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Small Group Ministries Remember...Jesus started the Church with a small group.
John Wesley began the Methodist movement with small groups.
A spiritually-growing, relationship building experience awaits you in a Small Group @ Wesley Church.
Why small groups? Because Christian life was not intended to be lived alone. We were formed by God to be in connection; with God and with one another. It is in that spirit that Wesley offers small groups starting each September.
Even though we each must take our own path, we need the support and strengthening of others to become a more deeply committed Christians. It is in small groups where persons receive encouragement and challenge to deepen their faith and to live out the calling of all believers to be disciples in the world.
Becoming a disciple takes work. It isn’t something that just happens by spending time in worship or through the wishing of well-intended, good and decent folk. “Faith without works is dead,” says the Apostle Paul. Small Groups provide a foundational way for that work to occur. Without committed disciples, the church cannot fulfill the purpose of being the living Body of Christ for the transformation of the world that Jesus intended.
Spiritual Development & Fellowship
Deepen your relationship with God and learn more about our Christian faith.
Movie & Talk: This group meets monthly to talk about movies, not necessarily religious, that touch on issues of faith, society, family, etc. Participants watch a movie at their own convenience before a meeting. Each gathering will be about 90 minutes at a church meeting room and presided over by a different person. If you have any questions, please ask Moo (bmlee66@gmail.com). Here is this year’s schedule:
- October 8th, 7:00–8:30 PM, Ida (2013) by Pawel Pawlikowski (Pat O’Hara)
- November 12th, 7:00-8:30 PM, I, Daniel Blake (2016) by Ken Loach (Becky Miller)
- December 10th, 7:00-8:30 PM, Capernaum (2018) by Nadine Labaki (Sarah Serwa)
Wesley Book Club: We meet monthly to talk about books that delve into the intersection of faith and life. Last year, we read The Handmaids Tale, Silver Sparrow, Pachinko, The Oregon Trail, Less, Between Georgia, Into the Magic Shop, Educated, Barracoon and The Coroner’s Lunch. If you love to read, this is the group for you! All are welcome, whether you can come to every meeting or to just one or two. If there is a book you would like us to put on the list for this year, just let us know. We have been meeting on the third Monday of the month. Our first meeting of the year will be on Monday, September 16th and we will be discussing Remarkable Creatures by Tracy Chevalier. Facilitated by Sarah Serwa.
Cards and Games: This group meets once a month, usually the second Friday, from 7 to 9 p.m. We are a laid back, family-friendly group that enjoys fellowship while playing games. Every time we meet is a little different, depending on the number of adults and children gathered and their interests. The kids sometimes play their own games, or have fun just playing. The group is led by Craig Charlebois and meets at the Charlebois home.
Bible Study: Wesley’s Sunday evening Bible Study will resume in February, meeting for one hour each week. We welcome anyone – from Bible study veterans to those who have no knowledge of the Bible. Also, you don’t need to have attended in the past. So, join us as we seek to illuminate our spiritual journeys that we might live more meaningful lives. Led by Jim Harvey.
Daytime Spiritual Journey Group: This group gathers weekly for in-depth discussion and prayer. Discussion centers around a chosen spiritual growth book. A different book is chosen every 8-12 weeks. Examples of books we have studied are The Scandalous Gospel of Jesus by Peter Gomes, Spirit and Flesh: Life in a Fundamentalist Baptist Church by James M. Ault, and Mountains Beyond Mountains by Tracy Kidder. All are welcome. A new session will begin on September 19, and meets on Thursdays from 1:00-2:30. Coordinated by Jane Sicks.
Men’s Evening Prayer Group: This group shares devotion and study around a chosen book, and will lift in prayer the joys and concerns of the group members. Meetings will be held from 7:30-8:30 Wednesday evenings. Led by Robert Ryan.
Service
Become Christ’s hands in the world.
Prison Ministry: Existing group which visits the women’s prison 4-5 times a year and provides a Sunday afternoon worship service, music, Bible lesson/discussion and personal sharing. We have also joined a local church effort to provide "release packs" to woman leaving prison, personal items greatly needed and often expensive for someone being released, plus personal notes of encouragement. Coordinated by Louise Minks and Sarah Serwa
Not Bread Alone: Wesley members volunteer on the fourth Saturday of the month preparing and serving a meal at the Not Bread Alone soup kitchen in Amherst. Contact Bonnie Wroblewski with questions and to sign up for a morning or afternoon shift, between 9 am and 2 pm.
Healing Ministry: This small group will practice the principles of Christian healing. We have seen many miracles and healings, and are anxious to share the workings of the spirit with new members. Led by Nancy Nash and Cathy Bennett
Prayer Group: The Prayer Group shares in a daily devotion and lifts in prayers the joys and concerns of the church, the community and the world. Meets Thursday mornings at 8:30 AM, offsite.
Music
Make a joyful noise unto the Lord!
Sanctuary Choir: Meets Wednesday evenings at 7:15 pm and prepares music and sings at nearly every Sunday morning worship. Not only are we a musical group, but also a prayer and spiritual growth group. If you love to sing, come join the fun. Led by Cathy Bennett
Omega Hand Bell Choir: Plays for Sunday service once a month. No experience necessary. Junior high through adult welcome. It helps if you can read music, but that is not necessary. Come join us. For more information, contact Tim Bennett
Praise Group: If you enjoy playing or singing contemporary worship music, this is just the place for you. We provide special music for Sunday service once a month. We welcome instrumentalists of all kinds and singers of all ages. Praise Group gathers most Tuesday evenings at 5:45 pm in the sanctuary to rehearse for about an hour. Contact Deb Henson with questions.
Children’s Choir: Children’s choir will sing in the worship service a few times during the school year. Practices will most likely occur after the worship service (with time for snacks first) for the few weeks leading up to each date. Please contact Julie Chalfant with questions.
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