Catalog Spring Semester. February through April

Transcription

1 Catalog 2019 Spring Semester February through April

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3 Contents What is a Growth Group? Find a Growth Group Join a Growth Group What s Next?

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5 About Groups Community isn t just a nice option; it s a need like food, water, and shelter. God created in us a need for Him and for other people. We re relational beings because He is a relational being. Our community with others becomes the realworld setting where we practice the love that relationship with God produces in us. HE USES OTHER PEOPLE TO GROW US, AND HE USES US TO GROW OTHER PEOPLE. Growth Groups are the primary focus of the Growth Ministry here at CHURCH180. Growing spiritually doesn t happen when we know what Jesus says, it happens when we apply what He says. And, application happens best within the context of community. To grow spiritually, you have to be connected relationally.

6 FAQ s What is a Growth Group? A Growth Group is a small group made up of 8-15 people who meet weekly for the purpose of spiritual growth through friendships, mutual support, sharing, bible study, and prayer. For each Growth Group semester, a social get together and a mission project will be planned. A trained leader and assistant lead each group. An average meeting lasts for about two hours, including light refreshments. While Growth Groups are specifically designed to help Christians go deeper in their walk with God, the groups are open to anyone willing to commit to them. When and Where Do They Meet? Growth Groups meet on various nights of the week. Most evening groups meet 6-8 pm, or 7-9 pm. Occasionally, there may be a daytime group. Groups meet in homes or at the church building. How Long Do They Last? Each Growth Group semester lasts 3 months. They begin in February, and October. Growth Groups take a break in January and May through September. What is the Expected Commitment? Joining a Growth Group requires a 3 month commitment to attend weekly meetings and do the homework ahead of time. Obviously, allowances are made for sickness, vacation, work conflicts and other special events, but not much more. This commitment is the key to a strong Growth Group. You have the first three weeks to attend the group to make sure it's a good fit for you. What Will We Study? The studies are based on the previous weekend's message. Imagine the weekend message as a teaching on Christian living, and the Growth Group as a lab where you get to roll up your sleeves and discuss how the weekend's message works in real life. There will be a series of Bible passages and questions to study before the meeting. It will usually take 20 to 40 minutes per week to complete the homework.

7 What Does It Cost? Few things in life are free and Growth Groups are no exception! The cost of Growth Groups is the cost of commitment. During the first meeting, each group will complete an "Agreement" together. This simple form helps each group discuss their priorities and commitment. You will have the first three weeks to decide if your group is a good fit for you. When you join a Growth Group, you're promising to attend and be prepared each week. It's this commitment that makes Growth Groups work. We realize it's a big commitment, but it only lasts for 3 months. At the end of each semester, you will have the choice of recommitting for another semester, trying a new group, or taking a break from Growth Groups altogether. What About Child Care? Growth Groups are generally for adults only. (Exceptions can be made for nursing newborns). We leave it up to each family to work out their own childcare. Sometimes it works best for families to share a sitter or to swap childcare with another family whose Growth Group meets on a different evening. We also have childcare available at the CHURCH180 building for the Young Adult Growth Groups only. Still Have Additional Questions? To assist you in finding and signing up for a group, or to answer any questions please contact us at (970) or us at admin@church180.net.

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9 Find a Group Review the Growth Group profiles on the following pages. When selecting a group, we strongly recommend you choose a group based on its leader team and age group. Groups do best when members share a common Station-in-Life and other interests with their leaders, hosts, and other group members. In the end, you'll find it's worth it over other considerations! The age groupings you will find at CHURCH180 are intentionally kept fuzzy and are meant to help you self-select an appropriate group for you. They are not intended to box you in.

10 Young Adults Leader Bryan Lark Co-Leader Mitch Topliss About the Group: This group is designed for young to middle aged adults who are striving to grow their faith through Bible study and solid Christian friendships. We ll have a laid back, fun, and conversational group that will allow for input from everyone. Bryan is the planting pastor of CHURCH180. He is the husband to Rachel and dad to Cross, Kip, and Mally. He loves spending time with his family, coaching his boys sport teams, hunting, reading, spending time outdoors, personal finance, and Chick-Fil-A. He is grateful to have such a wonderful church family to be a part of and lead. Rachel is in her fifth year of homeschooling their 2 boys. She loves discipling them, cuddling with her 2 year old baby girl, and date nights with Bryan. She enjoys her daily chocolate and coffee and finds rest in reading, bible studies, podcasts and the beach. Mitch was born and raised in Montrose and loves everything that Colorado has to offer. He likes hiking, fishing, but most of all his greatest joy is spending time with his family. He and his wife Angie moved back to Montrose after a short 17 year stay in Fort Worth TX. It is there where they were blessed with two amazing daughters, Amelia and Jillian. Angie and Mitch were led back to Montrose to be closer to both sides of their families. They are both excited to be back in Colorado Meets on: Tuesdays at 6:00-8:00 PM Location: CHURCH180 Building Maximum Enrollment: 15 Child Care Provided: Yes - $15/child/semester -$45 max

11 Young Adults - Delta Leader Ryan and Mianna Zentmeyer About the Group: This new group meets in Delta and provides a great opportunity to fellowship with other young families and to grow spiritually. Ryan and Mianna are a newly married couple who both grew up in this area. Although they didn't fall in love until a short while ago, they've been friends with each other since Mianna was 1. They both enjoy being athletic and hanging out with friends and family. They are very career driven as Ryan pursues his career as a financial analyst in Grand Junction and Mianna continues her driving career racing an IndyCar. They both love this area and love the fellowship that the community provides. Meets on: Tuesdays at 6:00-8:00 PM Location: Delta East 10 th & Bluff Maximum Enrollment: 12 Child Care Provided: No

12 General All Ages Leader John and Dana Dygert Co-Leader Dan Hiebert About the Group: Join us, we would love to know you and grow together! John and Dana moved to Montrose, Colorado in late 2015 from Las Cruces, New Mexico. They love the outdoors and enjoy the beautiful 4 seasons! John loves to hunt, fish and camp. Dana loves to snowboard, play guitar and cook. They have been married for 11 years and have 2 young children. John and Dana met through a college ministry and both are Emergency Room nurses. They spent 2 years in East Asia doing missionary work within the medical community. They enjoy meeting new people and have enjoyed fellowship and community from being a part of growth groups. Dan and TJ moved to Montrose in May of Dan loves the San Juan s and has dreamed of living near the mountains since he was a child. Dan loves to take his family on Side by Side (UTV) adventures nearly weekly. Dan and TJ have been married for 18 years and have two young children. Dan works remotely as Sr. Software Engineer and TJ is a stay at home mom who enjoys horses, chickens, and gardening. Dan & TJ enjoy playing board games & investing in people. Meets on: Wednesdays at 6:00-8:00 PM Location: CHURCH180 Building Maximum Enrollment: 15 Child Care Provided: Yes - $15/child/semester -$45 max

13 Mature Adults Leader Kent and Nanci Cox About the Group: This group is for middle-aged and mature couples looking to connect with other Christians for faith enhancement, fellowship, and FUN in a light-hearted home environment. Kent and Nanci Cox have been married for 30 years and are both Western Colorado natives. They have lived in Montrose since 2000 and raised two children; a daughter, Kendall, attending Western State College in Gunnison and a son, Kyle, attending the US Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs. Kent has worked in the banking industry for 38 years and is one of the founding members of the Home Loan State Bank Montrose. Nanci comes from a family of teachers and has been an early childhood teacher herself the past 19 years and presently works at Colorado West Christian School. They enjoy outdoor activities, sporting events, community theater, and traveling. Meets on: Tuesdays at 6:30 8:30 Location: Cox Home Off Woodgate, South of Otter Maximum Enrollment: 12 Child Care Provided: No

14 Mature Adults Leader Tom and Pam Gallagher Co-Leader Jack and Mary McKelvy About the Group: This group is for mature adults looking to connect with other believers for spiritual growth, support, and friendship as they focus their lives on following Jesus - while having fun doing it! Taking an early retirement, Tom and Pam moved to the area from San Diego in December They have raised five children and have three grandchildren in California. Married for 35 years, they love discovering the beauty of Colorado. They have enjoyed snowshoeing, hiking, driving off road, camping, and paddling lakes since being here. Jack and Mary both grew up in Colorado. Mary on the western slope (Ignacio) and Jack on the eastern slope (Denver). They met by a mutual friend and have been best friends ever since. They raised three boys and have seven grandchildren. Life has been an exciting adventure and very rewarding. Both have grown spiritually since belonging to Church 180. They enjoy being with each other, family (especially grandchildren), and other believers. Outside interests include cross country skiing, ATV rides, biking, and exploring the surrounding area. Meets on: Thursdays at 6:00 PM 8:00 PM Location: Gallagher Home Road and Miami Area Maximum Enrollment: 12 Child Care Provided: No

15 Mature Adults Group Leader: Guy Gard About the Group: The focus of this group is to build relationships where we can truly know and intentionally love others in Christian community. We desire to apply God s word to our lives while we share in life s joys, struggles, and simply learn to do life with each other. Rhonda grew up locally, on a family cattle ranch in Ridgway. Guy, being a Christian since he was only 10 years old, met Rhonda as a young man and was instrumental in her becoming a Jesus follower when she was 20. They were married shortly after, and throughout their 40 year marriage have had a passion for youth ministries. Being at CHURCH180 for about 3 years, they love working in the KIDZ180 program. Guy is a lineman for DMEA and presently Rhonda works in a medical office. Having had some formal bible education, Guy has been involved in church leadership for many years. His experience includes serving as a youth leader, eldership, teaching adult bible studies, and leading home groups. Meets on: Thursdays at 6:45 8:45 PM Location: Gard Home Trout Road (south of town) Maximum Enrollment: 10 Child Care Provided: No

16 High School and College Leader Mary Owens About the Group: This is a new group for young people between the ages of 15 and 23 who want to have fun together and grow in their faith. Mary moved to the Montrose area in 2008 to take a teaching position at Ridgway Secondary School, where she taught until She currently works for Western Implement. Before moving to Colorado, Mary lived in Southern California where she taught high school and helped with youth ministry at her church. Mary enjoys spending time in the local mountains, photography, travel, and spoiling her dogs. Meets on: Wednesday 6:00 PM 8:00 PM Location: CHURCH180 Building Maximum Enrollment: 15 Childcare Provided: No

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19 Join a Group Joining a Growth Group is easy! There are three ways to sign up for a group: 1) Online at 2) At our weekend worship gathering, during sign up weekends. Sign up at the sign-table, or fill out the attached form and insert it into the offering box at the pack of the room. 3) By calling the church office just before Growth Groups begin. During the weekend worship gathering, Growth Group leaders are available at the sign-up booth to help you choose a group and answer any questions. General information is available at the booth about each Station in Life. There are at least three sign-up weekends before the beginning of each Growth Group semester.

20 Instructions Review the Growth Group Profiles in this catalog and select a group to join. Growth Groups have a maximum membership size, because they are small groups. Once the maximum number of people joins, the group is closed. Growth Groups also have a minimum membership size. If the minimum number is not reached, you will be contacted and asked to choose another group. To help us connect you with the right group, you may select more than one group on the following form in the Choice Priority column. Please indicate your choice priority 1, 2, 3 etc. Use one form per person when selecting a group. Tear off the form, and place it in the offering box, or submit it at the sign up booth.

21 IN A HURRY? SIMPLY FOLD AND PLACE THIS IN THE OFFERING BOX Your Information Growth Group Sign-Up Form First Name: Last Name: Primary Phone: Address: Group Choice: Group Ryan and Mianna Zentmeyer Bryan Lark Mitch Topliss John Dygert Dan Hiebert Kent and Nanci Cox Tom and Pam Gallagher Jack and Mary McKelvy Guy and Rhonda Gard Mary Owens Station In Life Young Adult Young Adult General All Ages Mature Adult Mature Adult Mature Adult High School & College Choice Priority (1, 2, 3, etc)

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23 What s Next? Now that you ve joined a group, your Growth Group leader will contact you shortly to give you information about your first meeting. Your first meeting is very important. During it, your group will not only go through some of the homework questions, but they will also go over an intro to growth groups and the group expectations and agreement together. You will also kick off the semester with a getting-to-know-you pot-luck at that first meeting. On the following pages you will learn what to expect from the group experience, and how you can do your part.

24 WHAT TO EXPECT FROM THE GROUP EXPERIENCE Community can be challenging because it s organic every Growth Group is different. Each is made up of different people with different backgrounds and experiences. But the very thing that can make community challenging can also make it great. As we get involved in real people s lives, faith leaves the realm of religious information and becomes a vibrant part of life in the real world. Jesus didn t give us a specific system or program with which to grow in our relationship with Him. He gave us each other. He gave us community. Life is better connected because connected people go further, faster. Though the need for community is universal, there s a difference between what every person needs and what every group will provide. All groups are not equal at delivering community because all relationships are not equal at providing it. Most small groups are comprised of social and personal relationships. The deepest community happens through personal and intimate relationships. FOUR KINDS OF RELATIONSHIPS Our relationships fall into one of four categories: PUBLIC Connections through outside influences like a shared taste in music or a love of the same sports team. SOCIAL First-impression relationships based on surface-level interactions acquaintances but not necessarily friends. PERSONAL Closer connections forged through shared experiences and feelings friends INTIMATE Real and raw connections inner-circle friends. These relationships happen through our most closely shared experiences and feelings.

25 We hope your Growth Group will provide you with deep community. Whether it does will be partly determined by factors outside your control, like personal chemistry among the group members. But some things are under your control. We d like you to do three things: 3. Be real. Let the people in your group know who you are. Be authentic and transparent. You don t have to reveal all your deepest, darkest secrets. But be open to the possibility that you may eventually form the kind of deep relationships in which you can share those secrets. 1. Show up. Make a commitment to be at group meetings. You can t form community with other people if you aren t around enough for them to get to know you. 2. Join in. Prepare for the meetings by doing your homework, and take part in group discussions. Listen to what others have to say. Be part of the community you re trying to form. ONE THING IS CERTAIN: God has a purpose for your group and for everyone in it. It may be a good experience for you or it may be a great experience. It will definitely be a place of growth and ministry if you pay attention to what God is doing through your relationships with one another.

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28 Growth Groups are environments designed to assure all CHURCH180 followers of Jesus live and grow in intentional loving community