Connect Groups

Sharing the Word in Christian Fellowship

The Purpose of Connect Groups at St James Lutheran Church:

To Connect with our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ. (Community) To increase our knowledge and growth in God’s Word. (Mind) To utilize our gifts to help those around us. (Hands) To share the Gospel with anyone in our community. (Heart)

NEXT SESSION - Sept 29-Oct 26

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What are Connect Groups?

The first time I heard of small groups I was afraid to join. What kind of new people would be there? Will they have crazy beliefs? Were they going to go all cultish? Did they smell funny? But I met with one of the leaders for coffee, and he shared with me what they were going to talk about and what the age group would be. It was a 20 to 30s young professionals group, and I would be the youngest at 20 years old. We met for the first time at a meeting room in a small airport and about 12 of us showed up. We shared food and beverages and introduced ourselves the old fashioned ice breaker way. The next week we all came back. Every Friday we would read the Bible, pray for each other, and have fun. Food was encouraged and prayer for each other was a must.

This group became some of my closest friends to the point where we spent holidays together and celebrated birthdays together.

This is not just a study of the Word, but a sharing of the Word in Christian fellowship. It seemed far more social and discussion was more casual than a lecture. We went home after, examining the sermon or text of that past Sunday, and saw how it affected our lives as Christians.

Acts 2:42-47

They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. And all who believed were together and had all things in common. And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.

The "Connect Groups" focus on St. James' sermons from the Sunday before. This way we can take Sunday beyond that single morning and ponder further on the texts. Sermons and info for facilitating discussions will be provided weekly by email for review, and facilitators of the groups can share the class discussion questions with members before they meet.

It's easier than it sounds. The pastors will prepare the questions ahead of time and the facilitators will help guide the conversation from one question to the next. Most of the work is already done! You get to sit back and enjoy discussion about our faith.

We will break up the group's time between four sessions and meet one hour each week. These short commitments will be more manageable for those of us with busy schedules. The break in between quarters will help our facilitators reset for the next one.

Connect Groups is one of the best ways for us Christians to grow in faith together and to help each other and our loved ones be involved in a Christ-centered life.

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Typical Connect Group Session

Refreshments - 10-15 minutes beforehand.

People will arrive and get comfortable to prepare their hearts minds and bodies to discuss and explore the study.

Sharing -15 minutes

Everyone will catch up on their week. Maybe if you already witnessed the application of the sermon to your life, share it!

Study and Discussion - 45 Minutes

This is when you delve into the sermon and discuss. To be best prepared, you can fill out your sermon worksheet before meeting. This will help ensure every voice is heard.

Prayer - 5 Minutes

Tell your leader any prayer requests. Pray for our school, our church, and our community as we work to serve our neighbor.

Fellowship Activity

The rest of your time is free to socialize, partake in your group's activity, etc. This can be wine-tasting, board games, etc. Join the group that best fits your interests!

Join a Group! (to be updated)

Connect Groups have limited slots as we want to keep the groups intimate. Between 8-10 people. As we gauge sign-ups the groups may change around and new groups may be added if we reach capacity! Let us know if you'd be interested in starting your own group!

Monday Night Zoom Study

We have been a small Bible study group that has met twice per month for many years. We would share a meal and then do the Bible study. Due to COVID, we now have our Bible study on Zoom. We will probably go back to in-person again once everyone’s comfort level gets better. Meets on Zoom Monday Nights, 7:00!
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I Got You Babe (Paused)

As facilitators, we are both married with young kids (9 and under). We encourage couples with or without children. We will host our group Wednesday nights from 7-9pm. We are determining if we can provide childcare at the host site to make it easier on parents. As couples with children, we know our lives can be hectic and stressful, and there is a need for an outlet to share the day to day. We look forward to growing in our faith and relationship with one another and sharing some laughter together.
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Parents, Playdates, & Prayers

Our Connect Group is a group of parents that seek to encourage one another in our special vocation, with a little break every other week.
One week, the toddlers will get together for a playdate and bible study with all the moms, while the dads go out on the town for their bible study and fellowship. The following week we swap. Dads playdate while moms go out.
Meets on Saturdays at 10am!
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Ladies with Flexible Schedules

We're generally a group of moms (all ages of kids) looking to strengthen our knowledge of the bible while sharing in the joys and the tribulations of motherhood. Meets on Wednesday mornings after school drop off at 9:00.
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Tail-Gating

Wednesdays Oct. 2, 9, 16, and 23 from 6-9 pm at the Gast house. Our theme is “Tail-gaiting” with appropriate football season food and fun.
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College Nights

If you are a college student and would like a free meal and deep conversation in these shallow times, join us on Wednesday evenings at the Hess house, 6pm. Enjoy connections, God's Word, and free pizza!
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Branches on Vine

Join us Thursday evenings for dinner and a devotion! We are a group of 20-30 somethings who strive to support each other in friendship and in His Word. If you’re looking for a group of peers, come hang out! Contact for details.
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Seeking Interested Parties

Hosted by Olivia Becker, this group is in it's early formation. If you are a parent of a newborn through 1 year old, we're looking for you! I'm hoping to meet some morning at a quiet coffee shop r someplace we can lay out blankets for babies to settle. If we get enough sign ups we will determine with the members what the best meeting time and place will be.
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Fireside Fellowship

We are a 20/30s group that meets on Monday evenings from 7:00-9:00 for fall-themed snacks and beverages. If the weather allows we'll sit around the fire, share some desserts/drinks, and a devotion. Don't worry; we'll host inside our house if it's cold. If you're looking for a relaxed hangout around the fire to meet other members and talk about God's word, we'd love to have you join!
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