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 morning groups begin mid-September and meet weekly through mid-December.
Child care is available for infants and toddlers and Children’s Ministries opportunities are
available for children while parents or guardians attend Sunday morning growth communities.
Friends In Christ
Sunday mornings, 10:45-11:45am
Contact: Judie Zylman
Room 167 in the adult wing
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.
Beginning in September, Kevin Klok will be leading Friends in Christ through a discussion titled, Finishing Well and Leaving a Family Legacy. The material is scripture-based and will guide us in practical applications for our lives.
GAP (Gradually Aging People)
Sunday mornings, 10:45-11:45am
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 for fellowship and to discuss the sermon.
This is Us ~ Adventures In Family
Sunday mornings, 10:45-11:45am
Contacts: Doug and Jane Finn, Ron and Sue Hemmeke, Jeanne Lindell, Paul and Conni VandeBunte
Room 165-166 in the adult wing
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.
Beginning in September, This is Us will be watching and discussing Dr. Les Parrott’s video-based study, Love Like That. Let’s be honest. How many times have you fallen short at being a good friend, a wise parent, or a self-giving spouse because you didn't love - truly love - at the highest level? It’s tough. We’re bound to fail. The bar is so high, especially if you aspire to love like Jesus. But it’s not impossible. In this Bible study, Dr. Les Parrott examines Jesus’s life and character traits to give practical definition to what it means to love like Jesus. The Holy Spirit invites us to trade detachment, exclusivity, judgment, fear, and self-concern for mindfulness, approachability, grace, boldness, and self-giving. He empowers us to love like Jesus, and frees us to experience genuine joy.
Sunday Evening Growth Communities
Sunday night groups begin in September and meet through mid-November or early-December.
Faith In Action
Monthly, second and fourth Sundays, 5:45-7:15pm
Begins September 26
Contacts: Rich Herbig and Sherrie Wolthuis
Room 169 in the adult wing
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, seeking peace and justice for all. This faith is based on the study of Jesus’ life and teachings as revealed in Scripture. The group is a mix of singles and couples who also enjoy times of fellowship. Faith in Action is always open and welcoming to new people joining them.
Loving God, Loving People
(Based on the Greatest Commandment)
Monthly, first and third Sundays, 5:45-7pm
Begins September 19
Contacts: Mel and Bev Assink, Mary Lou Bogema, Bob and Marcia Gustavson, Dave and Sally Hoekstra, David and Mary Wierenga
Room 167 in the adult wing
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, 5:45-7pm
Meeting weekly September 19 - November 14
Contact: Paul and Nancy Vryhof
Room 165-166 in the adult wing
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
Child care is available for infants and toddlers and Children’s Ministries opportunities are available
for children while parents or guardians attend Wednesday evening growth communities group or classes.
Diners Club
Wednesday nights, 5:15-6:45pm
Begins September 15
Meets weekly September - early-December (not meeting on November 24)
Contact: Doris VanKooten
Room 167 in the adult wing
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.
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 166 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
Tuesday mornings, 9:30-11:30am
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.
Dementia Caregiver Support Group
Monthly, second Thursday, 3-4pm
Facilitator: Alyssa Langejans, Evergreen Commons Caregiver Support Coordinator
Green Room, just inside Door D
The Dementia Care Giver Support group meets on the second Thursday of the month from 3-4pm in the Green Room, just inside Door D. If you or someone you know has a love one/or care for someone with Dementia, please join us. If you have questions or would like more information, please contact Melissa Langworthy at melissal@christmemorial.org or call 616-796-3346.
-
September 9: How to handle the challenging aspects of Dementia - Common behaviors and aspects in Dementia and what to do in response.
-
October 14: Communication Tips - How to communicate with your loved one, introduce the diagnosis to your family and friends, and how to communicate with health providers.
-
November 11: Preparing for the holidays - Ideas to help make the holidays and winter safe and less stressful.
-
December 9: Confident Caregiving - How to build resiliency and a confidence in caring for your loved one.
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 contact Melissa Langworthy using the contact information listed above. She will connect you with an Evergreen Commons Dementia Support Specialist.
GriefShare
Monday nights, 6:30pm
Meeting September 13 - December 6
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 process. Contact care@christmemorial.org with questions.
Gift of Hope
Monthly, second and fourth Mondays, 6-7:30pm
Meets year-round
Contact care@christmemorial.org
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 September - December 2021 Speaker Schedule is as follows:
-
September 13 Cheryl Cnossen, MSW - There's a Hole in My Sidewalk
-
September 27 Cheryl Cnossen, MSW - There's a Hole in My Sidewalk
-
October 11 Cheryl Cnossen, MSW - There's a Hole in My Sidewalk
-
October 25 Cheryl Cnossen, MSW - There's a Hole in My Sidewalk
-
November 8 Cheryl Cnossen, MSW - There's a Hole in My Sidewalk
-
November 22 To be determined
-
December 13 Christmas Gathering
-
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 care@christmemorial.org. 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. 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
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 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
Monthly, second and fourth Thursdays, 6-7:30pm
Due to the pandemic, call Ana to confirm meeting dates.
Coordinator: Ana Cabrera
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. 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 paulsgroup595@gmail.com.
The mission of P.A.U.L ministry (Prisoners. Abandoned. Unloved. Lonely) is to help transform the lives of men and women behind bars with keeping families and our community close to them during time of incarceration. Our community can give them a second chance and help them find true freedom in Christ.