Small Groups - Following Jesus’ Footsteps

The Heart of Canadian Memorial United Church

The first thing Jesus did when he began his ministry was to form a small group. He gathered men and women around him for support, training and encouragement. He lived side by side with his small group for the remainder of his life and ministry. If this was his pattern, purpose and principle in life, how much more should it be for us?

In a small group you’ll be surrounded by friendly, familiar people who truly care for you and who will encourage you to deepen your relationship with God. In small groups we gather to:

•  Gain a better understanding of the Bible and a progressive Christian faith
•  Build lasting friendships in a relaxed setting
•  Provide support and care for one another
•  Practice and experience the power of prayer

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What Are Small Groups?

Small groups are central to the ministry of Canadian Memorial United Church. They consist of six to twelve people meeting once or twice a month in private homes and the Centre for Peace. Groups meet for approximately 1½ hours. Participants are offered the opportunity to build Christian bonds of love and friendship while experiencing God’s unconditional love. Small groups are open to everybody.

All groups are led by trained leaders from our congregation. Meetings include:

•  Welcoming one another and newcomers
•  Listening and laughter
•  Discussion of the Bible and other spiritual literature
•  Prayer
•  Outreach

Through these meetings, group members come to know God and experience God’s presence, foster and develop a community and equip each other to do God’s work in the world.

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Why Are Small Groups Important?

At Canadian Memorial, an important part of our mission is to nurture a loving community. Small groups are one of the central ways this happens in our congregation.

Scripture instructs us to encourage and serve one another, to rejoice and weep with one another, and to pray for one another. Small groups offer an intimate and nurturing environment to fulfill the biblical mandate to grow in love for each other and, thus, we deepen our understanding of the Christian faith.

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Small Groups Transform Lives

        “As a newcomer to the church, I had been warmly welcomed and introduced to everyone, but it wasn’t until I became part of a small group that I felt I truly belonged. We share our beliefs and doubts, our personal joys and struggles. We pray for each other with love, concern and gratefulness.

        "I felt that I was, all of a sudden, part of a family group. And such a wonderful group: a mix of ages, of spiritual backgrounds and experiences, of transitional and stable lives – people as varied as the Bible translations that we struggle to fathom. I know it is a group I can trust with my confidences; there is no pressure to share more than we wish.

        "Now at Coffee Hour after church, I always see someone I feel I know well, someone I can approach without feeling I'm interrupting a more important private conversation.”

          “My small group has taken me from feelings of isolation and depression to being a member of a loving community. It has transformed my life and I am filled with gratitude.”

          “A lapsed Christian, I joined a small group at a time of severe ill-health. Through the love, support and acceptance of the group, I regained my health, returned to meaningful employment and am now an active servant of God – in my church and the wider world. I simply would not have made it without my small group. The bonds of friendship formed there provided the foundation for my rich, vital and now church-centred life.

 
How Can I Get Involved in Small Group Ministries?

There are three ways to get involved in Small Group Ministries at Canadian Memorial United Church.

•  You can sign up to be a participant in a small group.

•  You can volunteer your home and become a “site host.”

•  You can become a small group leader or co-leader by participating in leadership training.

Most small groups meet once or twice a month. There are groups that meet weekday afternoons and evenings, others that get together on Sundays before the service.

For further information, please contact Mary Lou Whittaker