L.I.F.E GROUPS
if you are interested in learning more about being in a LIFE group please contact Kim Brandenburg at kimbrandenburg@comcast.net or 610-388-1476.

Who may attend the group?
Anybody you feel would benefit from it. There is always an open seat (or two or three) for friends. You do not need to be a member of UPC. The group is open to anyone and you are encouraged to invite a friend to join with you! A good time to join is in the first or second week of a new study (although a spot is always available).

How long will this group meet?
It’s totally up to the group…once you come to the end of the six week introductory study Beginning Life Together. Most groups meet weekly for at least the first six week study, although every other week can work as well. At the end of the introductory study, each group member may decide if he or she wants to continue on for another study. Groups will be encouraged to intersperse studies of interest with the other Doing Life Together studies…Connecting with God’s Family (Fellowship), Growing to Be Like Christ (Discipleship), Developing Your SHAPE to Serve Others (Ministry), Sharing Your Life Mission Every Day (Evangelism) and Surrendering Your Life for God’s Pleasure (Worship) or other resources. There are plenty of possibilities!

Who is the leader?
Small group materials are wonderful and Beginning Life Together is an excellent place to start because it has a booklet and DVD that will walk you through every step for an effective group. It is strongly recommended that you rotate the job of facilitating your discussions so that everyone’s gifts can emerge and develop. You can share other responsibilities as well, such as bringing refreshments or keeping up with those who missed a meeting. There’s no reason why one or two people need to do everything; in fact sharing ownership of the group will help everyone grow! Materials and guidance will be provided to help you set up the working of your group. You are never alone!

Where do we find new group members?
This can be troubling, especially for new groups that have only a few people or for groups that loose a few people along the way. A good place to start is to pray and ask God who he might encourage you to invite. You can also brainstorm ideas with the people who want to be in the group or who are already in the group. An insert in the bulletin or Lamplighter is also a good way to promote UPC’s LIFE Groups!

How do we handle child care needs in our group?
That is an excellent question and each group will be different. Some suggestions are to include your kids by providing a separate activity for them, have everyone chip in and pay for a babysitter to watch the kids in one room while you do your study in another or have a babysitter watch the kids at one home while adults meet at another. Each group will determine how they want to handle child care if there is a need.

How do we get started?
Become part of our LIFE together! Groups are now meeting.

For more information about getting connected in a LIFE group or to forming your own contact (Kim Brandenburg at 610-388-1476 of kimbrandenburg@comcast.net).

Mom’s LIFE Group
Currently meeting weekly Thurs. Evenings @ 7 PM
Contact Kim Brandenburg at kimbrandenburg@comcast.net or 610-388-1476

FELLOWSHIP MINISTRY TEAM PROJECTED ACTIVITIES
AS OF APRIL 2008

April

• Sun 13th “In-between-services” Coffee (host = M & G)
• Thur 17th CEMT Congregation Q & A (host = CE)

May

• Sat 3rd Victorian Afternoon Tea
• Sun 18th Potluck and Praise
• Sun 25th “In-between-services” Coffee (host = M & O)

June

• Sun 1st Sunday School Staff Appreciation Breakfast
• Sat 7th Strawberry Festival
• Sun 15th “Donuts for Dad” Coffee (host = CE with Youth Group)
• Sun 22nd Potluck and Praise

July

• Nothing scheduled

August

• Sun 24th Picnic at Anson Nixon Park, Kennett Square

September

• Sun 7th Rally Sunday (host = CEMT)
  
  Sun 28th “In-between-services” Coffee (host = Worship)
• Sun TBD Potluck and Praise???

October

• Sun 19th Coffee (host = Personnel)
• Sun TBD Potluck and Praise???
• TBD Dinner

November

• Sun TBD Coffee (host = B & G)
• Sun TBD Potluck and Praise???

December

• Sun TBD Coffee (host = Deacons)
• Sun TBD Potluck and Praise???
• TBD Greening of the Church