SJMC Connections Group
The Connections Vision: Connections, small group ministry will aim to help St. Jacobs Mennonite Church become a caring community of faith where giving and receiving support for spiritual, physical and emotional needs is a part of the fabric of our life together.
The Connections Mission: Small groups will provide an environment for God, through the Holy Spirit, to work with and through our faith community to build bonds of trust and channels of support and encouragement.
We now have eight small groups with approximately 85 adults participating and 17 children. I had asked group leaders to share highlights and benefits their group experienced this last year.
Getting Better Acquainted: A benefit mentioned by several groups was that this is one way of getting acquainted with people in a relaxed atmosphere and in a more personal way than just greeting each other at church.
Sharing Over a Simple Meal: Most groups have enjoyed a meal together, keeping meals simple (some do ‘planned potlucks’) and putting the emphasis on sharing about each other’s activities, families, etc.
Groups With Children: Those groups with children have bonded with other children in unique ways, spending time together playing, eating and doing exciting things such as making homemade ice-cream, each taking their turns to turn-the-crank handle of the ice-cream mixer (below).
Retired Persons’ Groups: One group of all retired persons have enjoyed trips together, traveling as far as Pennsylvania to see the musical drama “Ruth”. For them traveling in a van and staying in a house or cottage together has brought their group together in a fun way and they have had great opportunities to discuss important issues and issues less important. Another group enjoys going out to eat and then meeting in one of their homes for dessert and having informal discussions.
Service Projects: Some groups have worked together on various service projects -- joining in on Christmas caroling at Heritage House Nursing Home, giving a program at Fairview Mennonite Home, help with food banks, and making up kits to be sent abroad.
A Good Push: As Brent said, “One of the benefits of a small group is adding a bit of formality or “push” to getting together with others in the church. We often talk about doing things with others but the small group has encouraged, almost expected this and therefore we’ve had some good events and fellowship times that we wouldn’t have had otherwise.” They had a crokinole party complete with viewing the “Crokinole Movie” which was a hoot!
A highlight of the group Alvin and I participate in was when Donna Johnson returned from Benin and she made an African meal for our group and shared many of her experiences. We have also enjoyed playing games, hiking, BBQs and sharing, which other groups have done as well.
I would encourage others to join a small group for the mutual support it brings, for the learning we can gain by relating to others at another level other than Sunday mornings, and for the fun of group activities.
If after a time you feel you would rather not be a part of a small group, simply explain to your group leader that you would prefer to decline. If you are not a part of the Connections Ministry and you would like to be in a small group, even on a trial basis, please contact Elaine Hershberger.
Oct/11