{"id":25595,"date":"2020-09-28T11:11:04","date_gmt":"2020-09-28T15:11:04","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/pitmanumc.org\/wp\/?page_id=25595"},"modified":"2024-09-06T10:06:17","modified_gmt":"2024-09-06T14:06:17","slug":"small-groups","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/pitmanumc.org\/wp\/?page_id=25595","title":{"rendered":"Small Groups"},"content":{"rendered":"

“Small Groups” in a United Methodist church is a Big thing!\u00a0 John Wesley didn’t have the idea of creating a new denomination of the Christian Church.\u00a0 Instead, he traveled throughout England to create “societies” within existing communities .\u00a0 The “societies” were groups of Christians meeting together to study the Bible, encourage one another, to hold each other accountable.\u00a0 His goal was to “spur one\u00a0 another on toward love and good deeds” (as it says in Hebrews 10:24-25<\/a><\/span>)\u00a0 \"\"<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

The groups were so focused that people derided them by calling them “Methodists” for the way they adhered to their practices. Wesley’s “societies” eventually grew into what we know know as the “United Methodist Church.”\u00a0 <\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

But the “societies”- groups of Christians meeting together to “spur one another on”- continues to be the backbone of the United Methodist Church.\u00a0 Instead of the word “societies”, we now use the term “Small Groups.”\u00a0 “Small Groups” are groups of Christians (usually led by Lay people), who share the common goal of “working out their salvation…” (Philippians 2:12<\/a><\/span>).\u00a0 The Christian life is a path of growth, and the path can’t be walked alone.\u00a0 We need eachother.<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

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What’s a Small Group?<\/span><\/h3>\n

Small groups can take on different forms.\u00a0 Sometimes they’re made up of people from the same “demographics” (Youth, Women, or Men).\u00a0 Sometimes they share common interests or struggles (grief, knitting, or music).\u00a0 Other times, nothing ties them together beyond their desire to grow deeper into the Knowledge and Grace of Jesus Christ.<\/p>\n

Some groups are created for a season and then disperse.\u00a0 Several years ago we had a small group who spent the Fall traveling to various restaurants in Philadelphia to enjoy a variety of food while studying the Bible.\u00a0 Other groups have met in a local wood shop while building items for our “Christmas\u00a0Marketplace<\/a>” craft sale.<\/p>\n

Some of PUMC’s Small Groups are currently organized around seasonal “semesters” which meet for a specified period.\u00a0 But there are many other groups which continue indefinitely.\u00a0 Most of these groups are connected to a particular ministry.\u00a0 In fact, ANY ministry team in our church is considered to be a “Small Group.”\u00a0 They may be gathering for a specific ministry objective, but the bottom line goal of ANY activity in our church is to “create a climate where Spiritual Growth can occur.”\u00a0 Even if we’re on a team that’s performing an organizational task like developing a budget or planning the repair of an air conditioner unit, our goal is to “spur one another on” and to grow closer to Christ.\u00a0 Even while rehearsing the music which will energize our worship experiences, our choirs and\u00a0 support, encourage, and challenge one another in each person’s growth.\u00a0 While knitting caps which will be given to cancer patients, our “thread and yarn ministry” members discuss the Bible and help each other.\u00a0<\/p>\n

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How Can I Be Part of This???<\/span><\/h3>\n

Everyone is welcome to “join” a small group.\u00a0 In fact, the real benefits of being in connection with a church can’t be realized unless you develop relationships with others in the church.\u00a0 The Small Group is the key tool for unlocking the power of the church.\u00a0 Within a small group, your knowledge of Christ will grow and you’ll be able to share in the spreading of God’s grace by reaching out to others.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Browse this website for information about ongoing ministry teams, Bible Studies, and Sunday School classes.\u00a0 Be on the lookout for opportunities to contribute your time, talents, or even your unwanted “junque.”\u00a0 Be ready for announcements about new Small Groups which are forming.<\/p>\n

Above all, know that God welcomes everyone into a relationship with Himself.\u00a0 In the same way, PUMC welcomes everyone into our “climates where spiritual growth occurs.”\u00a0<\/p>\n

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