Why Small Groups?

Bible study in small groups is being encouraged by the Church Ministries Commission and continues to attract more and more Westminster members.  Dr. Paul, in his sermon on May 7, listed some of the benefits:  grow closer to God, grow in faith, be encouraged and lifted up by fellow brothers and sisters in Christ.  Add to these: fellowship in a group small enough to be able to "really get to know each other" and, the obvious, study to gain wisdom of God's word through the Scriptures.

Following last year's Lay Renewal when small groups were started in order to study The Purpose Driven Life, several groups selected new materials and have continued to meet on a regular basis.  At the present time there are 11 active groups, some mixed and some "for men only."  Women's circles qualify as small groups, and the four circles begin again in the fall.

Men's groups meet on Monday mornings at 9:00, Wednesday evenings at 6:30, Thursday mornings at 6:30, and Thursday at noon.   There is also a men's group that meets on Sunday mornings during the Sunday School hour.   Leadership is by individuals in some groups and is shared in others.  Some of their studies have been or continue to be:  Matthew, Exodus, and the book, Heaven.  Several groups are presently reviewing materials in order to select their next study.

"Mixed" groups meeting times are Monday afternoons (Prayer Group), Wednesday evenings, and Sunday evenings.  Studies have included or continue to include: Revelation, , and the books Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World, The Life You've Always Wanted, and The Treasure Principle.  Study of Revelation has just been completed and this group will select another study topic at its next meeting.

There are a few openings in several of the present groups and several new groups are now forming.  If you are interested in becoming a part of this ministry, either by joining one of the groups or by agreeing to facilitate or lead a new group, call Rev. Dale Rawlings at the Church Office.