know you are coming, so please reply here and let us know that you are attending and who you are bringing with you.

Serving Communion in Your Small Group

2010-02-15T09:52:00.000-05:00

"...The Lord Jesus, on the night he was betrayed, took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, 'This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me.' In the same way, after supper he took the cup, saying, 'This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink, in remembrance of me.' For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until he comes." (1 Corinthians 11:23-26)

Steps in Serving Communion

1. Open by sharing about God's love, forgiveness, grace, mercy, commitment, tenderheartedness, faithfulness, etc., out of your personal journey (connect with the story of your people in the room
2. Read the passage "...The Lord Jesus, on the night he was betrayed, took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, 'This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me.'
3. Pray and pass the bread around the circle (could be time for quiet reflection, singing a simple praise song, or listening to a worship tape
When everyone has been served, remind them that this represents Jesus' broken body on their behalf. Simply state, "Jesus said, 'Do this in remembrance of me.' Let us eat together," and eat the bread as a group
Then read the rest of the passage "...In the same way, after supper he took the cup, saying, 'This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me.'
Pray and serve the cup, either by passing a small tray, serving them individually, or by having them pick up a cup from the table.
4. When everyone has been served, remind them that the juice represents Christ's blood shed for them, then simply state, "Take and drink in remembrance of Him. Let us drink together
5. Finish by singing a simple song, listening to a praise song, or having a time of prayer in thanks to God.

Several Practical Tips in Serving Communion

* Prepare the elements simply, sacredly, and yet remember, symbolically.
* Be sensitive to timing in your meeting.
* Break up pieces of cracker or soft bread on a small plate or tray. Don't use large servings of bread or grape juice. We ask that you only use grape juice, not wine, so you will not cause a brother or sister to struggle.
* Have all of the elements prepared beforehand, and just bring them into the room or to the table when you are ready.

Communion verses: Matthew 26:26-29; Mark 14:22-25; Luke 22:14-20; I Cor 10:16-21, 11:17-34

101 is This Sunday

2010-02-11T09:41:00.000-05:00

Due to the snow last weekend, we had to reschedule "Small Group Leader Training 101." We will hold the workshop this Sunday, February 14th, 2-5pm. Since we ask all small group leaders to take this workshop, this would be a great time if you have never had the chance before. Call or email Cynthia today or tomorrow to register. 240-553-1090 / cynthia@gracegroups.net

Crazy Love

2010-02-08T09:05:00.002-05:00

Of all the books I read last year, Crazy Love by Francis Chan definitely had the most impact on me. It caused me to examine my life deeply and explore what it means to be passionately in love with God. I was very excited to see that there is now a small group study that serves as a companion to this book. Every GRACE Group should consider doing this Book/DVD study sometime in the coming months. This is one where the DVD does not stand alone. It augments everyone reading the book and provides group discussion questions for your session. If something inside of you is hungry for a more authentic faith that addresses your problems with tangible, even radical solutions. If rather than working harder at a list of do's and don't, you want a love relationship with God. Then this study is for you. We have a DVD for you to take a look at in the Small Groups Office and you can find the books here.

Haiti

2010-02-06T12:06:00.002-05:00

Grace is putting a missions team together to meet an immediate need in Haiti. They need men and women who are familiar with concrete construction. They will be going down for about a week of work and leaving around February 20th. We are putting the word out in hopes that there might be someone in your group who is both qualified and available to join the team. If you or someone in your group have sensed a calling to serve the Haitian people in the midst of this crisis please let us know. Contact Patti Hewet ( patti.hewat@gcconline.org ) with questions and/or submit an application at www.gcconline.org/stm .

Leader Training 101 & 201

2010-01-27T10:32:00.002-05:00

We would like you to learn how to better create the right environment in your group so that it's members are guaranteed to grow. So, if you have not had the opportunity to take part in either Small Group Leader Training 101 or 201, please join us Saturday Morning, February 6th for 101. Then on Saturday March 6th, we will have 201.

Is there someone in your group who you would like to see take some more responsibility. This would be a great way to help equip them for the challenge.

Groups are about building a community of believers who take care of each other in so many ways. They are also an environment where everyone encourages each other to continue to pursue a closer relationship with God. Pursuing Christ and Engaging (Caring for) Each Other; those are two things that we explore in depth in Small Group Leader Training 101 and 201. You can register by emailing Cynthia at training@gracegroups.net. Please invest in your group and yourself by joining us for the Shepherding Workshops.

Grace Leadership Summit

2010-01-25T11:00:00.002-05:00

By this time. I hope every small group leader at Grace has already registered for next weekend's (Friday Night - Saturday Morning) "Grace Leadership Summit." If not, please go to www.gcconline.org/ls right now and let us know if you will be attending. You don't want to miss this annual time together with all of the ministry leaders of Grace. Bring someone from your group along who you are investing in. See you there.

Michael

Metro Kids Serving Opportunity

2010-01-23T14:27:00.003-05:00

We are in need of a few small groups who will cook and serve a meal every other month to about 100 children, ages 4 through the teen years. Ideas for meals will be provided as well as all paper goods. So, it primarily involves preparing food at home, warming it at Metro Kidz mission and serving. The Metro Kidz ministry is located in downtown Baltimore at the Charm City church and food is served Wednesday nights around 7- 7:30 pm. This is a great opportunity to serve and share the Lord's love in a tangible way. Metro Kidz mission is to provide a safe and loving environment to children while sharing the message of Jesus. We hope and pray that at least a few small groups are able to respond to this need for service. For any groups who are interested in serving food, please contact me at rynowak@yahoo.com or (410) 788-9092.

Yetta Nowak

Serving at Grace's Cold Weather Shelter

2010-01-08T11:32:00.001-05:00

Once again Grace Community Church is hosting the Howard County Cold Weather Shelter in our facility for a week (Feb. 22nd-March 1st). We need groups and individuals to help serve in many roles. (Lots more information available here.) You can sign up to serve on the Grace website beginning January 24th. This is a great opportunity for you and/or your small group to serve the homeless in our area. Please talk with your group this week and sign up as soon as possible in order to get the roles and times you want.

Serving with My Group

2010-01-02T10:56:00.003-05:00

The folks at UServe Central have created a great new service for every small group leader. Group are always coming to us ready and willing to serve, looking for place they can invest their time both as a group and as individuals. Now UServe has a webpage on their site for your group to find up-to-date places they can sign on to serve. There are opportunities highlighted for serving both the local community and the Grace body. Take some time this month to talk to your group about serving and then check out this "Serving with my Group" resource for group leaders. Thanks to the folks at UServe.

Merry Christmas

2009-12-23T09:54:00.002-05:00

As the year comes to an end, I just want to say thanks to everyone who is helping to facilitate a small group at Grace. Thanks for every prayer you have uttered for a group member. Thanks for every minute of preparation you have spent for your group time; for every snack you have made, for every time you have had to clean the house to get ready for group, for every phone call to a member who did not make it. Thanks for every outing and social you planned for your group. Thanks for helping to create an comfortable environment where folks can pursue a closer relationship to Jesus. Thanks for investing in eternity.

I'll see you tomorrow at Christmas Eve services. Don't forget to bring a friend this Sunday to the special Christmas services (postponed from last weekend.) If you are traveling this week, be safe. Have a great Christmas and enjoy the New Year!

Michael m.

Grace Leadership Summit

2009-12-11T10:33:00.003-05:00

It's time for the 2nd Annual Grace Leadership Summit. I am hoping to see every small group leader and co-leader participating this year. This will be a great time of in depth-teaching, training, encouraging, and challenging for all of us. Mark Norman will be talking to us about how we will be taking Grace to a new level in 2010. Grab someone you are investing in for future leadership and bring them along. Save the dates!

Small Group Leader Development

2009-11-23T11:59:00.005-05:00

Small Group Leader Development

(See Upcoming Events for Dates and Times)

The best way we as small group leaders can assure that our groups will be healthy is by continually investing in our own spiritual development and relationship with Jesus; and secondly by sharpening our leadership skills. We provide regular opportunities for our leaders to work on both and our expectation is that each leader will take advantage of these opportunities regularly.

Initial Training

Initially all GRACE Group Leaders, Co-Leaders, Apprentices, and Candidates should attend our two half-day training workshops at their next offering:

"Leader Training 101 - A Place to Belong" is where we look at how we can best create an environment that will foster community and make folks feel like they have connected in a meaningful way to those in their small group.

"Leader Training 201 - A Place to Become" is where we explore what it means to be a mature Disciple of Christ. We talk about the steps we can personally take towards that goal as well as how we can best take those in our group along with us.

Group Leader Training Workshops

Twice a year, in MARCH and OCTOBER, we hold Group Leader Training Workshops for all small group leaders. It is a time for leaders to improve their skills, deepen their relationship to God, and learn from other small group leaders.

Community Coaches

Small Group Coaches are being developed to work hand-in-hand with Small Group Leaders at Grace. Their role is as an encourager, a prayer partner, and an equipper for Small Group Leaders. Coaches and Leaders will interact together regularly to assure the success and health of each and every GRACE Group.

Grace Leadership Summit

Grace Community Leadership Summit is a church wide leadership program that explores the character and skills needed by every leader. This Friday Night/Saturday workshop in January is done alongside other Grace ministry leaders. During this training weekend senior leadership reveals the ministry direction for Grace's coming year. We highly recommend that all small group leaders take advantage of this great training event.

Other Training

We take advantage of national small group leader training opportunities when they are made available. This exposes our coaches and leaders to some of the best small group leadership training available in the world. Many of our leaders invest in their group by attending these conferences.

Don’t' Lead Alone

We hope every group leader will share the leadership of the group with as many group members as possible. Don't carry all the weight yourself. Share the blessing with others. Begin to identify each member’s strengths and gifts and ask them to lead the group in those areas. Invest in your group by bringing as many people along as possible to training opportunities. The healthiest groups are always raising up new leaders. The best new group leaders come from existing healthy groups.

It is not too late!

2009-11-04T11:24:00.003-05:00

It is not too late for your group to get involved in 25 Days Beyond. Help Grace Community celebrate our 25th Anniversary by investing your group's time, talent, & treasures "beyond" the walls of where you meet. There are at least 11 opportunities still available where you and your group can invest your lives, tonight, this weekend, and all throughout November 25th. Check them out on this website. What ever you do, don't let this opportunity to get involved pass by your group.

Growing?

2009-11-03T15:37:00.005-05:00

How is everyone doing in your small group? Really? In an honest evaluation, would you say each individual is whole heartedly pursuing their relationship with Jesus? Are they closer, more connected, more intimate with God than six months ago? Would you like some help in creating the best environment for that to occur in your group? This Saturday, group leaders will meet for our workshop Shepherding your Small Group 201. Maybe you've taken this before (it is even more helpful the second time.) Maybe this would be your first time. (We ask all leaders to take this workshop.) Either way, it is a great way to get your group on track and learn how to create the perfect environment for spiritual growth to occur. Do not miss out on this opportunity. Bring someone from your group along. Register by sending an email to training@gracegroups.net . Saturday, November 7th, 8:30am-12:30pm at Grace.

Last Chance

2009-10-15T16:23:00.003-04:00

If you have been putting off getting your ticket to the GroupLife Conference, now is the time! Ticket prices double after this Sunday. If you are a Grace attender you can still get tickets for $20 this weekend. After Sunday that cost will be $40. Tickets for non-Grace attenders are $69 currently.

The conference will be very interactive this year. The program guide is online and can be downloaded before you attend at this link.
You can interact with other conference attendees and with the speakers through
Facebook -www.facebook.com/grouplife
Twitter -www.twitter/grouplife
and email during the conference.

I hope that all of you will be able to attend next Saturday. See you there.

David Johnson says...

2009-10-09T13:54:00.000-04:00

David Johnson wants to talk about "Spiritual Growth for Real People"

David is Senior Pastor at Church of the Open Door in Maple Grove, Minnesota. An inspiring speaker, he is devoted to helping people realize the fullness of God's life in them—seeing the transformation power they have available to become more like Him and change the world.

Is real growth possible? Can we live like Jesus in the 21st century? More importantly, can we really grow and change? David will help us rethink spiritual formation - what it is and what it is not - and model why growth is not only possible, it's necessary.

If you desire spiritual transformation in your own life or in the lives of those around you, then the GroupLife Conference is designed to help you achieve that goal. Each of the 7 speakers will be teaching us how to grow in our relationship with Jesus and how to help those around us experience transformation as well. Don't miss this opportunity to invest in your own life. Saturday October 24th, 9:30am-4:30pm. Tickets for Grace Attenders is only $20 and available at the GroupLife Table Sunday after services or in the Small Groups Office.

What Mark Goodrich is Reading...

2009-10-05T10:11:00.003-04:00

I am always interested in what new things the folks in leadership at Grace are learning. So when one of the Pastors, Elders, or Directors talk about what they are studying or what they are reading, I start taking notes. Mark Goodrich, our Pastor of Connecting and Serving, recently talked about "The Prodigal God"; a book which give a whole new insight to Luke 15 and one of Jesus' most famous stories. Some of us recently heard Timothy Keller, the author, speak. He shook up our take on this parable. Check out what Mark has to say at this link.

Mindy Caliguire says...

2009-10-02T11:00:00.000-04:00

Mindy Caliguire wants to tell you "Why You Need a Healthy Soul."

Mindy is the founder of Soul Care, a spiritual formation ministry serving the church. A frequent speaker , she is the author of books including, Discovering Soul Care, Spiritual Friendship, and Write for Your Soul.

Mindy says that real growth, real change starts with us. We don't need to be perfect, but we do need to be working on our own heart and life in order to help others do the same. In her session we will learn practical ideas to help us move toward soul health.

If you desire spiritual transformation in your own life or in the lives of those around you, then the GroupLife Conference is designed to help you achieve that goal. Each of the 6 speakers will be teaching us how to grow in our relationship with Jesus and how to help those around us experience transformation as well. Don't miss this opportunity to invest in your own life. Saturday October 24th, 9:30am-4:30pm. Tickets for Grace Attenders is only $20 and available at the GroupLife Table Sunday after services or in the Small Groups Office.

Mission Families

2009-10-01T14:00:00.001-04:00

Dear Grace Group Leaders
The Missions Task Force is putting together Christmas boxes for the Missionary Families overseas. We wanted to give your group an opportunity to bless one of our own Missionary Families this year. We have sent a letter to them and asked for ideas of items that would bless them and have gotten a great response. Would your group put together a gift box as a personal outreach to part of the Grace family overseas. During the next few weeks your group could collect some or all of the items that are on the list. The Missions Task Force will fill in the gaps. A Christmas card or letter from your group would be a personal touch that is really appreciated. Grace will mail the boxes at the end of October in order to reach all destinations by Christmas. Please email me right away to let me know that your group is going to participate. If there is a certain Missionary or Missionary family you know that your group would like to adopt for this blessing, please mention their name in the email. You have no idea how exciting it is for our overseas Missionaries to receive a gift from Home. We have only a few weeks to put this together and would love for all our Missionaries to feel that they being thought of at this time of year by the Grace family.

Thank You and God Bless You
Wendy Burner

Growing!!

2009-09-30T14:40:00.001-04:00

We need to celebrate! Through several different venues over 14 new groups have started in the last 4 weeks. God is working at Grace as more and more of our people are connecting to Him through community. Groups are birthing new groups. New leaders are gathering people to start groups. Existing leaders are starting additional groups; not to mention our New Groups Launch. Everyway you can imagine, people are connecting. Thanks to all of you for all the ways you are serving to make sure everyone has a place to belong. Thanks to Cynthia Considine for all her hard work in finding a place for everyone who wants to be connected. I could not have a better partner in this ministry. I just wanted to share the good news with all of the Small Groups Team. You are a great team!!

Pick Three

2009-09-29T14:00:00.004-04:00

No, it's not what you think. We are not playing Lotto. By now you have all heard about the 25 Days Beyond; 25 activities scheduled during the nine weeks of our Beyond Series to help each of us experience stepping out beyond ourselves. I want to challenge your small group to pick three of these opportunities to be a part of in the next nine weeks. Try to engage in one locally focused activity and then choose another with a more global focus. For a third, I suggest choose one that will require everyone participating to step out of their comfort zone. Don't wait. Talk about it with your group this week and decide where you will plug in. This would be a great opportunity to share leadership with someone else in your group by getting them to spearhead the effort for the group. Get as many people involved from your group as you can. You can sign up for any activity and learn more at this site. So pick 3 today!

Daily Devotional

2009-09-28T17:36:00.002-04:00

As a part of the Fall Series "Beyond", each of your group members can receive a daily devotional, five days each week. Each devotional is written by different Grace members and is tied to the lessons we will be exploring during the series. They will come to you via email. I would encourage everyone in your group to participate. This is a great way to begin the habit of starting each day with a regular Quiet Time for the next nine weeks. You can register at this link.

Serve at Family Fun Day

2009-09-26T22:29:00.003-04:00

The Second annual Family Fun Day, hosted by Grace’s Children’s Ministry is scheduled for Saturday, October 10th from 3:00-7:00pm. The Fun Day will look similar to the Picnic with games and booths.

We need help to run various booths and activities!

There are two ways small groups can help.

The first is for a small group to take on an entire activity, like the Soccer Kick or Fishing game (complete list below) . The small group would be responsible for providing 1-2 individuals each hour for the entire four hours of the event.

The second is for individuals to volunteer for a one-hour time block at the location of their choice.

The Children’s Ministry has all of the supplies and instructions that we need to run each activity we just need you to show up!

The following is a list of activities/booths that still need volunteers
** First to respond will get their first choice!

Fishing Game
Soccer Kick
Face Painting
Candy Sacks
Popcorn Stand
Sandbox – hidden treasures
Bubble Mania
Set-up crew (1:00-3:00 PM only)
Clean-up crew (6:30-8:00 PM only)

Contact Amy Maloy here if you or your group can help with this ministry opportunity.

Andy Stanley Says...

2009-09-24T15:23:00.000-04:00

Andy Stanley wants to tell you: "Why I'm a Lifer in Groups (and why you should be too)"

Founding and senior pastor of North Point Ministries, a multi-campus church in the Atlanta area with more than 20,000 weekly attenders. An outstanding speaker and author of many books, he's been recognized by The Church Report as one of the most influential Christians in America.

Andy will be speaking to us during our fall Group Leader Training Event. Twice a year, we ask everyone who is involved in small groups at Grace in anyway (Men's Fraternity, Women's Connections, Youth, & GRACE Groups) to invest in their groups by investing in their own lives. This year, our fall experience is tied to the GroupLife Conference which we are hosting on Saturday October 24th, 9:30-4:30. Others are paying between $59 -$99 to attend this event. We think it is so important for you to participate in this training event that we are covering most of the cost for you. Your ticket cost is only $20 if you attend Grace Community.

Everyone at Grace is encouraged to join the group folks as we learn from Andy Stanley and several other great teachers (live via satellite). Please get your tickets this weekend at the GroupLife table in the East Lobby.

It all starts this weekend! Beyond...

2009-09-23T15:16:00.003-04:00

Mark begins the first message of our new series this Sunday (27th). We are asking every small group at Grace to please be a part of this life changing look at how we can impact our world. We are looking first at the world that includes our friends, neighbors, co-workers, who do not know the Jesus we love. Leaders who have picked up their materials ahead of time have been already reading ahead. The feedback has been amazingly positive. They love the stories in the Walk Across the Room book, and are excited to explore how they can engage their friends and family. I can promise you and your group will be impacted by the "Hole in Our Gospel" when you read it together. We want to see every group member reading these two books. The first book has 4 sections. The second has 5 sections. They will correlate with the 9 weeks of messages on the weekend. Your discussion during group time is an essential part of the process this fall.

Don't put it off another minute. Come by and get your materials for the group right away, before we run out. We know that this series is going to change our church. So please do not let your group miss out by being one of the few who do not participating. Get more information about the series - here - Give us a call at the church or stop by the GroupLife Table on Sunday.

In the Beginning...

2009-09-03T11:24:00.002-04:00

Sometimes we think small groups in the church were a recent addition, a new idea, the latest fad for growing followers of Christ. It is good to see that the very first church had small groups meeting in homes. If fact, for the first 300 years of the church it became the primary way the church gathered. While discussing spiritual health of small groups this week, someone pointed out to me that the Methodist Church began in the 1730's and 40's by meeting in small groups and that was the "method" that they were based on for many decades. Another group leader sent me a link that included the rules for their first Methodist small groups, written by John Wesley. They give a hint to what they saw as healthy practices for a group. Notice how authentic someone was expected to be about their lifestyle with the members of their group.

JOHN WESLEY'S RULES FOR GROUPS
Members of the small group were expected to agree to six common disciplines or commitments. These are the commitments, as recorded in The Works of John Wesley:

1. To meet once a week, at the least.

2. To come punctually at the hour appointed, not missing without some extraordinary reason.

3. To begin (those of us who are present) exactly at the hour, with singing or prayer.

4. To speak each of us in order, freely and plainly, the true state of our souls, with the faults we have committed in thought, word or deed, and the temptations we have felt since our last meeting.

5. To end every meeting with prayer suited to the state of each person present.

6. To desire some person among us to speak his own state first, and then to ask the rest, in order, as many and as searching questions as may be, concerning their state, sins and temptations.

Healthy Groups

2009-08-27T09:26:00.003-04:00

Is my small group healthy? Is yours? The mission statement for our small groups ministry is "To connect every Grace person to a healthy small group." That's "every person connected" and "every group healthy." At the end of the day, that is the measure of success or failure for us. Over the past few years, we have moved the ball significantly up the field where connection is concerned. Somewhere around 85% of our weekend attendance number is in a small group. That is nearly 6 times what it was just a few years ago.

It is a little harder to measure spiritual health. A while back, I asked several small group leaders how they would describe a healthy group. One leader had an interesting observation, they said, "Comfortable group dynamics is not the goal. Good fellowship can sometimes mask a spiritually unhealthy group. Spiritual health is about consistently surrendering our lives to Christ. A healthy group creates an environment where we help others to accomplish that goal."

What do you think? For the next few months I would like continue this conversation; for us to explore what it means to have a healthy group, and most importantly, to figure out what we can do to make our groups healthier. I do know one thing and that is that throughout my life small groups have always had a significant impact on my personal relationship with God. So, this is important enough for us to figure out, and make happen in each of our groups. I'm sure as a group leader or member, that you have thought about how to make the environment in your group healthier. Email me and let me know your thoughts. We will continue to pursue this goal together.

Michael m.
michael@gracegroups.net

Tickets Are Now Available

2009-08-22T17:28:00.006-04:00

We ask all small group leaders, co-leaders, and apprentices to invest in their small group by investing in their own relationship with Christ and their own skills as a group facilitator. We all come together twice a year to make that investment in ourselves (once in the spring and once in the fall.) Our Fall 09 Leader Training Event will once again be the Willow Creek GroupLife Conference held right here at Grace on Saturday, October 24th, 9:30am-4:30pm. We are fortunate to be able to hear from national level teachers like Andy Stanley (Northpoint Community,) Bill Donahue (Willow Creek Community,) Heather Zempel (National Community D.C.) and others. This one–day training event will offer practical next steps for fostering spiritual growth in your small group and in your own life. This year the conference is being held via satellite, exclusively at partner churches across the country. (There is no big conference at Willow to attend.) It is being programmed directly for us.

Special discounted tickets are being made available for the leaders and members of Grace. $20 is your part of the cost of a ticket. Grace is paying the rest for you to attend. Many other churches will be joining us at Grace. Advance tickets sales for them is already double last years attendance at Grace. Isn't that cool?

You can get your tickets at the GroupLife Table in the lobby starting this weekend. While we want every leader to come, we encourage you to invite your whole small group to be a part of this opportunity to take a next step as growing disciples of Jesus. We are inviting and encouraging all leaders and members of Grace to join us as well. More information about times, speakers, and tickets is available at our website.

Fall Series Part 2

2009-08-20T11:50:00.003-04:00

Last week I talked about Part 1 of the Walk Across the Room - Reach Across the Room Series. That covers the first four weeks of our campaign which begins on September 27th.

Part 2 of the Fall Campaign (...Reach Across the World) will begin on October 25th. Your small group curriculum for these last 5 weeks of the series will consist of:

* Mark Norman's Weekend Messages (including some very cool special guests)
* A Special Workshop for All Small Group Members on Sunday Night, October 25th with our guest speaker from the morning
* The book "A Hole in Our Gospel" by Richard Stearns

Our desire is for everyone to read this book and discuss it during small group time over the course of these 5 weeks. The book is divided into 5 sections with discussion questions provided for each section. This book has had a powerful impact on me and everyone else I have talked to that has read it. It brings us face to face with the question, "Is it possible to love God without loving our neighbor?" It will lead to some challenging discussions, some great interaction with God's Word, and many changed lives. Mark Norman will be also be referring to it during his talks on Sunday.

We have been able to obtain these books for a very special price from the publisher. Even with that, the pastors think that it is so important that every group member read this extrordiary book that the church will cover half of the price for everyone who is in a small group interacting with this study. So we are asking only for a $5 donation for each book.

Our first shipment is already here for "A Hole in Our Gospel" and the "Walk Across the Room" curriculum. You can pick up everything you need for your group at the GroupLife table in the lobby this Sunday after each service.

Need more information about the Fall Series - check it out here.

Around the World

2009-08-19T10:31:00.002-04:00

Dear Grace Groups,
For those of you who don’t know us, we are family that has been supported by Grace for over 12 years.

We have lived in East Asia (a closed communist country, whose name we cannot give for security reasons) for the past 7+ years. When we came, we were committed to staying one year and seeing what God would have for us. It would seem He had at least 7 years, 3 babies and a whole handful of crazy stories in mind for us.

We also discovered that He had a plan, already set in motion years ago, that He wanted us to enter into. It is our desire to see this country become the greatest missionary sending base the world has ever seen, by the year 2020. We believe that He has orchestrated history, finances, politics and His church for this very purpose. Amongst the disconnected house church movements there has been a growing desire to take the gospel from our country to the ends of the world. That is why we live here, why we said goodbye to our families, and why we are raising our family overseas. Our hearts, even from before stepping foot in this great country, were to WIN, BUILD, and SEND people for Christ.

We would be very encouraged if you and your whole group would allow my family to share some more about what God is doing in our ministry. There will be a gathering on Sunday, August 30th, during each service (9:15 & 11:15am) in the Conference Room (off the East Lobby). We will be speaking via Skype from our home and would love to meet you and answer questions. Please come, pray for us, and hear how your group could connect to what God is up to. Light refreshments will be served. See you there.

Grateful to be His,
E and J

Backpacks for Kids

2009-08-17T15:46:00.002-04:00

I love when I get to tell you good news. Unfortunately, this time the news is not good and we need your help turn that around. Last year we overwhelmed the Howard County School System with how generous our the Grace family is by providing many backpacks full of school supplies which we gave to kids who cannot afford to buy what they need to go to school. They asked for our help again this year. Many county children cannot afford to buy all of the supplies that are needed to start school. We are working to help four of the schools in the greatest need. We are not yet close to meeting that need and the deadline is this Sunday. I think we did not do a great job this year of communicating how critical the need is this time. It has been a tough year for many of the less fortunate families of Howard County. We could meet every need in these four schools if every small group would fill just 1 backpack with the needed supplies. We have until this Sunday afternoon to come through. Then whatever we have is being assembled and taken to the county. Can your group help? Everything we need in the back pack is listed below. Anything you can do would be appreciated. Just bring it all to Grace on Sunday. Thanks for your generosity ahead of time.

__school box or zippered pencil pouch
__#2 pencils
__black, blue, red pens
__pkg. of pencil top erasers
__large pink erasers
__blunt nosed scissors
__scissors for middle school
__3X5 index cards
__3X3 sticky notes
__12 inch ruler
__protractor
__compass
__glue sticks
__box of 8, 16, 24 count crayons
__8 pack markers
__12 pack colored pencils
__marble composition books
__1, 3, 5 subject spiral notebooks
__1" and 2" three ring binder, no zippers
__3 ring holed subject dividers
__pocket folders 3 holes(with & without fasteners)
__wide-ruled notebook paper
__highlighters
__USB flash drive (for storage)

for more information contact Sandy Jaworski at:
jaworski_sandy@hotmail.com

Walk Across the Room...

2009-08-10T00:14:00.000-04:00

A few more details about the Fall Campaign for your group - Walk Across the Room/Reach Across the World. We start on September 27th with Part 1 (Walk Across the Room...) Your small group curriculum for these first 4 weeks will consist of:

* Mark Norman's Weekend Messages
* DVD (with video teaching for each week and a leaders guide)
* a small group discussion guide (that each group participant should purchase)
* the book Walk Across the Room by Bill Hybels (for each participant) (optional)

We encourage each participant to read the book along with the study during these 4 weeks. Mark Norman will be referring to it during his talks and our small group discussions will center around things from the book as well.

The Small Groups Office will provide 1 DVD for each group to borrow.
Group Leaders may purchase both the discussion guides and books for their participants from Cynthia beginning today.
Participants Guides are $7.00
Books are $10.00

Our prices go up after we sell out of our first shipment, so you will want to buy as soon as possible to save money.
More details to come about curriculum for part two of our Fall All Church Campaign ( ...Reach Across the World)

Coming Soon...

2009-08-03T11:01:00.005-04:00

Keep enjoying the last weeks of summer everyone. My wife says to pay no attention to those "back-to-school" ads. (She's a teacher - can you tell.) But let me tell you about a couple of things coming up that you need to put in your calendars.

This fall is going to be outrageous at Grace Community Church. We are going to turn all of our group chairs outward and explore how we can reach out to those who need to know about Jesus but are currently outside the church. As a group leader leader you need to know about two important things today. So get out your calendars.

First, the Fall Study this year is so important that we are asking 100% of our groups to join the whole church as we "Walk Across the Room and Reach Across the World" to reach those who haven't met Jesus yet. We will partner with Mark Norman and the Weekend Services through a two-part adventure. Starting September 27th we will Walk Across the Room, learning how easy it can be to reach out to a neighbor, co-worker, or friend with the Good News of Jesus. Then, for Part 2, we will join Mark and some special guests as we examine how each of us individually can have an effective role in carrying God's love to parts of our world that are hurting and are in desperate need of Him. This powerful campaign will go for 9 weeks this year. We are praying that your group and our church will have hearts impacted by this powerful experience. Remember to set aside 9 weeks in your group starting September 27th. There will be more detailed information about curriculum coming to you soon.

Also, save the weekend of October 24th & 25th as every group leader, co-leader, and apprentice gather for our fall GroupLife Conference. We will hear from 6 great teachers (headed by Andy Stanley) as we meet all day Saturday. Then we come back Sunday Night to take part in a special workshop that is tied to our Fall Series. As always, feel free to bring as many from your group as you would like to invest in. Save the dates October 24th (all day) and 25th (Sunday Night.) More information will be coming to you shortly.

Summer '09

2009-06-22T12:10:00.003-04:00

Mark's summer series '09 has begun. This past Sunday Mark Norman began his nine week teaching on the Book of Psalms. Many of Grace's small groups will be meeting this summer to discuss the weekend messages, and exploring how to apply the teaching to our everyday lives. Mark is supplying ideas and questions for the group to discuss during their time together. If your group would like to participate or if you know someone who would like to start a sermon based group to follow along with the series, click here to get the resources provided for small groups. If your groups has any questions for Mark Norman about the Psalms, feel free to email us at psalms@gracegroups.net and we will do our best to answer you right away. Your question might even make it into the next weekend message.

Group Volleyball

2009-05-26T11:56:00.002-04:00

The Picnic Team has raised the challenge for Grace Groups to show their group spirit and skills by signing up for the Volleyball Tournament that will be held during the picnic on June 6th. Is your group up to challenge. In the spirit of some friendly competition, ask another group if they want to take you on. If a Grace Group walks away as the winner of this tournament, I promise, there will be prizes for your group. Sign up and show everyone that Grace Groups can take it to the net. Contact Becky in the church office to register your group.

Summer Plans

2009-05-13T13:04:00.003-04:00

Summertime is just around the corner. I am excited to tell you that over 80% of our GRACE Groups have chosen to continue meeting during the summer. Group members are telling us that their group is playing such a key role in their spiritual growth that they could not imagine going without the group's regular support and fellowship for that long.

Summer is a great time to ask someone other than the regular leaders if they would step up and facilitate the discussion for a few weeks. Many groups decide to give the regular host a break and meet at someone else's home or an outdoor location for the summer.

Last year about a fifth of our groups decided to become sermon based for the summer and followed along with the weekend messages at Grace. Last year we spent the summer in Proverbs. This summer our series will be "Selected Psalms for Summer." (Say that fast 5 times.) We will provide small group handouts on the GRACE Groups website for the group leaders and participants in case your group would like to do that for the summer. This new series begins with Mark Norman on May 31st.

Will you drop me a line at michael@gracegroups.net and let me know what your group is up to this summer? I enjoy hearing the ideas that groups come up with to mix it up for the summer. Let me know if think the sermon based supplements are a worthwhile idea. We would like to know if anyone is using the materials. Thanks for being such great leaders and caring for your group in extraordinary ways.

It is my privilege to serve with you,
Michael

Spring Service Day

2009-04-04T07:29:00.003-04:00

One of the biggest most important days in the life of Grace Community is our annual service day when hundreds of us come together on a Saturday Morning and reach out into the surrounding community to show the love of Jesus by serving our neighbors. Building Bridges Spring Service Day is Saturday, April 25th. Our hope is that every Grace Group will serve together that day by taking part in one of the following volunteer opportunities: (and if not your whole group, maybe a few of you.) Please choose one and register today.

To help with a project or to get even more information:
Check out http://www.uservecentral.com/BuildingBridges.html

Howard County

Cedar Lane Walk for Our Stars: Cheer on the walkers from Cedar Lane School (for students with special needs) as they raise funds to purchase much-needed equipment for the school.

Grace Clothes Closet Clothing Drive and Sort: Collect and sort donated clothing at Grace that will be distributed to people in need.

Grace Clothes Closet Clothing Giveaway: Serve at a community outreach clothing giveaway at an apartment building in Columbia. Volunteers are needed for transportation, set up & clean up, and during the giveaway.

Howard County Food Bank: Collect and sort donated food items at Grace to be transported to the Food Bank.

Public Servant Appreciation Donations:
Donate treats to Police and Fireman in Howard County
Organize food trays to be delivered
Deliver food trays

Deep Run Elementary School: Landscaping projects
Laurel Woods Elementary School:
Painting several interior offices
Painting the exterior of a portable classroom
Landscaping/gardening projects
Work with students to complete a craft project for them to take home

Swansfield Elementary School:
Painting the cafeteria
Landscaping in front of school
Reducing the size of the playground. This is a heavy-duty work project.

Baltimore City

MetroKidz Clothing Giveaway: Distribute clothing at Charm City Church in Baltimore

MetroKidz Neighborhood Beautification: Pick up trash in neighborhoods near Charm City Church

Samuel B. Morse Elementary School: Paint the cafeteria of this Baltimore City school.

The Samaritan Women: Assist in the creation of garden plots for a community garden and with other landscape/garden projects.

Touch the World

2009-04-03T08:33:00.002-04:00

Is your group looking for new ways to grow in their compassion for the world and take practical steps together in extending grace to the nations? On Sunday April 26th, after the 11:15 service, there will be a reception for Dave and Sandy Blank who represent us in South Asia. Bring your group and come hear how God is moving in Asia and help us to encourage and pray for the Blanks. This is a great opportunity to become engaged in God's work to the ends of the earth (Acts 1:9)! All are welcome, but we do need a count so we can prepare for a light lunch. Please RSVP to Mark or Anna Ruby at markannaruby@msn.com by April 19th. Hope to see you there!

Leader Training Workshops

2009-04-01T14:45:00.003-04:00

Since we are having an extra New Groups Launch this spring, we will also have an extra edition of the Leader Training (Shepherding) Workshops. If you have not had the opportunity to take part in either 101 or 201, please join us for these offerings. We are doing 101 at a special time and in a little different format. We will hold this workshop on Sunday Night, April 26th, 7-9pm for a special 2 hour edition of 101. Then on Saturday May 30th, 8:30am-12:30 pm, we will have the 201 Workshop.

These workshops are for you if you are starting a group or have been leading a group for years, but would like to learn how to better create the right environment in your group so that it's members are guaranteed to grow. Is there someone in your group who you would like to see take some more responsibility. This would be a great way to help equip them for the challenge.

Groups are about building a community of believers who take care of each other in so many ways. They are also an environment where everyone encourages each other to continue to pursue a closer relationship with God. Those are two things that we explore in depth in Leader Training 101 and 201. You can register by emailing Cynthia at workshop@gracegroups.net . Please invest in your group and yourself by joining us for the Shepherding Workshops.

Reaching Every Man

2009-03-02T02:33:00.000-05:00

Reaching Every Man is about building a ministry that touches every man in our church. Reaching Every Man is a four hour workshop that will help you look at your relationship to other men in a whole new light. Any man with a vision to help men walk more closely to Jesus should not miss this workshop. Mentors, small group leaders, team leaders, anyone who leads or ministers to men in the church will greatly benefit from this time of training. Come get equpped and encouraged on Monday, March 23rd, 5:30-9:30pm at Grace Community Church.

To register go to www.wacmm.com/wacmm-u.html

Registration is $45 and includes pizza dinner, training materials, and a copy of the book "No Man Left Behind." The Grace Mens' Ministry believes this is so important for you to attend that they will refund $20 to any man from Grace who registers and attends the March 23rd workshop.
Any questions contact Steve Girard at 240-553-1090 or steve.girard@gcconline.org

Processing 'Next Steps'

2009-03-01T08:32:00.004-05:00

"Next Steps" is about every individual at Grace Community Church taking a giant step forward in their relationship with God. During this pivotal time, we are all making significant new commitments in our personal lives toward God. It is important that everyone has an environment to explore these commitments and the impact they will have on our lives and others. That is why we have asked every GRACE Group to join us and provide a time of processing and discussion during Steps 2, 3, & 4 of our Journey. We think it is essential for those in your group to discuss what they are learning with each other and to explore how these new commitments will affect their lives. So, for 3 week in March, (the week of the 15th, 22nd, and 29th) we are asking you to devote your normal study time to this important spiritual effort.

We will provide everything you need for the discussion and processing part of Next Steps in handouts on Sunday Mornings to everyone. The handouts will also be available on the Grace Groups website for download. There will not be any homework to preceed a week's studies; although there might be some assignment that will go beyond that nights group time. It will probably take you between 35 minutes - 1 hour to discuss and process the material each week. So for most groups, that would be their normal study time. Remember that we are only asking for groups to work with us during the weeks of March 15, 22 & 29. If you have friends who are not currently in a Grace Group, we are going to provide an opportunity to process with others here at Grace on Sunday Afternoon, Sunday Night, and Wednesday Night during each of those three weeks. Since the 'Step' is 'Spiritual Maturity' on the week of the 15th, we are going to have every group member take the Spiritual Health Assessment and talk a little about personal results as a part of that week's discussion time.

Thanks for making time for this in your group. If I can help your group as we go through this important time at Grace, please let me know. We appreciate so much that you are working hard to create the best environment for spiritual growth, which is a healthy small group.

here to serve you,
Michael m.

Church Picnic

2009-02-27T04:10:00.000-05:00

It's been a while since we have had a church picnic at Grace. Now is the time to get the whole gang together for some fun and fellowship.
Saturday, May 2nd, 2pm-6pm on the Grace Campus.
Would your group like to do something fun together and help us make this day a success for the whole Grace Family. Maybe you could put on an activity for our pre-schooners(moon bounce, face painting, etc.) or run a fun competition event (tug-of-war, Jousting, Battle of the Bands, etc.) or maybe even something no one has thought of before. This could be a great team building time for your group. You would not have to be responsible for your event the whole time. You could be teamed up with other Gracers to make this fun day happen for everyone. If you or your group can be a part contact Becky Cooper at (240-553-1090) or becky.cooper@gcconline.org with your thoughts, ideas, and questions.

Prayer for Grace's Next Steps

2009-02-24T12:04:00.004-05:00

This is a huge weekend at Grace and no doubt the best way we can help prepare is to pray. There has been a group of us who have been meeting at the church on recent Friday mornings to pray for this. I know that so many of you work and this would be impossible to do on any kind of a weekly basis. I just wanted you leaders to know that any one of you would be welcome to join us this week. I also know that you have a network to invite others; so that is why I am writing this to you.

Because the significance this Saturday Night's special service, I would be more than willing to meet this Saturday morning as well in order to pray. So, either this Friday 9:30-10:30am or Saturday 9:30-10:30am. If you would like to pray but not walk Michael will let us in the church and small groups can gather to pray maybe even scattered around our building. 2 Chronicles 20 talks about an upcoming battle. Verse 21 says "After consulting the people, the king appointed singers to walk ahead of the army singing to the Lord and praising him for his holy splendor. This is what they sang: 'Give thanks to the Lord; his faithful love endures forever'!"

Please come to pray and celebrate what God is going to do, even before we see it happen? Would love to have you join me! Invite anyone who you know might be available. If you are interested or know someone else who might be, please forward this message and have them send a quick e-mail back to me at kpbeirne@aol.com to let me know you/they will be there.

Kathy Beirne
Senior Small Group Coach

Leader Training 201

2009-02-18T16:26:00.000-05:00

Can I create an environment in my small group where every single member will grow in their relationship to the Lord? What does it mean to be a "fully devoted follower of Jesus?" How do I become one? These are the questions we wrestle with in Shepherding 201. If you are a small group leader at Grace and you have never been a part of this Workshop, whether you have been here 10 years or 10 weeks, March 7th will be a great benefit to you. Some leaders have returned to this workshop over and over, often bringing people from their group with them. Come explore with us how we can help everyone in our group become health followers of Christ. Saturday, March 7th, 8:30am-12:30pm. Register by emailing Cynthia here.

Saturday Night at Grace

2009-02-17T16:33:00.000-05:00

At you next small group meeting, help us out and please encourage all of your participants to attend the special service at Grace on Saturday Night, February 28th, 7:00-9:30pm. On that evening we are going to explore some things about Grace and our individual spiritual walks with the Lord in a way we never have before. This will be the beginning of something very new for us; and we hope everyone who calls Grace home will be there to participate. Tell everyone to do whatever necessary to be there; and to come ready to take the next step in their journey with Jesus. Remember - NO Services on Sunday Morning, March 1st. Thanks for you help as leaders at getting this important message out to everyone in the body.

Route 1 Day Center News

2009-02-16T16:26:00.004-05:00

Prepare to be blessed as you bless others. Grace Community Church has volunteered to provide food and people to serve the 2nd Wed. evening each month at the Route 1 Day Center for the homeless. We are putting the call out to all interested individuals or groups who would like to be a part of reaching out to our community. Here are some of the details:

We need 5 volunteers to arrive at 5:15 to serve food, clean up, greet the guests, or work in the pantry.

Our menu needs might vary from month to month depending on leftovers from the previous time. But usually we need 4 meat entrees, 3 side dishes, 2 desserts, 1 gal each of 2% milk, juice or fruit drink, and tea or lemonade (can be powdered and mixed there). Hot foods need to be brought prepared and ready to serve.

You can find other items that are needed on their website here.

Someone would be happy to come visit your small group and tell more about this great opportunity. If you would like more information or to sign up for a month, you may call or email:
Diane Richards - Grace to the Homeless - Phone:410-988-5878
Email: mrichards4@msn.com

Pray with Us

2009-01-28T11:47:00.002-05:00

Our prayer at Grace is that every Grace Person will take significant new steps this year towards a closer relationship with Christ Jesus. "Next Steps" will help facilitate that in everyone's life. There is a group of people who are meeting together and praying for peoples' lives to be changed during the launch of our new "Next Steps" ministry that is coming soon. If you have a heart for prayer or a heart for spiritual formation at our church, you might want to be a part of this team. They get together again this Friday Morning at Grace from 9:45-10:45am to walk and pray. They would love to see several groups form to pray for this very important event and ongoing ministry for Grace. If you can join them or would like more information so that you can form a prayer team or pray on your own, send Kathy Beirne an email at kathy@gracegroups.net . Otherwise you can just meet them at 9:45 in the Lobby on Friday (30th).

Name Change

2009-01-28T10:46:00.002-05:00

For the past 18 months or so, there has been a ministry which was named "Next Steps." Since we recently decided that name would be the best choice for the new launch that will begin to provide 'clear spiritual paths' for all Gracers, the previous ministry will now have a new name, "Foundations."

Foundations is currently 32 week long small groups who are studying the basics of Christianity, sort of a Christianity 101. We explore "why we believe" "what we believe." We also look at some of the essential tools of living the life of a Christ Follower. The existing groups are currently populated by graduates of Starting Point and people they have invited to join us. The first group recently completed this step of their journey and is continuing on as a GRACE Group.

Foundations will enter its next phase this year and roll out to more of our church as an extended part of the Maturity Step. You can pray for that as I am looking for a team of leaders/teachers to help me make this happen Anyway, I wanted to make you all aware of the name change so that we would not be confused. Thanks.

Michael

Shepherding Workshops

2009-01-18T13:20:00.006-05:00

Would you like to create the right environment in you small group so that your members are guaranteed to grow? Our Shepherding workshops are designed for everyone who helps to facilitate a small groups in any way. Groups are about building a community of believers who take care of each other in so many ways. They are also an environment where everyone encourages each other to continue to pursue a closer relationship with God. Those are two things that we explore in depth in Shepherding 101 and 201. First, in 101, we examine how we can create a place in our group for community to grow and flourish just like it did in the Acts 2 church. In Shepherding 201 we answer the question, "What does it mean to be a 'fully devoted follower of Jesus Christ'." Then as a team we explore how each of us individually can get there while carrying a few folks along with us on the journey. That is small group.

These workshops are for you if you are starting a group or have been leading a group for years, but would like to learn how to better create the right environment in your group so that it's members are guaranteed to grow. Register to join us for 101 which meets Saturday, January 31st and/or 201 on Saturday March 7th. Each workshop begins at 8:30 am and is done by 1:00pm. You can register by emailing Cynthia at workshop@gracegroups.net . Please invest in your group and yourself by joining us for the Shepherding Workshops.

Serving at Grace's Cold Weather Shelter

2009-01-16T13:47:00.001-05:00

Grace Community Church is hosting the Howard County Cold Weather Shelter in our facility the week of February 23rd - March 2nd. This is a great opportunity for you and/or your small group to serve the homeless in our area.
Check it out H ERE!

One Week Left

2009-01-16T10:58:00.004-05:00

Today marks one week till the Grace Leadership Summit. Over 150 leaders have already signed up to be a part of this incredible event. Mark Norman is excited about sharing our vision for the future of Grace Community. I'm excited about you catching that vision and becoming a vision carrier to all of the folks you serve with at Grace. In addition to exploring the "Next Steps" of Grace, you will be invested in by some terrific speakers who I know is going to challenge your world view. Wait till you hear what Gary Haugen shares about helping those oppressed around the world. It will change your life.

Please go to this site today and register so that we will know that you are coming. I look forward to seeing you there.

2009-01-12T11:55:00.005-05:00

Last February about 20 of our small group leaders went away together to the Saddleback Small Groups Conference. That conference had a lasting impact on the spiritual lives of every one of us who attended. It has gone on to effect the spiritual health of dozens of our small groups and even our whole congregation. The opportunity to be involved is available again this February at their 3rd annual convention, titled "Next!" This year Rick Warren, Erwin McManus, Bill Willits, Lyman Coleman, and a dozen other speakers will help us find the next step in our spiritual journey and the journey of our small groups. In addition, there will be over 60 workshops available covering every small group topic imaginable.
We hope that every group leader would be able to take advantage of this extrodinary event. We are able to help a few with the expenses this year. If you have an interest in joining us, don't delay in emailing me at michael@gracegroups.net to let me know of your interest.

Dates : February 19-21 (fly in day before, fly out morning after - Wed-Sun)
more conference info at
http://www.purposedrivenchurch.com/en-US/Small_Groups/smallgroupsconference2009 /home.htm

A New Direction

2009-01-11T11:57:00.004-05:00

New things are coming to Grace Community Church. Very soon Grace is going to experiencing a new direction, new initiatives, some things that will alter the DNA of our church; all as a effort to help us draw closer in our relationship to Jesus. We will begin to roll these next steps out very soon. Groups are such a vital part of who we are as a church. So, as small group leaders, we need your help to make this roll out successful. We will be doing something completely different on Sunday Mornings throughout March. We need time in your GRACE Groups and your help as a facilitator throughout those weeks to help everyone discuss, process, and react to what is happening on Sundays. We want to make sure the spiritual impact of this pivotal time is reaching into ever Grace person's life. More than any campaign we have ever done, we need your group to participate along with us during this significant milepost in the history of Grace. We are truly hoping every attender of Grace will participate.

Mark teased us about this during this week's morning services when he asked us to hold the night of February 28th open. He will give all the details to every leader during the Grace Leadership Summit on the 23rd and 24th of January. I need you to give us 45 minutes to an hour of your regular small group time for at least 3 of your meetings in March and the 1st week of April. I want to give you the dates now so that you can plan your group's semester accordingly.

For most groups it will be the weeks of March 15, 22, and 29.
If you are one of the handful of groups who meet only every other week, your dates will be the week of March 8, March 22, and April 5.

We are excited about what God is doing in the life of our church. Please pray with us that we will be successful in taking the "Next Steps" in our journey toward Him.