WINTER /SPRING PROGRAMS 2007/2008 Welcome! | FAQ | How do I find a group ? | Group Description   BRIDGE THE GAP – Small Groups at Churchill Meadows Bridge the Gap is what we call our small groups here at Churchill Meadows Christian Church.  It is a safe place to discover and learn more about yourself, others and God.  It is a place where you can be real, as you learn more about a real God.  It is a great place to belong, weather you are a long-time Christ follower, or if you are just trying to figure it all out.  It is a place where you can develop lasting friendships in a relaxed atmosphere in the comfort of a home.  BRIDGE THE GAP…TO GOD If you are ready to go deeper in your spiritual life, or if you are wanting to discover and learn more about God, then Bridge the Gap small groups is the place for you.  You will have the chance to learn more about what the bible teaches, ask questions and be challenged to put these teachings into practice in your everyday life. BRIDGE THE GAP…TO OTHERS Bridge the Gap is a place to exhale from the busyness of the everyday.  It is a place where you will listen and a place where you can be heard.  Experience the caring hearts of others as you develop your spiritual walk and begin to reach out to others as an act of Christ’s love.       FAQ ARE ALL THE GROUPS THE SAME? No, there are as many different groups as there are different leaders.  Some of the groups offer a stronger emphasis on studying the Bible, while others are more topical.   Some groups get involved in community service.  Read through the group descriptions and feel free to contact the leaders directly to ask more questions about their group.  What if I Can’t Come Every Week? Belonging to a small group means to commit and make it a priority.  However, for some people attending a small group gathering every week is impossible (e.g. shift workers).   Make arrangements with your group leader in advance, so that everyone knows you are still committed to the group even when you are not able to be there.  What if I Don’t Have Transportation? Contact the Director of Small Groups and we will work to find someone in your area that is able to drive you to and from a group. Can I visit more than one group then decide which I want to join ? Yes!   If there are a couple of groups that interest you, visit a time or two and then make your decision as to which one you wan to commit to.  You might end up wanting to join two! What If I Need Childcare? Some of the groups can accommodate children.   Those in the group that require childcare share the cost of hiring a sitter to watch the children in another area of the home.  Will I Be Asked To Pray Out Loud? Everyone is encouraged to grow spiritually to the point of feeling comfortable enough to pray out loud in the group.  However, no one will be asked to pray out loud before they are ready.  In fact, we make a conscious effort not to embarrass anyone in the group in any way. Do I Have to Talk in the Group? Small groups are designed to teach each other by sharing our opinions, ideas and experiences.  However, you will only have to share as much as you are comfortable sharing.  Every thing shared in the group is kept confidential.  If you are shy, take time to warm up and participate when you are ready. HOW DO I FIND A GROUP? Look through the BTG flyer for the list of group descriptions, or go to www.churchillmeadows.org for more details.   There are three considerations in choosing a small group for you.  You might want to choose a group based on a topic that interests you.   If location is a factor, than find a group that is in your area If your schedule is tight, then find a day or time that works for you.  There are groups on almost every evening of the week, and daytime is an option too. If childcare is a concern for you, then chose a group that offers childcare with shared costs.  Next contact the leader of the small group that you would like to check out.  You can contact them via email or by giving them a call.  They can give you any additional details and directions. The third step is to GO!  Expect to find a fun, warm and welcoming group of people that are down to earth and as real as you are.   The leader will be sure to welcome you and introduce you to others in the group.  Our hope is that you enjoy your small group experience and that you will want to return, so the group will work to make you feel comfortable and at home.  WHAT IF I WANT TO JOIN, BUT IT WON’T WORK FOR ME? The best way to build community is in joining a small group that meets weekly in a home.  There is something special about the face-to-face gatherings.   For various reasons, sometimes this just won’t work for some people.  Because of this, we have set up Email Small Groups (E-Groups).  These are groups of no more than 6 people who have discussions via email throughout the week.   This email communication is a way of challenging each other in our spiritual walk, and gives us the opportunity to share prayer requests and insight into each other’s lives.  Joining an E-Group might be an option that will work for you! Contact Wendy Nasson at (905) 542-7492 or email wendy@churchillmeadows.org WHY NOT CHECK IT OUT? Small Groups are not about sitting in a room listening to a preacher teach a message.  It’s not about reading scripture that has a poetic ring to it. .  It’s about digging deeper into the Bible and learning what God has to say to us today, in the 21st century.  It is about applying the messages that we hear and turning our vision outward to the community and world around us.  It is about building life-long authentic relationships where we can make a difference in each other’s lives.  Why not check out a small group and begin building community together.  NEED MORE INFORMATION? If you have further questions, you can contact Wendy Nasson, Director of Small Groups at wendy@churchillmeadow.org or call (905) 542-7492 GROUP DESCRIPTION PROGRAMS Contact: Lead by: After The Rush Danny and Karen Huff When: Wednesday 7:00 – 9:00 PM We all suffer from STRESS these days. After the Rush of the day join us for a relaxing time of fellowship and allow God to teach us to manage our Stress! More Info: Danny and Karen (905) 824-3822 or email ALPHA Andy and Donna Parisien When: Monday 7:30 – 9:30 PM Join this group as we explore the existence of God, the purpose of life, the afterlife, the claims of Jesus and much more. More Info: Andy and Donna (289) 891-9024 or email Circle of Friends Rommel Navarro When: Thursday 7:30 PM - 9:30 PM Join this circle of friends, as we look for ways of strengthening of our faith, renewing our minds, and moulding a grateful heart by trusting completely in God. More Info: Rommel (905) 824-3629 or email CMCC West (Milton) Hunter and Michelle Reid When: Thursday 8:00 – 09:30 PM Socially inclined, competitive and easy-going, we’re all here: learning and sharing life experiences.  We will be reading His Word in Ephesians, to discover what life in God’s family is meant to be. More Info: Hunter or Michelle (905) 878-8882 or email Enquiring Minds Jim and Claudia Tune When: Tuesday: 7:30 – 9:30 PM Come and discover what God and the Bible are all about because enquiring minds want to know! More Info: Jim or Claudia (905) 542-7492 or email Living Truth Peter & Wendy Nasson When: Wednesday 7:30 – 9:30 PM Get to know this group of people of various ages and stages of life.  We’ll watch short and intriguing NOOMA videos and discuss the various life lessons and thoughts, and how they impact our lives today.  Discover truth with us! More Info: Wendy (905) 635-4298 or email Lost & Found Alfred Yau & Rosanna Lai When: Tuesday or Wednesday (TBD) 7:30pm - 9:30pm If you are 20-something, and beginning your career, join us while we search to find balance as we live with life’s demands.  More Info: Alfred (416) 809-9089 or email New Community Stacy and Sharon Tebbutt When: Alternate Tuesday 6:00 - 8:00 PM Do you need energy and refreshment for the race of life?  Run the Race with strength and confidence as we study Philippians.  Kids program too! More Info: Stacy or Sharon (905) 821-9898 or email Raising Teens Karen MacNeil and Greta Smith When: Monday 7:30 – 9:30 PM The teenage years present many interesting adventures and challenges!  Discover the love languages of your teen together as we explore how to relate to our teen children in a positive way that is pleasing to God. More Info: Karen (905) 542-2908 or email or Greta (905) 824-6796 The Morning Glories Ben and Linda Woodruff When: Wednesday 9:00 AM - 11:30 AM Recharge your week while we connect together in friendships and learn what God is teaching us through the series “Everybody’s Normal ‘Til You Get to Know Them” by John Ortberg More Info: Ben and Linda (905) 822-8883 or email