Join us for the Shepherds’ Dessert on Friday, September 19!
Shepherds and co-leaders of small groups and those interested in leading): Mark your calendar now for our September small groups' "kick-off." You'll meet other shepherds, hear how God is working through small groups at FPC and be invigorated for leading your group this year. Friday, September 19, 7:00 p.m. FPC Dining Room. If you can join us RSVP to Celia Blalock in the church office by September 17. Childcare available by reservation.
Why Small Groups?
At FPC Roseville, we believe that small groups are the best context in which to experience the love of Jesus Christ, and to grow as believers. Small groups are where we do life together: connecting with one another through consistent and caring relationships, encouraging each other to grow in our faith, and reaching out in service. At FPC, our small groups ministry is called Connections.
We realize that "one size" doesn't "fit all" for small groups. To meet your needs, we have Connections small groups for all ages, interests, and seasons of life. We have groups for women, men, couples, singles, as well as mixed groups. There are groups for youth, groups for retired folks, and inter-generational groups. These groups study a wide variety of topics and books of the Bible. Groups meet every day of the week at various times of the day and evening. Some meet in homes throughout the region, while others meet on the FPC campus, where childcare is available to groups.
Regardless of the group, however, all Connections small groups share common values: commitment to one another, confidentiality, fun, and serving God and one another. A trained leader, called a "shepherd", facilitates each Connections small group. Lay Pastors come alongside these shepherds and their groups to provide support and resources.
To learn more about Small Groups listen to this Sermon.
Hoping you'll connect with others and do life together!
Pastor Nancy Duff
Associate Pastor for
Small Group Ministries
Have YOU found a Connection Yet?
There's a place for you in an FPC small group! New groups are forming throughout the year, and many existing small groups are seeking new members. To see some of the current options, browse through the Small Group Catalogpage. When you are ready to explore joining a small group, there are several ways to do so:
• You can fill out our on-line small groups interest form by clicking here.
• You can send an email either to Celia Blalock, the Connections administrative assistant, or to Nancy Duff , the Associate Pastor for Small Group Ministries.
• You can indicate an interest by checking "small groups" on the Welcome card in your worship bulletin on Sunday.
• Or you can simply call the church office (782-3186) and tell us you'd like to join a small group.
In all cases, the next step will be that our Connections referral coordinator will phone you to help you decide which of the many groups might best fit your needs.She'll then contact the group shepherd, who will call you to describe their group and invite you to visit. We'll track along with you until you find a group that's right for you!
Thinking About Leading?
Is God calling you to lead a small group? You don't need to be a Bible whiz kid, or have a degree in leadership. Far from it! Instead, the leaders God calls are ordinary people with extraordinary hearts: shepherds' hearts and servants' hearts. These shepherds choose to serve God by caring for and leading a little group of people. If you love other people; if you long to do life together with other believers; and if you desire to grow deeper spiritually yourself; God might be calling you to become a small group shepherd.
If this idea intrigues you, start by praying and dreaming. Ask yourself if there are specific people God is nudging you to know more deeply. Neighbors? Those folks you always sit beside at church? Long-time friends? Newcomers? Or dream abouta topic you're interested in. Prayer; finances; parenting; God's love. If a particular picture is emerging in your mind of a group you'd love to join, there's a good chance that others would love to join you as you form such a group.
Then, give me a call or send me an email and let's talk about making your dream a reality. I'd love to come alongside you -- praying for you, brainstorming with you, and helping you find quality materials that will fit your group. I'll invite you to a New Shepherds' Orientation Meeting, where you'll learn the basics of leading at FPC. I'll connect you with a Lay Pastor who will encourage you throughout the life of your group. And you'll have the opportunity to meet regularly with other shepherds for support and training. So, is God calling you to lead a small group?
do life together: connecting with one another through consistent and caring relationships, encouraging each other to grow in our faith, and reaching out in service. At FPC, our small groups ministry is called Connections.