Excited and Thankful

So, it’s a rainy November Tuesday, just 2 days before Thanksgiving. I’m home today. My normal day off is Friday, but, since Friday is a holiday this week, I’m taking today to be away from the office. The girls are busy with school and Shawna is writing a huge email to someone, so I’m sitting at the kitchen table, looking out across my yard at the Grace Church construction zone.

There’s a lot to be thankful for. The construction is moving right along. Despite the predictions of the wooly bear caterpillars and the acorns, winter has not yet arrived with a vengeance. This means that the construction continues and we hope to have the steel structure added to the foam/concrete walls so that a roof can go up soon. The lobby is coming together, as well as the Welcome Center and Conference Room. There are a lot of changes at Grace Church and they’re changes that will help us Meet & Move more people.

The changes go beyond those evident to visitors to 501 W. Lincoln. We have a redesigned website that is very cool – do people use that word around here? Not only is the new look very contemporary, but the site is strategically laid out to communicate who we are becoming as a local church. There’s still lots to be done, especially to the CONNECT page, but it’s exciting to experience the new look and feel. It is a much better reflection of our church and our mission.

But the changes that I’m most thankful for are happening in our church family. Grace Matters is behind us now. You probably noticed that it has been 2 months since my last post. That’s because our CONNECT Team has been working frantically during that period. During Grace Matters, we saw a 55% increase in our CONNECT groups, with 45-50% of our adult congregation involved. In addition to that, Grace Matters proved to be a church-wide campaign as our Youth and ABF classes also participated in the series. Together, as a church family, we took a fresh look at Ephesians and the grace of God for us, His church. From the stories I have been hearing, there is new or renewed enthusiasm for being actively engaged in the work of the Kingdom of God. We saw 20 people commit to living out the fullness of the Gospel of Grace here at Grace Church by being baptized on the 15th. And, our Communion service on the 22nd was amazing as nearly 400 people came out to rejoice in all that God has done for us in the past, His ongoing presence today, and our anticipation of a future celebration with Him in Heaven. I saw many of our groups sharing in the Bread & Cup together. What an incredible way to wrap up the fall season!

Though Grace Matters is finished, our commitment to living out God’s plan for us is kicking into high gear. With Christmas upon us, many of our groups are reaching out to struggling families in our community. The local food pantry sent us names of local families that need a Christmas dinner. Our groups have begun planning for providing those groceries, and a whole lot more. They are ready to reach out to our neighbors to minister to them physically, emotionally, socially, and of course spiritually. Look at the update I received from one of our leaders:

Just wanted to update you. Our group made contact with (the mother) and are going to provide her with a Taste of Grace Christmas Meal Box, as well as some small gifts for all four of her children. We were also able to pray with her on the phone and have a very nice first touch. One of the couples in our group has minimal plans on Thanksgiving Day, so is contacting her again to see if they can deliver a meal on Thanksgiving as well! We’re really looking forward to blessing this whole family. Praying that our connection will be more than just a “drop off”.

Do you see why I’m excited and incredibly thankful to be here, ministering alongside such a great bunch of people? I’m reminded of what Paul wrote back to the Thessalonian Christians:

We always thank God for all of you, mentioning you in our prayers. We continually remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ. For we know, brothers loved by God, that He has chosen you, because our gospel came to you not simply with words, but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and with deep conviction. 1 Thess. 1:4-5

This Thanksgiving Season, I’m thankful for what the Lord has done and thrilled about what He still has for us.

Grace and Peace to you all in Christ Jesus, our LORD

FAQ #4

Is this a good study for my friend who is not a Christian? Yes! The gospel will be clearly explained and your friend will have multiple opportunities to put his hope and trust in the Lord.

Do I have to stop going to my ABF? No. It is your choice. Every ABF leader has been invited to participate in the Grace Matters study. Ask your leader if your ABF will be participating in Grace Matters. Alternatively, you may be curious about small groups and this would be a wonderful time for you to take group life on a test drive.

What happens at the end of the 8 weeks? That’s up to you. You could choose to continue as a group. You might decide that you enjoyed group life and want to continue, but you’d like to be in a different group. You might decide that you liked group but need to take a break through the holiday season and then start again after New Years. You might even decide that you don’t want to be in group any longer. Whatever you decide is fine. Your commitment was for the 8 week series. When it’s finished, so is your commitment. However, if someone in the group decides that your group is not where they feel God has called them to grow in faithfulness, they should be free to leave without guilt.

FAQ #3

Do you have to attend Grace Church to participate in Grace Matters? No. However, you will need to participate in the weekend message, either here at Grace or online.

How do I get into a group? It’s simple. Fill out the form found in your bulletin on August 30 and September 6. If you no longer have it, pick one up at the office during the week or in the lobby on Sunday. The interest form can be placed in the offering tub, returned to the office, or given to the CONNECT representative at the table in the sunroom. If you were unable to attend one of the 2 Connection Events we held on Sunday, September 20, our leadership team will help you find a group. Email us at CONNECThelp@lgbc.org.

Can I lead a group? We are always looking for people who care about others and are willing to learn how to manage a meeting time. If you would like more information about helping us lead a group, please email CONNECThelp@lgbc.org.

Can I form my own group? You bet! But try to invite people who live near you and who have common interests rather than your good friends. It makes for a much healthier dynamic. Also, if you know someone who is new to Grace Church, make sure you help them get connected to a group, either yours or another.

FAQ #2

How much will the Grace Matters study cost? Much like your redemption, the cost has been paid by someone else. There is no cost to you. The Grace Matters study guide can be picked up at the church or emailed to you.

Do you use a curriculum or the Bible? During the Grace Matters campaign, we are following a study guide which guides us through chunks of Ephesians. The main teaching from Scripture is done on the weekend, but it’s best to bring your Bible to group so you can follow the discussion there. If you’re the type to write notes in your Bible, you’ll have opportunities in group as we mine deeper into key points. After the series, should you continue as a CONNECT group, you have freedom in the studies you choose. Some groups follow a guide while others just mine into the Word. A healthy balance is the key.

What's the difference between Grace Matters and CONNECT? CONNECT is the Small Groups Ministry of Grace Church, while Grace Matters is a church-wide alignment series where the preaching of the weekend is followed by group discussion in small groups. The Grace Matters series involves both the weekend ministry and small group ministry of the church. Also, while Grace Matters ends the week of November 15, CONNECT groups have no term and therefore do not end.

What if I don't know my Bible that well? Is that okay? Absolutely. In fact, you could know nothing about the Bible or God and you could participate in the Grace Matters series. You will need a Bible for the study. If you don’t have a Bible and have difficulty getting one for yourself, please email CONNECThelp@lgbc.org.

FAQ #1

When and where do groups meet? Groups decide for themselves when and where they will meet. Ideally, they will meet during the week in a group member’s home. Some groups decide to rotate the host home responsibility each week. Others will go to the house that can best accommodate them. During the Grace Matters series, groups will meet every week since each study discusses the sermon just preached. To get the most out of the biblical content, you really need to track with the weekend messages. Some groups like to have an additional meeting each or every other week according to gender. This is a time to build deeper fellowship bonds. Guys tend to like breakfast meetings while gals tend to be more flexible. Funny, huh?

How long is a meeting? Typically, a group meeting is about 1½ to 2 hours long. Some groups are having such a great time that they hang out together after the study is officially over. That’s great, but a clear end time should be established so people who need to leave are free to do so.

How many people are in a group? Jokingly, we say that 12 is the upper limit since even Jesus lost one when He went to 13. Seriously, the size of your group is determined by space and personality type. The rule is that there shouldn’t be so many people that someone doesn’t have time to actively engage in the discussion. If someone doesn’t share, your group may be too large. There should also be adequate space to comfortably accommodate everyone. Shoot for 8-10.

Are groups separated by age or are they mixed? A group can be set up any way you like. However, the best groups are ones that are not a bunch of friends who are the same age and life stage. Although those conditions make you feel comfortable more quickly, they tend to be closed to new people and poor discipleship incubators, two of the key reasons you should be in a group.

What does a typical evening look like? While not prescribed, the typical meeting will start with a snack or meal and social time with a brief discussion of reflections from the previous week. Then the group will follow the discussion guide which has an ice breaker, study content, and a time of commitment. Of course, your group time should begin and end with prayer.

Can I bring my kids? If you want to bring your kids to group, you need to make that known up front at the time your group if formed. People have different preferences when it comes to involvement of their children. Some find sitters, some like kids from the group being together under supervision, and still others try to involve kids in their study time at appropriate levels and opportunities.

Frequently Asked Questions

While hundreds of people have asked to be connected to a group for the Grace Matters series, many people are hesitant. They have questions that they'd like answered. What should I expect in group? When do groups meet? How much does this cost? What about my kids? The list is long. This week, I will address the most common questions we have heard from you. It is my hope in doing so that you will feel comfortable enough to take a step of faith and take group life for a test drive. While I can't tell you exactly what your group experience will be like, I can certainly tell you what we've planned and about our basic expectations. If, at the end of this week, you have additional questions, please email CONNECThelp@lgbc.org or to me directly at scburghart@lgbc.org. Thanks, S

What happens after 8 weeks?

So what happens at the end of the 8-week series? Well, that’s up to you and the people in your group. I’d be lying if I told you I don’t care. I’m hopeful that the experience will have been so impactful that you will truly see the value of group life and want to continue, either in this group or another. Of course, 8 weeks is not really sufficient time to develop deep communal bonds, but it’s a taste of what can be yours if you commit to allowing the gospel to do what it is intended to do, namely create gospel community. What is gospel community? It’s something every human desires because we were made for it, but it’s radically different than anything the world can offer. When the world sees it, they are both dumbfounded and drawn toward it, like a moth to a flame. It’s what Jesus prayed for before He went to the cross:

My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one: I in them and you in me. May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me. John 17:20-23

But the choice is yours. Your commitment is finished at the end of the series. You can take some time off to accommodate the holiday season, simply celebrating with your group rather than diving into another study, or you may decide not to be in group at all. It’s your call. If you do drop out, you may be contacted to see why. This would not be for the purpose of trying to change your mind or to guilt you in any way. Rather, it is to help us understand where we failed you and your group.

The fact is, we believe that the gospel creates community that engages in the spread of the gospel. That’s what being a devoted follower of Christ is all about. This fall, our church family will explore the gospel of grace and its implications for the children of God, those called according to His name. We’re excited for what God will do over those few weeks as we get into the Word and allow the Word to get into us. Our prayer is that this would be an incredible journey for our entire church family as we explore the depths of God’s amazing plan.

If you have any additional questions about Grace Matters or CONNECT groups, please come to the Q&A session that we have scheduled for Sunday, September 13 at 10am in Fellowship Hall.