People Need People
Remember crowds? Remember going out to dinner with a group? Remember attending concerts, a sporting event, or even a packed church?
We are in a very interesting season right now as everything we once knew and became used to, is gone…for now.
Wherever you work, whatever you do for a living, chances are, it’s a bit different today.
As some of you reading this know, I work at a church. Interestingly enough and some of you already know this, the church is not the building, it’s the people (and for now in person, it’s the first 100 people that sign up for each service!) That sure sounds like an infomercial.
We are figuring out new ways to keep people connected. As we go into February, we are opening up new avenues for people to do what all of us need to do, be with people. This next semester of our FC Groups comes with 6 in person opportunities and 8 virtual options. I want to quickly share with you a few sentences on each and the wonderful leaders we have at FC.
Mondays
BE THE BRIDGE - This groups leader, Mary Madonna has taken such an effort to explore the difficult topic of racism. She has continued to learn from leaders, books and group conversation. We have learned that the best way to educate ourselves is to have uncomfortable conversations. Mary has been more than willing to do so and she does it through the lens of her faith. This group meets at 8PM via ZOOM on Mondays. If you’re interested in joining, click HERE.
STRONGER - This group is led by my wife Vicki and me. I certainly won’t build up the leaders here although I’ll certainly build up the topic. We are striving to better all of our relationships - not just spouses as this is a group for anyone - but friends, co-workers, family, and everyone else you come into contact with. Jesus had a way of interacting with others and He’s the example to follow. We’d love to have you join us on Monday evenings 6:30PM via ZOOM. Click HERE to sign up!
Tuesdays
REAL MEN, REAL PROBLEMS - Casey McLeod leads this group. Casey is so unique (in such a good way!). Casey is always real, very real. I appreciate that about him so much. It’s been said, “You can’t fix fake!” Casey will ‘keep it real’ here as the goal is to come into an environment (in person or via ZOOM) and help other men in any way we can. This will be a weekly check in with an effort to lift others up and encourage them. Join up HERE.
KILLING KRYPTONITE - This group is being led by one of my favorite people, Dennis Bishop. Dennis loves Jesus and you’ll see that in this group. This is a book and video group and will meet in person on Tuesday evenings at 6:30PM in our FC Kidz environment. All in person groups are limited spots so grab yours today! Not for the faint of heart, Killing Kryptonite is anything but a spiritual sugar high. This is a serious truth for any Christ-follower who longs to embrace the challenging but rewarding path of transformation. Sign up HERE.
FINANCIAL PEACE UNIVERSITY - Pastor Andy along with Lisa Frank and Cullen Nauck will be leading this Tuesday evening 6:45 ZOOM group. Whether you’re broke or thriving, this group is good for you. This is a life-changing money course that teaches you how to crush debt, invest in your future, and win with money like never before. You’ll learn how to take complete control of your money—and get the tools you need to make it happen. And by the way, it’s FREE! See details on our website! To sign up for this group, click HERE.
Wednesdays
I SAID THIS, YOU HEARD THAT - The title kinda sells it right away, huh? All of us have been misunderstood and many said something they regretted. Our mouths can certainly get us into trouble. This is why I love this book study! This group will help us learn other people’s temperaments and better equip us to interact with them, even the polar opposites of you! Jeff Caiola and Matt Vogt already do this so well so they’ll be leading! This will change every relationship you have! Sign up HERE.
CHRIST’S KITCHEN - If you’ve never met John and Michele Vigneri, the leaders of this group, you’re already missing out. These two are so special. Their energy, joy and love for Christ is contagious. Join them in person for an evening of loving fellowship and biblical discussion while preparing and cooking a meal and then enjoying it together as Jesus did with His disciples. A group with food!! Spaces are limited, so sign up HERE today!
DRAW THE CIRCLE - Trouble in your prayer life? Not sure how to pray? Feel like God is not listening? This group shares 40 of those true, faith-building stories of God’s answers to prayer, along with daily scriptures and prayer prompts. You will leave this group with a far better prayer life and understanding of its importance in our lives. Ken Morrison leads this group. Ken has been exploring prayer for a while now as this is his 3rd group on it! Sign up HERE.
CHRISTIAN - The word isn’t what it used to be. "Christian" is a brand that can be good, bad, attractive, or repelling. It's a loaded label no matter whom you ask. But where did the word come from? And did it come with instructions? In this group, we will reexamine the word "Christian" and revisit the one thing Jesus wanted his followers to be known for. You will love this groups leader, Stacey Czepiel who is really one of the strongest believers I know. She’s the real deal and you’ll love spending time with her. Sign up HERE as spaces are limited in this in person group Wednesdays 6:00PM at FC.
Thursdays
FIRST JOHN - I love morning groups and I love this groups two leaders, Patrick Ringrose and Anthony Jenkins. Their top priority daily is to love others as Christ loves us. This book study on 1st John is all about that. Join them Thursday mornings 6:30AM via ZOOM to start your day off right! Sign up HERE.
PARENTING WITH COURAGE - Moms, this is the group for you! Kayleigh Mierzejewski is probably the most positive person I know and a great mom! In every interaction I have with her, I leave happier! She’s like that. Parenting in 2020-2021 has been so difficult! We all need some encouragement and a perspective. You’ll leave each ZOOM Thursday evening group inspired to parent better. Sign up HERE.
THE STORY OF GOD - So many questions in our faith journey. Groups allow permission to ask. Here in this group, you’ll get to explore the Old Testament and see how it leads into the New Testament. You’ll learn more about the promises of God and how you fit into them. Join this group to listen to the stories that God has inspired and take part in a lively discussion about what you have heard. God’s Story certainly is an amazing one and it’s led by an amazing leader, Laura Wilson who has grown more in these last several years than anyone I know. She has a thirst for Jesus and is a living example every day! Sign up HERE.
RECONNECT YOUNG ADULT GROUP - Our future looks bright. We have so many young adults (18-32) here that are facing things no one else ever had to. This bi-weekly group talks about the things this age group deals with and talks about God’s take on it. Each group is led by someone different with a topic of their choice. We’ve explored friendship, success, social media, racism, among many others. this is a great opportunity to get to know others in your age group and season of life. Hop in on the conversations and join HERE.
REFLECTIONS WOMEN’S GROUP - This is something new! A group that meets 3 times a week! So many of you are craving more time with God. This group contains guided journal with leading questions and Scripture verses. 3 days 45 minutes each via ZOOM. This groups leader, Chalice Wilson will put a smile on your face. Her love for Jesus is very clear. She has been leading groups here for a long time! This group starts on February 10th. Sign up HERE.
A lot of groups, A lot of opportunities to grow in your faith. If you’re like me, you cannot imagine taking on all that we’ve had to this last year without Jesus. These groups keep me level headed and grounded. They keep me aware that everything really is going to be ok. They’re reassurance, inspiration and growth all tucked into a hour. I truly hope you get involved!