Groups
Contact Lori at lorib@christmemorial.org or 796-3361 for more information.
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 information 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.
In January each of our Growth Communities will be participating in the church-wide study of the book, My One Word. If you are not currently part of a group but are curious what that experience is like, you can sign-up to be part of a group for just four weeks while we do this study. Click here for more information on the church-wide study.
Sunday Morning Growth Communities
Sunday Growth Communities meet through early-December during the fall session. For the winter session
Sunday Morning Growth Communities begin on January 10 and meet weekly through April or early-May.
Typically, 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. 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.
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.
Open Hearts, Open Hands (OHOH)
Winter / Spring Sessions Cancelled
Normally meets on Sunday mornings
Contact: Janet Rodriguez
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. Open Hearts, Open Hands 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. Due to the pandemic, Open Hearts, Open Hands will not be meeting during the winter / spring sessions.
GAP (Gradually Aging People)
Sunday mornings, 10:30-11:30am
Contact: Laurie Boer
This group includes couples and singles ages 50-60 something. They meet following the first service for fellowship and to discuss the sermon. Due to the pandemic, GAP may not be meeting during the winter session.
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 begin on January 10 and meet weekly through April.
Faith In Action
Sunday nights, 5:45-7:15pm
Fall Session: Began September 20 - following this date, the group will meet monthly on the first and third Sunday.
Dates are October 4 and 18, November 1 and 15, December 6 and 20
Winter Session: Begins January 10 - following this date, the group will meet monthly on the second and fourth Sunday.
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 evenings, 5:45-7pm
Fall Session: Began September 20 - Following this date, the group will meet every other week. Dates are October 4 and 18, November 1, 15 and 29, December 13 and 27
Winter Session: Begins January 10
Contacts: Mel and Bev Assink, Dave and Sally Hoekstra, David and Mary Wierenga, Bob and Marcia Gustavson
Virtual group via Zoom
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
Winter / Spring Sessions Cancelled
Normally meets Sunday nights
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! Due to the pandemic, Prime Time will not be meeting during the winter / spring sessions.
Wednesday Night Growth Community
The Wednesday Growth Community begins in mid-September and meet through early-December during the fall session.
For the winter session, the Wednesday Growth Community begins on January 6 and meets weekly through April.
Typically, child care is available for infants and toddlers and Children’s Ministry opportunities exist for children while parent
or guardian attends the Wednesday night Growth Communities. Due to the pandemic these options may not always be available.
Diners Club
Wednesday nights, 6:30-8pm
Contact: Doris VanKooten
Room 167 in the Adult Wing
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 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.
Contact Lori at lorib@christmemorial.org or 796-3361
for more information or for help getting plugged in
Earthkeepers
Monthly, Second Monday, 7-8:30pm
Meets year-round
Contacts: Al VerSchure and Jen VerHelst
Room 165 in the Adutl Wing
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 nights, 6:30-8:30pm
Meets year-round
Contact: Ruby Kickert
Fireside Cafe, off of the Gathering Place
This group meets together on a regular basis to knit/loom hats for children and adults in need.
Piecemakers Quilters
Tuesday mornings, 10am - Noon
Meets year-round
Contact: Debbie Sanderson
Room 165-166 in the Adult Wing
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. 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 2021. Instead, we are providing an alternative option of mailings* each month related to the following topics:
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January: Practical ways to cope with caregiver burnout and stress. As well as, helpful ways to get through the winter / holiday months
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February: How to re-integrate into social activities safely with our loved one and COVID-19. How to stay safe and sane throughout this COVID season. How to look into in-home help and the differences between Palliative and Hospice Care.
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March: Dementia 101 - What is dementia, how does it affect the brain, how does it affect a person caring for someone?
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April: Grief as a journey - with caregiving it 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 email Melissa at melissal@christmemorial.org or call 796-3346.
During this time frame, 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 for a one-on-one session, please email or call Melissa Langworthy using the contact information listed above. Melissa will connect you with an Evergreen Commons Dementia Support Specialist.
GriefShare
Monday nights, 6:30-8:30pm
Meets January 4-March 29
Facilitators: Barb Reilly and Diane Smith
Room 169 in the Adult Wing
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. You don’t have to go through the grieving process alone. Contact Allie at 796-3367 or allief@christmemorial.org with questions.
Gift of Hope
Monthly, Second and Fourth Mondays, 6-8pm
Meets year-round
Contact: Carole Aardsma
Virtual group via Zoom
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. Contact Rev. Carole Aardsma at 796-3355 or carolea@christmemorial.org with questions.
Healing Hearts - The Hem of His Garment
Tuesday nights, 6-8pm
Meets January 12-March 23
Facilitator: Mary Lorence
Room 160-161 in the Adult Wing
Healing Hearts is a group study that provides a safe place where women can openly share their pain with other women without fear of judgement or condemnation. It is a study of God’s Word that helps bring about healing for women who have suffered loss, sexual abuse, divorce, rape and other trauma. This group is small, consisting of 4 to 5 participants and 2 counselors. The smaller group size allows quality time for each person and their individual needs. If you would like to be part of this group study, contact Mary Lorence at marylo@healinghearts.org or 836-4098 with questions.
Narcotics Anonymous
Monthly, Third Friday, 7-8:30pm
Meets year-round
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 come to our Narcotics Anonymous (NA) 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. 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 evenings, 6-7:30pm
Meets every other week
Contact facilitators for exact dates
Facilitators: Ana Cabrera and Shannon MacKay
For information on corresponding with a prisoner, contact Ana Cabrera or Shannon MacKay
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 support these families. If you would like to sponsor a prisoner or have questions about the PAUL Support Group, contact Ana Cabrera at 212-6572 or acabrera@arrow.com or Shannon MacKay at 277-9064 or mackay7777@yahoo.com.