Small Groups

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Small Groups Small Groups

SMALL GROUP BIBLE STUDIES We all need friendships, places of refuge and learning for nurturing and interpreting the journey of faith. By participating in a small group you enter into a weekly rhythm of setting aside a time to pause for rest, encouragement, laughter, learning and spiritual friendship as we strive to experience the power of God’s transforming work in our lives both individually and corporately in ways that guide, shape and impact our world. Our goal for Covenant Groups is that we would experience the power of a healthy community and God's transforming work in our lives both invdividually and communally in ways that guide, shape and impact our world. Covenant Groups [covenant: an agreement between God and His people] Covenant Groups are freshmen/sophomore groups led by fellow students and established in various Residence Halls. This year's Covenant Groups will journey together in a study of Kingdom parables and spiritual practices. Gravitas [grav·i·tas: a quality of substance or depth of personality] / Gravitas Groups are led by fellow students and are designed for sophomores. These groups are offered within some resident halls and throughout campus. These small groups will focus on various topics and meet for 8-10 weeks each semester. The following are the current Fall '09 Gravitas Groups: Nease Hall / 7^th Floor: Co-Led by Noelle Simpson & Jessica Earls An 8 week study using Henri Nouwen’s book, Life of the Beloved. Wiley Hall / Led by Chris Evans A semester study using Rob Bell’s book, Sex God. Finch Hall / Led by Rebecca Harver Woman of the Bible. A semester study. Meditatus [med·i·ta·tus: to reflect upon, to ponder/practice] Meditatus Groups are for Upperclassmen and will be co-led by a student & a faculty/staff member. These small groups meet for 8-10 weeks and various topics will be offered. The following are current Fall ’09 Meditatus Groups being offered: 8 Week Discussion Group / “The Trouble with Christianity: Why it is so Hard to Believe” Led by: Kerry & Robyn Fulcher Location: Flex 43A Day/Time: Thursdays, beginning Sept. 17^th, 9p-10p This study is based on a series of sermons from Tim Keller that served as the inspiration for his book “Reason For God: Belief in an Age of Skepticism.” 7 Week Discussion Group / “Rich Christians in an Age of Hunger” by Ron Sider Led by: Jeff & Meredith Purganan Location: Purganan Home Day/Time: Sundays, beginning Sept. 20^th at 4p. Join us for a weekly discussion that includes a shared meal together. The goal of this group is to discuss practical responses to the gap that exists between poverty and affluence. We will discuss ways to respond individually and as a community of believers using resources that are already at work. The book will be our only shared resource but there is no minimum reading requirement. 6 Week Discussion Group / Re-Thinking Heaven and Hell Led by: Brandon Walsh & Dr. Alain Lescart Location: LJML Conference Room Day/Time: Begins Thursday, Oct. 1, 7-8:30 pm This group will explore some of the ways Christians have thought about life on the other side of eternity. With Dr. Lescart to help us on our journey, we will examine our presuppositions; from Platonic to Postmodern, mystical to dogmatic, fearful to joyful. This will be a great place to explore questions together and to engage the biblical narrative and, maybe even be a little surprised. 6 Week Discussion Group / “Girl Meets God” By Lauren Winner Led by: Sylvia Cortez Location: Sylvia’s Home Day/Time: Mondays, begins October 5 at 8 pm This group will discuss various themes that Lauren Winner writes about in her very raw honest memoir about her faith journey and how it continues to impact her thoughts and daily life, including her thoughts about Christian practices, relationships & love. You’ll enjoy her honesty and humor and will be impacted by her practical but earnest desire to rightly seek and be transformed in her faith journey. 6 Week Bible Study / Upperclassmen Women’s Bible Study Led by: Ruth Ataide Location: Ruth’s Home Day/Time: Wednesdays, begins Sept. 9 – October 14 / 7 pm This small group study is based on 1 Peter and will focus on questions that pertain to practical living as Christians in the world. Ruth will lead this study at her home located within walking distance fromPLNU. For more info or to sign up for any of these small groups contact Sylvia Cortez at scortez@pointloma.eduor 619/849.2596