Paul Simon wrote a famous song in 1965 entitled, “I am a Rock.” It became hugely famous…but it represents very poor theology. The song says…“I have no need of friendship; friendship causes pain…I touch no one and no one touches me.” God, however, did not design us to be “rocks” or “islands”. Spiritual maturity can only happen in the context of relationship and that is what our small groups ministry, called “Life Groups”, is all about…allowing people the opportunity to connect with others on more than a casual basis on a Sunday morning. We view ourselves as the Valley Grace family, so joining a Life Group is a good way of feeling more connected to the family as you get to know people more deeply. We want everyone who calls Valley Grace home to experience authentic Christian community in a small group setting. Doing LIFE together with a small group allows you to let down your guard, be transparent about your struggles and open your heart to the truths of the Gospel that bring transformation. Groups of all types and purposes meet throughout the week.Groups are usually made up of 10-16 people (plus children) and meet once or twice per month. These are just some of the benefits that come with joining a Valley Grace LIFE Group.
Benefits of Life Groups
- Growing intimacy with God and others
- Significant conversations about real life
- People who care about you and your family
- Making a meaningful contribution to the lives of others
- Laughter, fun and food
- Opportunities to serve God together
Commitment
This is a four month commitment (small groups are only as effective as the commitment level of those in the groups - so your faithful participation is absolutely necessary). At the beginning of the new year you may choose to stay with the same group if you've made a great connection, or try a different group. Most Life Groups break during the summer.
Participation in a Life Group is limited to those who are college age or older.
Here are the groups (at this time) which are available to you to join.
Here are the groups (at this time) which are available to you to join.
Current Life Groups (most break for the summer)
Option 1: (Anyone)
Location: Alma Grams's home (rotating schedule of locations)
Leaders: Kenny & Darlene Knight and Alma Grams
Meets: 1st Saturday of each month (except on holidays)
Notes: No childcare available
Option 2: (Women)
Location: Valley Grace (Lounge)
Leader: Kris Rowe
Meets: Every Tuesday @ 7:00 PM
Notes: No childcare available
Option 3: (Anyone)
Location: Valley Grace (Library)
Leader: Pastor Ray Barger
Meets: Every Wednesday @ 4:30 PM (September through May)
Notes: No childcare available
Option 4: By the Book (anyone)
Location: Valley Grace (Fellowship Hall)
Leader: Pastor Dan Pritchett
Meets: Every Wednesday @ 6:15 p.m. (September through March)
Notes: Childcare is available through your child’s participation in our AWANA program
Option 5: Girls of Grace Extended (women out of High School)
Location: Valley Grace (Library)
Leaders: Rebekah Hartt & Erika Osborne
Meets: Every other Wednesday @ 6:15 p.m. (September through March)
Notes: Childcare is available through your child’s participation in our AWANA program
Option 6: Wildfire (men from 10th grade and older)
Location: Valley Grace Modular B
Leaders: Steve Hartt, Chuck Osborne & Beg Wagner
Meets: Every other Wednesday @ 7:45 p.m. (September through March)
Option 7: Zoom Life Group (anyone)
Location: Zoom
Leaders: Margaret Kane
Meets: Thursdays @ 7:30 p.m. (September through May)
Note: Contact the office for the Zoom link
Location: Alma Grams's home (rotating schedule of locations)
Leaders: Kenny & Darlene Knight and Alma Grams
Meets: 1st Saturday of each month (except on holidays)
Notes: No childcare available
Option 2: (Women)
Location: Valley Grace (Lounge)
Leader: Kris Rowe
Meets: Every Tuesday @ 7:00 PM
Notes: No childcare available
Option 3: (Anyone)
Location: Valley Grace (Library)
Leader: Pastor Ray Barger
Meets: Every Wednesday @ 4:30 PM (September through May)
Notes: No childcare available
Option 4: By the Book (anyone)
Location: Valley Grace (Fellowship Hall)
Leader: Pastor Dan Pritchett
Meets: Every Wednesday @ 6:15 p.m. (September through March)
Notes: Childcare is available through your child’s participation in our AWANA program
Option 5: Girls of Grace Extended (women out of High School)
Location: Valley Grace (Library)
Leaders: Rebekah Hartt & Erika Osborne
Meets: Every other Wednesday @ 6:15 p.m. (September through March)
Notes: Childcare is available through your child’s participation in our AWANA program
Option 6: Wildfire (men from 10th grade and older)
Location: Valley Grace Modular B
Leaders: Steve Hartt, Chuck Osborne & Beg Wagner
Meets: Every other Wednesday @ 7:45 p.m. (September through March)
Option 7: Zoom Life Group (anyone)
Location: Zoom
Leaders: Margaret Kane
Meets: Thursdays @ 7:30 p.m. (September through May)
Note: Contact the office for the Zoom link
Link to Express Your Interest in a Life Group
We would love for you to be involved this year in a Life Group. Please contact Pastor Douglas A Courter for more information or call the church at (301) 582-0155.
Here is a link to indicate your interest or request more information about any of the Life Groups. I will forward your request on to the appropriate leaders.
Here is a link to indicate your interest or request more information about any of the Life Groups. I will forward your request on to the appropriate leaders.