Hard to tell, isn’t it? You’ve been a part of groups that met in homes, but not in this Home Group!
Next month, the Ministry of Adult Faith Formation is launching Home Groups, a series of six meetings in homes with 8-12 people, every other week, and we’re hoping that a Home Group is for YOU!
Here’s why we think a Home Group may be for you:
1) Most of us desire a greater sense of community. We think a Home Group will help us come to know each other better.
2) We know how busy you are in the fall, so we decided on six home meetings every other week, with each home meeting lasting only 1.5 hour;
3) Afraid of feeling trapped in a commitment that really doesn’t seem right for you? We get that. Even though we’re hoping you can commit to all six Home Group meetings, feel free to come once and then let the Home Group Coordinator know if you can commit to the other five meetings;
4) Some small group meetings are deadly because of indefinite or loose guidelines and expectations. That’s why each Home Group will begin with a review of guidelines for interpersonal communication. Hopefully, as members keep one another accountable to the guidelines, communication will be confidential, respectful, engaging, positive, and healthy;
5) Not everyone is into deep theological investigation or study, so we’ve decided the primary curriculum for these Home Groups is our lives. We’ll be sharing our own insights and experiences so that everyone’s an expert;
6) Life’s tough, and it’s easy to get discouraged and downhearted. That’s why each Home Group will open with a “mixer” or “crowd-breaker” to help everyone relax, laugh and feel a bit more light-hearted and optimistic about life;
7) An hour and a half of “talk, talk, talk” can seem pretty lame. But we’re designing Home Groups to be multi-sensory, so even young children can stay engaged, focused and interested;
8) If you have children, we know it’s important to get them to bed at a decent hour on school nights. That’s why we’re encouraging groups that meet on school nights to end by 8 pm;
9) Of course, with all ages participating in the Home Groups, interruptions are inevitable. But that gives every member of the Home Group an opportunity to assist other members, as is helpful or appreciated.
So what do you think? Ready to give it a try?
Home Groups will begin the week of September 19th and will end the week of November 28th. Sign up in the lounge on Sunday mornings from now until September 12th, or contact Ken Pennings at ken@orucc.org, (608) 271-7212, ext. 222.
It is our sincere hope that Home Groups will enhance the spiritual vitality of ORUCC!
Warmly,
Rev. Ken Pennings and the Ministry of Adult Faith Formation (Cheryl Diermyer, Pat Fellows, Ann Kehl, Evelyn McMillan, Ken Pippert, and Elizabeth Strasma)
