One of the best ways to get connected to people at GCC is by participating in a small group. Our small groups are called Core Groups. We believe a Core Group is the place where genuine life change occurs, where real life and real issues are talked about, and answers are found through a Christ-centered focus.
What's a Core Group?
It’s a small group of 8-12 people (married couples, singles, men, women, or mixed) who are usually in similar life stages meeting regularly to do life together – God’s way. Once a week or every other week they gather in a group member’s home (or sometimes in a restaurant) to study the Bible or books that teach Biblical principles, pray for each other, and enjoy great fellowship. Most importantly – you'll grow in authentic relationship with God and others.
Make the connection now...
Click on "Find a Core Group" in the "Links" section on the right-hand side of this page to look for a group! The initial Browse Core Groups page will list all of our groups-both full and open for new friends. Look through the listing (for one that's not "full") and find a group or two that might be a good fit for you. Click on the group name to send an email to the facilitator to let them know you would like to find out more about their group. You can also narrow your search by selecting options from the drop-down menu under "Pick Your Preferences." Start by selecting a the preference that's most important to you. Take your time and try using several different search options so you don't miss a group that might work for you.
Check back often, new groups are always in the making! And you're welcome to visit more than one group to find the one that's right for you.Questions...or need help in finding a group? Call Susan at 375-8801 ext. 2228 or email.
Or make the connection at Core Connection - September 26
It's our semi-annual, casual, get-acquainted event to help "connect" you with a Core Group! You'll find out what Core Groups are all about, meet facilitators who have openings in their group and people who are looking for a group. It's a fun evening, light refreshments will be served, and you can visit all of our new and open groups at one time! Adults, age 25 and up, married or single, all are welcome, 6:30 - 8:00 PM in The Gathering. Childcare is also provided for infants - 5th graders if requested with registration by September 20. TO SIGN UP CLICK HERE!
Facilitators Knights at the Round Table - Sept. 14, 7 PM
Hear ye, hear ye - ALL newly approved Facilitators and ALL current Facilitators! The honor of your presence is cordially requested on the 14th day of September in the year of our Lord 2010 from 7 - 8:30 PM in The Gathering for our twice-a-year training event. You'll enjoy tasty desserts and snacks with your fellow knightly Facilitators and Coach, sharpen your leadership skills, and encourage your teammates as "iron sharpens iron." NO royal attire required - armor will be provided! Just "come as you are;" casual and comfy is the dress code 'round these tables. (Childcare will be provided if requested with registration before 9/7.) Kindly click HERE to let us know you'll be joining in for this fun, festive, and enlightening evening!
CORE GROUP RESOURCES
Message Notes & Study Guide
On Fridays, you can go to the "Watch" tab on our website homepage to download and print a "Notes" page and a "Study Guide" that goes along with the upcoming weekend message. Take the "Notes" page with you to the service to see the scripture references that are used, along with thoughts or message points from the speaker, and space for you to jot down your thoughts...especially those you sense are from God.
The companion "Study Guide" is message-focused and can be used for personal study at home or together with your Core Group. Each study has three components:
1) A "Generate" question or two to get you thinking and discussing with your group.
2) "Core" questions that point you to the Bible for growth in truth and authentic relationship with God and each other.
3) "Challenges" to live out what you're learning, experience God in practical ways, and grow in your faith.
The message study guides are a curriculum option that many groups enjoy and benefit from. Being on the same page, so to speak, as the message that's given in our corporate worship time gives us individually and as Core Groups an additional opportunity to focus on God's specific leading and plan for us at GCC. Your group can decide to do the study together in group time and share your "challenge" experience the next time you meet. Or, you can do the study on your own personal time and share your answers and experiences when you meet together. There's no right or wrong way to do the study. Meet weekly and do one study, or meet every other week and do two studies. You can even alternate between the message study guides and studies that are available through our curriculum library.
Curriculum Library
We have a wide variety of studies in our Core Group lending library. Many studies are DVD led with companion study guides, and new studies are frequently added. Call Susan at 375-8801 ext. 2228 to come in and take a look at these resources which are located in the Administrative Office. To download a listing of the current curriculum, click here.