CONNECTION GROUPS

I met with our Connection Group leaders last night!  We have eight groups that miniter to nearly one hundred people!  They meet, on average, twice-a-month;  usually in homes.

The leaders are volunteers:

• Connie Griffith
• Laurie Mahosky and Marshal Mahosky
• Bob and Carol Singleton
• Linda Savaet
• Bob and Debbie VanArsdale
• Sam and Julie Sargent
• Hal and Debbie Haire (soon to be replaced by Leanna Thomas)
• Tom Green

Hosts open their homes and offer refreshements - frequently added to by the group members.  Our hosts are (or have been):

• Debbie Haire
• John and Linda Chapman
• Debbie VanArsdale
• Linda Savaet
• Connie Griffith
• Marie Yost
• Kathy Brandt
• Eleanor Jannetti

Each group is unique.  One is made up of largely younger couples.  Another is made up of largely older folks.  Another is an eclectic mix of singles, couples, older and younger!  One group is all women! 

Each group has its own personality!  One has very quiet people.  In another group everybody talks at once!  Another group studies every time they meet!  Still another group rarely meets, but occasionally serves together.

The leaders find and lead their own curriculum.  The leaders meet three times-a-year to share victories, struggles, and for training and inspiration!  Other than that minimal accountability, the groups are largely autonomous.

But it's the stories that make it all worthwhile!  One group recently helped one of their members move!  They were a witness for Christ to a whole trailer court!
Another group gave out home-made bread in a housing development at Christmas!  Members receive focused prayer for their needs. 

Actually, for most of the groups the curriculum is not that important.  It's mostly about SHARING LIFE!  Relationships are the focus of our Connection Groups!  As long as relationships are being deepened and people's needs are being met - we feel we're hitting the target! 

I am so proud of and grateful for these leaders and hosts!  They partner with me in the shepherding role in our church family!  By doing so they bring glory to God!