Small Group Impact

admin — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 16:20:54 +0000

How has a small group impacted your life? Read some of the real-life testimonies shared from our parish.

We were pretty new to Christ Church when we joined our small group. Having come from another denomination, we had a lot to learn and were really seeking to “plug in” and become a real part of the fellowship. God has a way of bringing people into your life for a purpose, and I am amazed at the group we found and how God has used them in our lives.

It was only a short time after joining this group that we realized how very much in common we had with them. Not only were we all close to the same age and in, or soon to be in the empty nester stage – but we all faced similar challenges and struggles in life as parents for which we were able to gain new perspective, no longer feeling like we were alone in these struggles.

The friendships have become those we treasure most, and we look forward to each and every time we meet. There is nothing we would not do for these friends in our group, and we know there is nothing they would not do for us. They have shared with us and prayed with us – and this continues to be a priority and a great blessing in our lives.

— Jim and Karen Harbor

Our small group is not just a collection of folks that meet every so often but it is a family, not just on this earth but we will be a family for eternity. We truly love and care about one another. When one hurts we all hurt. When one rejoices, we all rejoice.

Personally, I do not know how people make it through the trials and tribulations without the comfort (compassion in action) of folks who share their faith, their love and their lives with one another. Jesus called us to be in communion with one another and small group is the epitome of that call.

Honestly, my small group changed my life. Those folks are the most sincere and loving people I have ever met.

— Carol Hinson

Rick and I joined a small group several years ago. We meet every 2 weeks and our evenings consist of fellowship time, Bible study and prayer. I just love our group! Each and every one of us over the years has had a need for our small group to come alongside of us for support and prayer.

Two years ago when I was diagnosed with cancer, and proceeded to have 6 surgeries and chemo during the course of the next year, our small group was such a gift. Meals were brought in daily, cards and flowers would show up on our doorstep, My family was being prayed for 24/7. They would consistently check in with not only me, but with my husband Rick who was dealing with all that goes with being the husband of a wife with cancer. They wrapped their arms around us and loved us just like family. They were Jesus with skin on for us.

Rick and I will always be grateful for this special group of people.

— Karen Giardina

Our group started meeting in 1991 and we have met weekly ever since. We are closer to Christ and becoming more Bible literate (or at least more literate than I ever imagined I would be) because of this group.

Some members have come and gone over the years but our core group has remained steadfast and it all serves to make it feel like family. Our immediate families live out of the area so these are the folks that we share everything with…from the Word to a meal to a loss of a loved one to our children’s weddings and grandchildren. They have even tromped through the mud to water flowers on the back porch while we are on vacation!

In short, I can’t fathom what our life might be like without these followers to help us along. Make no mistake, we initially went to small group when it was being led by friends of ours in an effort to not hurt feelings and the rest is history!

— Elaine Wilson

More Information

If you’re ready to connect with a small group, contact Susan Freeman at 214-291-5055.

Grace Under Pressure

admin — Sun, 13 Sep 2009 16:40:15 +0000

Discover God’s Amazing, Sustaining Grace in Every Moment

This 11-week sermon series, originally preached September 13 – November 22, 2009, focuses on Paul’s second letter to the Corinthians. Verse after verse, chapter after chapter, Paul teaches and bears witness to our God who gives His grace to supply Paul’s need, bless his hardships, comfort his trials and strengthen him for the full life to which he is called.

Below you will find study guides from each week’s message to use in Small Group study:

Christ Church Plano » Small Groups

Small Group Impact

More Information

Grace Under Pressure

Sept 13: The Algebra of Grace

Sept 20: What Forgiveness Does

Sept 27: Change You Can Believe In

Oct 4: We Do Not Lose Heart

Oct 11: If Anyone is in Christ

Oct 18: The Parable of the Prodigal God and the Lost Sons

Oct 25: Journey to Generosity

Nov 1: Cheerful Giver

Nov 8: Taking Down Strongholds

Nov 15: The Thorn and His Grace

Nov 22: Aiming for Perfection