Groups
Contact Lori at lorib@christmemorial.org or 796-3361 for more information.
Groups come in all shapes and sizes. Yours might be the group you sit with after church or the one 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).
Below you will see a sampling of groups that already exist at CMC and you are welcome to join at any time: growth communities, connection groups, support groups, and prayer groups. There is also 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 current 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 throughout the summer. All groups are open to new people joining in.
Sunday Morning Growth Communities
Sunday Growth Communities meet through early December during the fall session. For the winter session
Sunday Morning Growth Communities meet weekly through April or early May.
Typically, child care is available for infants and toddlers and Children’s Ministries opportunities are there for children while parents
or guardians attend Sunday morning growth communities. Due to the pandemic these options may not always be available.
Friends In Christ
Sunday mornings, 10:30-11:30am
Contact: Judie Zylman
Meeting simultaneously in-person (Room 167 in the Adult Wing) and as a virtual group via Zoom
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!) They also enjoy times of fellowship in addition to their regular study time.
GAP (Gradually Aging People)
Sunday mornings, 10:15-11:15am
Contact: Laurie Boer
Room 168-169 in the Adult Wing
This group includes couples and singles ages 50-60 something. They meet following the first service for fellowship and to discuss the sermon.
This is Us ~
Adventures In Family
Sunday mornings, 9:30-11am *
(* From 9:30-10am, the lesson will be offered for those that attend worship at second service. The lesson will be repeated from 10:30-11am for those that attend worship at first service. The full group will gather together to meet and pray from 10-10:30am.)
Contacts: Doug and Jane Finn, Ron and Sue Hemmeke, Jeanne Lindell, or Paul and Conni VandeBunte
Meeting simultaneously in-person (Room 165-166 in the Adult Wing) and as a virtual group via Zoom
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.
Sunday Evening Growth Communities
Sunday Growth Communities begin in mid-September and meet through early-December during the fall session.
For the winter session Sunday Growth Communities meet weekly through April.
Faith In Action
Sunday nights, 5:45-7:15pm
Monthly, second and fourth Sundays
Contacts: Rich Herbig and Sherrie Wolthuis
Room 167 in the Adult Wing or virtual group via Zoom
This group’s focus is on studying and working to put their faith into action in our church, our community, our nation, and the world. This faith is based on the study of Scripture, the teachings of Jesus, and the example He was to His disciples as well as to us, His disciples today. The group is a mix of couples and singles who also enjoy times of fellowship. Faith in Action is always open to new people joining them.
Loving God, Loving People
(Based on the Greatest Commandment)
Sunday nights (in recess)
This group will begin meeting again (twice a month) in September
Contacts: Mel and Bev Assink, Dave and Sally Hoekstra, David and Mary Wierenga, Bob and Marcia Gustavson, Mary Lou Bogema
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!
Prime Time
Sunday nights (in recess)
This group will begin meeting again in September
Contact: Paul and Nancy Vryhof
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!
Mid-Week Growth Community
Diners Club
Thursday nights, 6:30-8:00pm
Contact: Doris VanKooten
Room 167 in the Adult Wing or virtual group via Zoom
Diners Club meets for a time of fellowship before Bible study and discussion. Participants represent various ages and backgrounds.
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. 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.
Contact Lori at lorib@christmemorial.org or 796-3361 for more information
Earthkeepers
Monthly, second Monday, 7-8:30pm
Meets year-round
Contacts: Al VerSchure and Jen VerHelst
Room 165 in the Adult Wing
Because the Lord treasures all of His creation, Earthkeepers is committed to its responsible care and restoration both in our community and beyond.
Click here for the Earthkeepers page.
Knitters/Hat Looming Group
Monday nights, 6:30-8:30pm
Meets year-round
Contact: Ruby Kickert
Fireside Cafe, off of the Gathering Place
This group meets on a regular basis to knit/loom hats for children and adults in need.
Piecemakers Quilters
Normally meets Tuesday mornings, 10am - Noon
Meets year-round
Contact: Debbie Sanderson
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-shirts and baby quilts. Proceeds from their work are donated to organizations that help women and children in the greater Holland area. Due to the pandemic, Piecemakers Quilters may not be meeting during the winter / spring sessions.
Dementia Caregiver Support Group
Contact: Melissa Langworthy, CMC Parish Nurse
Facilitator: Alyssa Langejans, Evergreen Commons Caregiver Support Coordinator
Due to the pandemic, the Dementia Caregiver Support group will not be meeting January - April. Instead, we are providing an alternative option of mailings each month related to the following topics:
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March: "Dementia 101" - What is dementia, how does it affect the brain, and how does it affect a person caring for someone?
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April: "Grief as a Journey: - With caregiving, grief isn’t something that just starts once the journey ends, but often it is experienced throughout. What is “ambiguous loss” and how does that affect caring for someone with dementia?
* If you wish to receive these monthly mailings, please contact Melissa Langworthy at melissal@christmemorial.org or 796-3346.
We are also offering the opportunity for individuals with specific concerns or needs to connect one-on-one with an Evergreen Commons Dementia Support Specialist. If you would like to be connected with a specialist, please contactl Melissa Langworthy using the contact information listed above. She will connect you with an Evergreen Commons Dementia Support Specialist.
GriefShare
Facilitators: Barb Reilly and Diane Smith
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 process. Contact Allie Fennema at 796-3367 or allief@christmemorial.org with questions.
Gift of Hope
Meets year-round, monthly, on the Second and Fourth Mondays, 6-7:30pm
This group will resume meeting in person on Monday, May 10
Contact: Pastor Carole Aardsma
Green Room just inside Door D
If you, a family member or friend experiences mental illness, you are invited to be part of this mental health support group. This Bible-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. As a means of support and encouragement a number of speakers have been lined up to come and talk with the group. The Gift of Hope May - December 2021 Speaker Schedule is as follows:
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May 10 Melissa Langworthy - Good Mental Health Habits 2021
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May 24 Jeff Elhart - BE NICE
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June 14 Jane Anderson - Anxiety & Depression
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June 28
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July 12 Jane Anderson - Developing Resiliency
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July 26
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August 9 Jane Anderson - Managing My Emotions
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August 23
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September 13 Cheryl Cnossen, MSW - There's a Hole in My Sidewalk
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September 27 Cheryl Cnossen, MSW - There's a Hole in My Sidewalk
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October 11 Cheryl Cnossen, MSW - There's a Hole in My Sidewalk
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October 25 Cheryl Cnossen, MSW - There's a Hole in My Sidewalk
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November 8 Cheryl Cnossen, MSW - There's a Hole in My Sidewalk
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November 22
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December 13 Christmas Gathering
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December 27 No meeting on this date
The care team at Christ Memorial continues to provide pastoral support for people living with mental illness, their families, and their friends. If you have questions about the Gift of Hope group and/or plan to attend, contact Pastor Carole Aardsma at carolea@christmemorial.org or 796-3355. For your benefit the Christ Memorial website also provides a comprehensive list of area mental health contacts and resources HERE.
Healing Hearts - The Hem of His Garment
Facilitator: Mary Lorence
Healing Hearts is a group study of God’s Word that helps bring about healing for women who have suffered loss, sexual abuse, divorce, rape and other trauma. It provides a safe place where they can openly share their pain with other women without fear of judgement or condemnation. This group is small, consisting of four to five participants and two counselors, allowing quality time for each person and their individual needs. If you would like to be part of this group study, or have questions, contact Mary Lorence at marylo@healinghearts.org or 836-4098.
Narcotics Anonymous
Monthly, third Friday, 7-8:30pm
Meets year-round - Due to the pandemic, meeting plans will be decided month-by-month.
Contact: Lynn White
Green Room, just inside Entrance D
Whether you are struggling with an addiction or you know someone who does, you are welcome to attend our Narcotics Anonymous (NA) open meeting, the third Friday of every month. There is hope and 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. Contact Brandi at 218-6643 or Lynn at lynnw@christmemorial.org with questions.
P.A.U.L. (Prisoners, Abandoned, Unloved and Lonely)
Support Group for Families with Incarcerated Loved Ones
Thursday nights, 6-7:30pm
Due to the pandemic this group is not currently meeting, but letter writing continues and sponsors are always appreciated!
Normally meets every other week
Contact facilitators for exact dates
Facilitator: Ana Cabrera
We cannot control the words and actions of others, but we can control where we turn for comfort and support. We help with letter writing and support so that people can continue to see their loved one in prison. All are welcome to help to support these families. If you would like to become a prisoner pen pal, sponsor a prisoner or if you have questions about the PAUL support group, contact Ana Cabrera at 212-6572 or acabrera@arrow.com.