Groups
Groups come in all shapes and sizes. Your group might be the group you sit with after church or the group that gathers at your house on Friday night. Together you laugh and cry, care and share, confide and confess, challenge and support, study and grow, pray and give - all expressions of thinking, loving, serving and living like Jesus. The time, place, and topic of a group may change, but the members are mostly consistent (hopefully with a few new faces here and there).
In the pages that follow you'll see a sampling of groups that already exist here - Growth Communities, Connection Groups, and Support Groups, and Prayer Groups. You are welcome to dive into any of these groups. There is also always the opportunity to gather and start a new group, welcoming in new people and using your gifts to serve and lead in it.
For assistance in starting a new group or for getting connected into a group
contact our Connections Coordinator, Lynn White, at lynnw@christmemorial.org.
Don’t miss out – be part of a group . . .because life is better when lived together!
GROWTH COMMUNITIES
Growth Communities are groups that are larger and more formally established. These are groups of 15-50 people who meet weekly for Bible study, discussion, fellowship, prayer, and service projects. Each group has a teacher/facilitator, a care coordinator, and a mission coordinator. And each group is a recurring adventure into community, faith, and life - thinking, loving and serving like Jesus. Most groups meet regularly through the school year, and less regularly and more informally through the summer. All groups are open to new people joining in.
For more information or for help getting plugged in,
contact Lori Baker at lorib@christmemorial.org or 616.796.3361.
Sunday Morning Growth Communities
Sunday Growth Communities begin in mid-September and meet through early-December during the fall session.
For the winter session most Sunday Growth Communities begin in early to mid-January and meet weekly through April.
Child Care is available for infants and toddlers and Children’s Ministry opportunities
exist for children while parent or guardian attends Sunday morning Growth Communities.
Friends In Christ
Sunday mornings (10:00 - 10:55 AM)
Contact: Judie Zylman
Room 167
Friends in Christ is not age specific and is made up of both couples and singles. This group is highly devoted to studying God’s Word through weekly Bible study. (Bring your Bible when you come!) They also enjoy times of fellowship in addition to their regular study time.
This Is Us ~ Adventures In Family
Sunday mornings (10:00 - 10:55 AM)
Contacts: Doug & Jane Finn, Ron & Sue Hemmeke, Jay & Jeanne Lindell, or Paul & Conni VandeBunte
Room 165-166
This group thinks, loves, and serves together. Thinking - learning to apply God's Word, His love, His grace in our families. Loving - each other, our families, our neighbors; fun, social events, and caring for one another through the joys and challenges of life. Serving - together in our community and our church.
GAP (Gradually Aging People)
Sunday mornings (10:00 - 10:55 AM)
Contact: Laurie Boer
Green Room, just inside Door D
This group includes couples and singles ages 50-60 something. They meet following the first service and discuss the sermon as well as partake in food and fellowship.
Open Hearts, Open Hands (OHOH)
Sunday mornings (10:00 - 10:55 AM)
Contact: Janet Rodriguez
Room 164
Despite differences in age, gender, marital status, life experiences, and length of involvement at Christ Memorial, this group is dedicated to living humble lives of service. OHOH uses Scripture, the preached Word, prayer, and each other’s wise counsel to strengthen their walk with our Lord. Their trust, vulnerability, and genuine care for one another give this group a family feel.
During the winter session, Open Hearts, Open Hands will be watching and discussing John Ortberg’s video-based study The Me I Want to Be: Becoming God’s Best Version of You. If God has a perfect vision for your life, why does spiritual growth seem so difficult? In this study, Ortberg has some intriguing answers to that question, and he has organized his thoughts and God's words into a straightforward and timely guide for living your best life. This study will show how God's perfect vision for you starts with a powerful promise. All those who trust in God “will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit” (Jeremiah 17:7-8). Ortberg urges you to recognize your brokenness, understand that God is the project manager, and follow His directions. The author first helps gauge your spiritual health and measure the gap between where you are now and where God intends you to be. Then he provides detailed tasks and exercises to help you live in the flow of the Spirit, circumventing real-world barriers - pain and sorrow, temptations, self-doubt, sin - to flourish even in a dark and broken world. As you start living in the flow, you will feel: a deeper connection with God, a growing sense of joy, an honest recognition of your brokenness, less fear, more trust, a growing sense of being ‘rooted in love’, and a deeper sense of purpose. God invites you to join Him in crafting an abundant and joy-filled life. The Me I Want to Be shows you how to graciously accept His invitation.
Sunday Evening Growth Communities
Sunday Growth Communities begin in mid-September and meet through early-December during the fall session.
For the winter session most Sunday Growth Communities begin in early to mid-January and meet weekly through April.
Prime Time
Sunday evenings (5:45 - 7:00 PM)
Contact: Paul & Nancy Vryhof
Room 165-166
A fun group of Christ - followers who study, serve, and pray together. This group of believers supports each other in both good and bad times with their prayers, cards and meals as they grow together in Christ’s love. Whether single or married, you are welcome to join the group. Expect good food and good fellowship from this vibrant, caring, and joyful group!
During the winter session, Prime Time will be watching and discussing the video-based study Prophets & Kings: Being in the Culture and Not of It. Part of the That the World May Know Series by Ray VanderLaan with Stephen & Amanda Sorenson, this study focuses in on the question: “Whom shall I serve?” In ancient times, the Hebrews faced that decision daily. The consequences of their choice are the stories that make up the Old Testament. Join us as we explore the turbulent history of Israel’s prophets and kings and learn from their story how to build your own devotion to and trust in God.
Loving God, Loving People
(Based on the Greatest Commandment)
Sunday evenings (5:45 - 7:00 PM)
Meets twice a month: January 12 & 26,
February 9 & 23, and March 8 & 22
Contacts: Bev & Mel Assink, Dave & Sally Hoekstra, David & Mary Wierenga, Bob & Marcia Gustavson
Room 167
Loving God, Loving People is a lively group of singles and couples who seek community and service. At the center of the group is spiritual growth, spending time getting to know each other, and walking the journey of life together. New people are always welcome!
Faith In Action
Sunday evenings (5:45 - 7:15 PM)
Contacts: Rich Herbig & Sherrie Wolthuis
Room 169
This group’s main purpose is trying to put their faith, based on the study of Scripture, into action – both in their daily lives as individuals and as members of the church, our community, nation, and world. The group members are a mix of ages, couples, and singles. They enjoy fun, food, and fellowship during meetings and social events.
Wednesday Evening Growth community
Winter session begins on January 8; meeting weekly through mid-April. Does not meet on Ash Wednesday, February 26.
Child Care is available for infants and toddlers and Children’s Ministry opportunities
exist for children while parent or guardian attends the Wednesday evening Growth Community.
Diners Club
Wednesday evenings (5:15 - 6:45 PM)
Contact: Doris VanKooten
Room 167
Diners Club meets for dinner and a time of fellowship before Bible study / discussion. The group participants represent various ages and backgrounds. Diners Club meets until 6:45 to honor their members who have choir rehearsal.
During the winter session, Diners Club will be studying Something Needs to Change - A Call to Make Your Life Count in a World of Urgent Need. While leading a team on a week-long trek of the Himalayas, bestselling author and pastor David Platt was stunned by the human needs he encountered, an experience so dramatic that it “changed the trajectory of my life.” Meeting a man who'd lost his eye from a simple infection and seeing the faces of girls stolen from their families and trafficked in the cities, along with other unforgettable encounters, opened his eyes to the people behind the statistics and compelled him to wrestle with his assumptions about faith. In this video-based study and discussion, Something Needs to Change, Platt invites us to come along on both the adventure of the trek, as well as the adventure of seeking answers to tough questions like, “Where is God in the middle of suffering?” “What makes my religion any better than someone else's religion?” and “What do I believe about eternal suffering?” Platt has crafted an irresistible message about what it means to give your life for the gospel - to finally stop talking about faith and truly start living it.
Connection Groups
Connection Groups are groups that gather around a specific purpose or mission. This mission may be caring for hurting people, promoting the well being of our planet, or even seeking to create an environment where everyone feels connected in. These groups are meant to be “one of a kind” – meeting the needs of people and participants. Connection Groups meet weekly, monthly, or as often as best serves their purposes. Feel free to visit or join any of the groups listed below.
For more information or for help getting plugged in,
contact Lori at lorib@christmemorial.org or 616.796.3361.
Earthkeepers
Monthly, Second Monday (7:00 – 8:30 PM)
Meets year-round
Contacts: Al VerSchure & Jen VerHelst
Room 166
Because the Lord treasures all of His creation, Earthkeepers is committed to its responsible care and restoration, both in our community and beyond.
Knitters/Hat Looming Group
Monday evenings (6:30 - 8:30 PM)
Meets year-round ▪ Just show up!
Contact: Ruby Kickert
Fireside Cafe
This group meets together on a regular basis to knit/loom hats for children and adults in need.
No More Barriers
Monthly, Third Thursday (9:30 - 11:30 AM)
Meets year-around
Contact: Carole Aardsma
Room 165
You are invited to join the “No More Barriers” team. This team seeks to provide inclusive opportunities while fostering a sense of belonging for all persons living with disabilities and their families, so that they can fully participate in the life of our church. For more information, contact Rev. Carole Aardsma at 616.796.3355 or carolea@christmemorial.org.
Piecemakers Quilters
Tuesday mornings (9:00 AM - Noon)
Meets year-round ▪ Just show up!
Contact: Debbie Sanderson
Room 165-166
In this group women gather together for fellowship as they hand-stitch full-sized quilts they have been commissioned to complete as well as T-shirt and baby quilts. Proceeds from their work are donated to organizations helping women and children in the greater Holland area. Newcomers are always welcome!
SUPPORT Groups
For more information on our support groups or to sign up,
contact Allie Fennema at 616-796-3367 or allief@christmemorial.org.
Dementia Support Group
Monthly, Second Thursday (10:00 - 11:00 AM)
Contact: Melissa Langworthy, CMC Parish Nurse
Facilitator: Alyssa Langejans, Evergreen Commons, Caregiver Support Coordinator
Green Room, just inside Door D
Do you love and/or care for someone with dementia?
If so, please join us!
What is this group all about?
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It is a safe, supportive, confidential environment for sharing feelings, and developing coping skills in a non-judgmental atmosphere.
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It is an opportunity to talk and share with other caregivers who are going through, or have gone through the same experiences, assuring you that you are not alone.
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It is a place to learn coping skills, saving you much “trial and error.”
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It provides encouragement to maintain personal, emotional, physical and spiritual health.
For more information, contact Melissa Langworthy at 616.796.3346 or melissal@christmemorial.org.
Healing Hearts -
The Hem of His Garment
Thursday evenings (6:30 - 8:30 PM)
Meeting April 23 - June 25
Facilitator: Mary Lorence
Room 160-161
This group offers hope and healing to women who have been wounded by their past. Tragedies and afflictions such as sexual abuse, domestic violence, abortion, rape, and catastrophic loss can be prisons of pain and hopelessness. Healing Hearts provides a safe place where women can openly share their pain with other women, without fear of judgement or condemnation. Healing Hearts groups are small, and are led by a Healing Hearts Certified Counselor. We will be using the study material The Hem of His Garment. Do you long to find true healing from past wounds? Please join us! For more information, contact Mary at marylo@healinghearts.org or 616.836.4098.
Narcotics Anonymous
Monthly, Third Friday
(7:30 - 8:30 PM)
Meets year-round ▪ Just show up!
Contact: Lynn White
Green Room, just inside Door D
Whether you are struggling with an addiction or you know someone who does, you are welcome to come to our Narcotics Anonymous Open Meeting, the third Friday of every month. There is hope and there is another way to live! NA provides an opportunity to listen and learn from the stories of those who are living into their recovery through the 12 steps as they express themselves at our meeting and other meetings in our community. Come and benefit from the support this group offers as we daily seek to embrace sobriety. For more information contact Lynn at lynnw@christmemorial.org
Gift of Hope
Monthly, Second and Fourth Mondays (6:00 - 8:30 PM)
Meets year-round ▪ Just show up!
Contact: Carole Aardsma
Green Room, just inside Entrance D
If you or a family member experiences mental illness you are invited to be part of this mental health support group. This biblically-based group is founded on I Peter 1:3 and Philippians 2:1-2. Personal sharing and group encouragement along with speakers offer the gift of hope. For more information, contact Rev. Carole Aardsma at 616.796.3355 or carolea@christmemorial.org.
GriefShare
Monday evenings (6:30 - 8:30 PM)
Meeting January 6 - March 30
Facilitators: Diane Smith, Barb Reilly, Wes Kiel
Room 169
Have you experienced the loss of someone close to you, and are you walking the lonely road of grief? Please join us! In this group, you’ll find a warm and caring environment offering you support and encouragement as you journey through your grief.
P.A.U.L. (Prisoners, Abandoned, Unloved and Lonely) Support Group for Families with Incarcerated Loved Ones
Thursday evenings (6:00 - 7:30 PM)
Remaining fall meeting dates are December 5 and 19.
Winter session begins January 2 and continues with meetings every other week following this date.
Facilitators: Ana Cabrera & Shannon MacKay
Green Room, just inside Door D
We cannot control the words and actions of others, but we can control where we turn for comfort and support. All are welcome to support these families. Questions: Contact Ana Cabrera at 616.212.6572 or acabrera@arrow.com; or Shannon MacKay at 616.277.9064 or mackay7777@yahoo.com.
Women in Difficult Relationships One-on-One Confidential Meetings
Questions: Contact Lynn White at
This opportunity is for women who are in or want to learn more about difficult relationships. We learn things such as what a healthy relationship consists of and what makes it cross the line into toxic or even abusive. One in three women in Christian circles experience abuse at some point in her lifetime, so we look carefully at the topic from a biblical perspective. Along with practical education, you will find encouragement, prayer, support, and tools to help you deal with and heal from difficult relationships. It is very likely what you or someone you know desperately needs is this information and support! Most wish they had known this information and received this type of support long ago! Chera Rizk, an 18-year abusive marriage survivor/thriver offers one-on-one confidential meetings. Do you need someone to walk alongside you or someone you love in a difficult (possibly abusive) relationship? Contact Chera at abusehelpandhope@gmail.com.