Northwest Church Small Group Catalog

Fall Quarter 2011

Beginning September 11

Fall Quarter 2011 | Small Group Catalog

A Note from Pastor Will

I encourage you to join a small group this quarter which begins the week of Sunday, September 11, 2011.

Why? I believe that Small Groups are THE on-ramp for newcomers and members alike to grow, to connect

with others, and to find their home here at Northwest Church. I believe that spiritual growth flows from a

commitment to God and the Bible as well as a commitment to significant Christian relationships.

To help develop these relationships, we’re focusing on Small Groups - where

people study God’s Word together and discuss the issues and challenges of life.

Small groups provide a place for celebration in good times, and support and

prayerful concern when life gets hard.

I believe it’s God’s desire that every member of our church is involved in the

Small Group experience.

Pastor Will

Join a small group onJoin a small group onJoin a small group onJoin a small group on

Sundays, August 21 & 28 & September 4, 2011

Quarterly System

Most small groups now run on a 10-12 week quarterly system in the Fall, Winter,

and Spring, and take the Summer off!

Easy On and Off Ramps

You’ll have three Sundays to sign-up for a group that is not yet full. You can sign

up and attend a group during the first three weeks to decide if it’s a good fit for

you. If it’s not, you can look for another group.

How Do I Sign Up?

Go to the South Lawn between services on Sunday, August 21, 28 or

September 4 and CHOOSE YOUR GROUP by filling out and turning in the

registration card. Then your leader will get in touch with you.

42They devoted

themselves to the

apostles' teaching

and to the

fellowship, to the

breaking of bread

and to

prayer...44All the

believers were

together and had

everything in

common.”

Acts 2:42,44

New Quarterly Small Groups Are Forming!New Quarterly Small Groups Are Forming!New Quarterly Small Groups Are Forming!New Quarterly Small Groups Are Forming!


Table of ContentsTable of ContentsTable of ContentsTable of Contents

Sermon-Based Small Groups

These groups study the previous Sunday’s message in greater depth. You’ll roll up your

sleeves and discuss how the message works in real life – in your life!

Singles.................................................................................... Page 4

Married ................................................................................. Page 4

Mixed..................................................................................... Page 5

Special-Interest Small Groups

These groups are either Bible, book, or video studies – on subjects such as finances,

marriage, parenting, support, men’s issues, women’s issues and more.

College & Career................................................................ Page 7

Men......................................................................................... Page 7

Women.................................................................................. Page 11

Mixed..................................................................................... Page 15

Junior & Senior High Classes

Turn this catalog over to find out what’s happening at Northwest for our Youth!

SermonSermonSermonSermon----Based Based Based Based Small Groups


Our SERMON-BASED SMALL GROUPS are listed chronologically (Sunday through Saturday) within the following groupings:

• Singles Group Page 4 • Married Groups Page 4

• Mixed Groups Page 5

#3 MARRIED Sunday @ 5:15PM

Richard and Li have been married 19 years and are both transplants: Richard

from Southern California and Li from China. They both work in education.

Richard enjoys philatelics (stamp collecting), while Li volunteers with the Fresno

Philatelic Society. They have two children. This group shares a simple meal each

week and strives to connect with God and their families.

Maximum Enrollment: 8

Space Available: 4

Richard & Li Mann Married—Sermon-Based

Sunday @ 5:15PM Area of town: 93711

#1 SINGLES Sunday @ 9:30AM

Sonny moved to Fresno from Exeter in 2004, retired from Verizon, works for the

Fresno County Assessor's Office as a computer mapper, and is an avid cyclist.

This singles group enjoys sharing what they learned from the sermon each week,

plus personal concerns and needs. It is convenient to meet on Sunday mornings

since we are already here for church.


Space Available: 5

Sonny Hicks Singles—Sermon-Based Sunday @ 9:30AM

Meets at Northwest Church

#2 MARRIED Sunday @ 1:30PM

Justin & Tahiea have attended Northwest since 2002. Justin is a mechanical

engineer for Patton Air Conditioning and is on the Board of Directors for the

Salvation Army. He is also an Awana Leader. Tahiea is a stay-at-home mom

with three young children. They enjoy riding bikes, jogging and spending time

outside.


Space Available: 2

Justin & Tahiea Fortmeyer Married—Sermon-Based



#4 MARRIED Monday @ 6:45PM

Ryan and Grace Ann have been married since 1992 and have two sons in high

school. Ryan is a contractor who enjoys golf and is our Northwest Church men’s

small group facilitator trainer for Celebrate Recovery. Grace Ann is a stay-at-

home mom who loves to cook. This group is made up of families with grade

school aged children.


Space Available: 4

Ryan & Grace Ann McKinney Married—Sermon-Based Monday @ 6:45PM Area of town: 93722

#5 MARRIED Wednesday @ 6:30PM

This group focuses on God’s Word, developing their relationships, and prayer.

Gary & Leslie have been part of Northwest Church for many years. Gary is a

building contractor and an elder at Northwest while Leslie is on the faculty of

West Hills College and also teaches in their RN Program.


Space Available: 4

Gary & Leslie Catron Married—Sermon-Based Wednesday @ 6:30PM Area of town: 93704

#6 MIXED Thursday @ 7:00PM

Lonnie and Mary have worshiped at Northwest Church since 1982. Lonnie is a

semi-retired, self-employed handyman. Mary is a legal secretary and an avid

photographer. They have been married for 28 years, love to RV, cruise, and

spend time at Disneyland.


Space Available: 2

Lonnie & Mary Yunker Mixed—Sermon-Based Thursday @ 7:00PM Area of town: 93722

#7 MIXED Thursday @ 7:00pm—Bi-Weekly

This group has been together for many years and shares a bond between them

that only God and time can develop. Their goal is to help strengthen their walk

with God through study and application of His Word. Bob and Marge were

married in 1956 and have been at Northwest Church since 1989.


Space Available: 1

Bob & Marge Schumacher Mixed—Sermon-Based Thursday @ 7:00PM Area of town: 93726


Special Interest Special Interest Special Interest Special Interest Small Groups

Our SPECIAL-INTEREST SMALL GROUPS provide an alternative to sermon based studies. On the following pages you’ll find a variety of groups covering a broad range of topics.

They are listed chronologically (Sunday through Saturday) within the following groupings:

• College & Career Group Page 7

• Men’s Groups Page 7

• Women’s Groups Page 11

• Mixed Groups Page 15


#9 MEN Tuesday @ 7:00PM—Bi-Weekly

This is a Christian Law Enforcement small group for men. The study topics vary

but are related to being a Christian cop. Those currently employed or retired

from law enforcement are welcome to attend this bi-weekly small group.


Space Available: 4

John Reynolds Men—Courageous Study Tuesday @ 7:00PM

Bi-Weekly Area of town: 93711

Northwest Support Ministry

#10 MEN Wednesday @ 7:30PM

This men’s group in the 30-40 age bracket get together to talk about life and

Jesus. Richard has been attending Northwest since 2002. He is involved in real

estate and is an animal lover, especially the Chicago “Cubs.” He also enjoys

video games including Xbox and Wii.


Space Available: 2

Richard Kenworthy Men—Galatians

Wednesday @ 7:30PM Area of town: Various

#8 COLLEGE & CAREER Sundays @ 6:30PM At College & Career we’ll seek God through reading the Bible, conversation and

worship as we discover God’s exciting purpose for our lives. We’ll meet in a

large group for worship and teaching then break into small groups for discussion.

Ryan is studying at Fresno Pacific Biblical Seminary. He loves to read the Bible

and ask hard questions. Rachel has been at Northwest Church since 2002 and is a senior at Fresno Pacific University. She is part of their cross country, track and

student government teams. Space Is Available! Ryan Mejia & Rachel Boyd



The Men’s HUDDLE Join Pastor Will Stoll on Thursday mornings for an in-depth study of the book of 1 Corinthians. After the teaching we break into small groups to dig deeper and apply the lesson to our lives.

#11 MEN Thursday @ 6:00AM

This group is made up of men who enjoy NASCAR racing, power boats and

Christian Nashville music. Mike is a general contractor, architect and former

NWC choir member who likes the ocean.


Space Available: 1

Mike Anderson Men—THE HUDDLE 1st Corinthians

Thursday @ 6:00AM Meets at Northwest Church

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uddle


Ed has been at Northwest since 1978, is a retired civil engineer, and owns two

local assisted living facilities in Sanger—Grace Gardens and Grace Meadows.

Ed enjoys 4-wheeling in the desert.


Space Available: 1

Ed Dunkel Men—THE HUDDLE 1st Corinthians



Rob serves in our Awana Program and on our parking crew. He is self employed

and has worked as a dental technician since 1974. Rob and his wife Sandy have

made Northwest their church home since 1985.


Space Available: 2

Rob Bausman Men—THE HUDDLE 1st Corinthians


The H

uddle

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Ryan is our newest Northwest Church Pastoral Intern. He has a B.A. in

Marketing and is currently studying at Fresno Pacific Biblical Seminary. Ryan

enjoys basketball, playing the drums, and video games when he finds time. He

also loves to read the Bible and ask hard questions.


Space Available: 7

Ryan Mejia Men—THE HUDDLE 1st Corinthians



Tom has been at Northwest since 1970 and is a registered investment advisor.

He is a veteran and is currently active in the Senior Track & Field Olympics.

Tom enjoys baseball and playing with his grandchildren.


Space Available: 2

Tom Marsella Men—THE HUDDLE 1st Corinthians



Gerry has been at Northwest Church since 1998 and is supposed to be retired.

This San Francisco Giants fan was formerly in the bathroom refinishing business

and currently works for Stephens & Bean Funeral Chapel.


Space Available: 2

Gerry Hayes Men—THE HUDDLE 1st Corinthians



Hector has been at Northwest Church since 2008 and works in special education

for the Fresno County Office of Education. He enjoys fishing and spending time

with his family at the beach.


Space Available: 3

Hector Romero Men—THE HUDDLE 1st Corinthians


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uddle

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#19 MEN Friday @ 6:00AM

Bill has retired from the dental profession and enjoys working in his garden and

creating metal art designs. He also enjoys NASCAR racing and the LA Lakers.

Bill has been at Northwest since 1985. The men in this group help each other

meet the challenges of their Christian walk.


Space Available: 1

Bill Watters Men—1st Corinthians Friday @ 6:00AM

Area of town: 93711

#18 MEN Thursday @ 6:30PM

Celebrate Recovery - Learn to identify and share what’s really going on in your life – the stresses, insecurities, struggles & hurts. Come by yourself, bring a friend, or bring your family – there’s something for everyone! Large Group 6:30PM: Worship through music, followed by a testimony or message. Small Group 7:30PM: Gender-specific and confidential, guidelines encourage productive and meaningful sharing. First-time visitors meet in G101. Men’s Small Groups: Hurts, Habits and Hang-ups; Codependency; Purity; Substance Abuse. (For Women’s groups see #36) Space Is Available!

CELEBRATE RECOVERY Men

Thursday @ 6:30PM Meets at Northwest Church


This men’s Friday morning small group is made up of men with a recovery

background who hold each other accountable. Mark has been at Northwest

Church since 1996, enjoys camping, focusing on raising healthy kids, and has

been a Boy Scouts Chartered Representative since 2005.


Space Available: 2

Mark Ringer Men—Acts

Friday @ 6:00AM Meets at Northwest Church


This group has been meeting every Friday morning for many years. Rick is a

semi-retired civil engineer currently working for a local home builder. He is

involved in missions and is a marathon runner. Rick has been at Northwest since

2001.


Space Available: 2

Rick Heyman Men—1st Corinthians Friday @ 6:00AM

Area of town: 93711


#22 MEN Saturday @ 7:00AM

The goal of this group is to help men strengthen their walk with God through

study and application of His Word. Oscar has been at Northwest since 1977 and

is a retired government employee. He enjoys camping with his family and shows

registered short-horn cattle with his sons during the summer.


Space Available: 2

Oscar Gipe Men—Joseph

Saturday @ 7:00AM Meets at Northwest Church

#23 WOMEN Sunday @ 9:30AM

This women’s group for all ages meets during the 9:30 hour on Sunday morning

and studies Knowing God by Name: A Personal Encounter with God by Mary

Kassian. The purpose of this group is to know God better and trust Him

completely. There is a $14.00 book fee. Sharon has taught many women’s

classes since coming to Northwest in 1997. She is the grandmother of five wonderful grandchildren and loves the ocean.


Space Available: 8

Sharon Soghmonian Women

Knowing God By Name Sunday @ 9:30AM




#26 WOMEN Monday @ 6:30PM—2nd & 4th

Do you sometimes feel you don’t deserve the title “Super Mom?” Check out our

bi-weekly small group where we find encouragement and fellowship as we share

in this journey called motherhood! We have devotions, guest speakers, crafts, and

just time to just share. We also have a Mentor Mom who encourages us as she

comes alongside with advice and helpful tips. All ages and stages are welcome. Childcare is provided up to age 8 upon request.


Space Available: 9

Kara Berwith Women—Super Moms

2nd & 4th Monday @ 6:30PM


#24 WOMEN Monday @ 6:30PM—1st & 3rd

Denise is our Northwest Church Women’s Director. After studying Esther—It’s

Tough Being A Woman, we break into small groups to discuss homework, pray

and share. There is an $18.00 book fee. This is a bi-weekly group.


Space Available: 5

Denise Baronian Women—Women of Worth

1st & 3rd Monday @ 6:00PM


#25 WOMEN Monday @ 6:30PM—1st & 3rd

Cheryl has been at Northwest Church since 1985. She is an educator in a

transitional middle school with Central Unified and an empty nester. After

studying Esther—It’s Tough Being A Woman, we break into small groups to

discuss homework, pray and share. There is an $18.00 book fee. This is a bi-

weekly group.


Space Available: 9

Cheryl Fowlkes Women—Women of Worth

1st & 3rd Monday @ 6:00PM


Women of Worth

Esther—It’s Tough Being A Woman by Beth Moore

This is an in-depth and very personal examination of Esther; a story of threat and deliverance. If you’ve ever felt inadequate, threatened, or pushed into situations that seemed overpowering this is the study for you. The story of Esther can help us with our hurried, harried, and pressured lives today. In our first class you can purchase the book for $18.00.

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#30 WOMEN First Tuesday @ 6:45PM

Are you thinking about or already home schooling? This support group will

encourage and help you with co-ops and field trips as we join together in this

journey of educating our children. Moms meet once a month but there will be

many events for the whole family. Childcare is not provided.


Space Available: 9

Kara Berwith Women—Mom’s Home Schooling Support

First Tuesday @ 6:45PM Area of town: 93711

#28 WOMEN Tuesday @ 9:30AM—Bi-Weekly

This unique group is for any woman with the gift of visiting shut-ins who have

asked for someone to come by their home or facility. Please consider joining this

group if you want to bless other women who need attention and care. This group

meets bi-weekly.


Space Available: 12

Debbie Lindeman Women—Shut-In Visitation

Tuesday @ 9:30AM Bi-Weekly

Area of town: Various

#27 WOMEN Tuesday @ 9:30AM

Julie played softball and basketball in college and has been at Northwest Church

since 2004. Julie and her husband Paul love to take their two sons to the ocean &

amusement parks in San Diego. This two-quarter (fall & winter) group will help

you “get real” with God and yourself, and to know God’s revealing, healing

power.


Space Available: 25

Julie Mavrogeorge Women—Be Ye Transformed

Tuesday @ 9:30AM Area of town: 93711

#29 WOMEN Tuesday @ 10:30AM

Marilyn has attended Northwest since 2007. She is a widow with grown children,

grandchildren and a toy poodle. Marilyn is a retired school teacher who loves art, music, entertaining and traveling. She also teaches art to children in her home.

There is a $20.00 book fee for this Beth Moore study.


Space Available: 5

Marilyn Lambert Women

David by Beth Moore Tuesday @ 10:30AM Area of town: 93711



#31 WOMEN Tuesday @ 7:00PM

Rauna has been at Northwest Church since 1992 and has been married to Mike

since 1977. She has been involved in Women’s Ministry and volunteers

whenever she can. This small group, lasting two-quarters, will study the

attributes of God and is for the serious Bible student. There is an $18 book fee

and homework each week.


Space Available: 9

Rauna Sarno Women—To Know Him Is To Love & Praise Him Tuesday @ 7:00PM Area of town: 93722

#34 WOMEN First Wednesday @ 7:30PM

This group meets at Evangel Home the first Wednesday of each month where

they sing hymns, conduct a Bible study and share testimonies. They also

celebrate monthly birthdays. Evangel Home is a shelter for homeless women and

children in Fresno. Barbara has been at Northwest church since 1975, is a retired

nurse and a prayer warrior.


Space Available: 5

Barbara Parker Women—Sing & Share

1st Wednesday @ 7:30PM Area of town: 93701

#32 WOMEN Wednesday @ Noon

Marilyn has been at Northwest Church since 1977 and is a retired school teacher

who enjoys knitting. This group of active ladies is studying The Power of a

Praying Woman by Stormie Omartian. They welcome being caught in the

middle as they pray for each other, their families and life events.


Space Available: 2

Marilyn Claverie Women

Caught In The Middle Wednesday @ Noon


#33 WOMEN Wednesday @ 6:00PM

Monica works at SCCCD Madera Center as the coordinator of the Federal

College Prep Program and recently completed her doctorate degree in

Educational Leadership at FSU. This small group is for working women ages

30-50 and the focus will be on how the Lord uses us in our professions as we

serve Him. We will be using the book God is My CEO. There is a $12.00 book fee.


Space Available: 5

Monica Nolasco Women

Professional Women Wednesday @ 6:00PM Area of town: 93704


#36 WOMEN Thursday @ 6:30PM

Celebrate Recovery - Learn to identify and share what’s really going on in your life – the stresses, insecurities, struggles & hurts. Come by yourself, bring a friend, or bring your family – there’s something for everyone! Large Group 6:30PM: Worship through music, followed by a testimony or message. Small Group 7:30PM: Gender-specific and confidential, guidelines encourage productive and meaningful sharing. First-time visitors meet in G101. Women’s Small Groups: Hurts, Habits and Hang-ups; Codependency; Codependency & Abuse; Substance Abuse; Anger. (For Men’s groups see #18) Space Is Available!

CELEBRATE RECOVERY WOMEN

Thursday @ 6:30PM Meets at Northwest Church

#35 WOMEN Second Thursday @ 11:15AM

JoAnn was the assistant to the Chief Public Health Dental Officer on the Island

of Guam and is currently a volunteer Chaplin’s Aid for Children’s Hospital

Central California. This small group for widows offers a way to connect with

each other in a safe environment while enjoying fellowship through social

outings.


Space Available: 3

JoAnn Miller Women

Friendly Connections 2nd Thursday @ 11:15AM Meets at Northwest Church

#37 WOMEN Friday @ 9:30AM

This group called “Mending Hearts” is a place where young mothers, retired

ladies and anyone in between become close friends and provide prayer support

for one another. Child care is available upon request. Kathleen is a retired

elementary school teacher who has been part of our Northwest Spirit Choir since

1996.


Space Available: 3

Kathleen Stevens-Galpin Women—A Woman of

Contentment Friday @ 9:30AM


#38 MIXED Sunday @ 2:30PM—3rd & 5th

This Broadcast Praise Singers group meets the 3rd and 5th Sunday of each month

to visit retirement, assisted living and senior citizen facilities where they sing old

church hymns and broadcast seed. Everyone sings along and enjoys the

inspirational lyrics and melodies of these beautiful old hymns. Children are

welcomed as seniors love them. David has been part of our music team at Northwest since 1981.


Space Available: 4

David Wolrath Mixed—Singers

3rd & 5th Sunday @ 2:30PM

Area of town: Various



#39 MIXED Sunday @ 7:00PM

Jon and Marianne have been at Northwest Church since 2004. Jon has worked as

a federal employee for over twenty years, enjoys playing the guitar and is a

Cincinnati Reds fan. Marianne enjoys reading, crocheting and singing. They

have four children ages 3 through 10 years.


Space Available: 4

Jon & Marianne Spearman Mixed—Effective Parent-ing in a Defective World


#40 MIXED Monday @ Noon

This prayer group meets every Monday at 12 Noon to pray for our church family,

city, state, nation and world. Many come during their lunch hour to petition our

Heavenly Father on behalf of others. Barbara, a retired nurse, is a prayer warrior

with a heart to pray for others.

Space Is Available!

Barbara Parker Mixed—Prayer Group

Monday @ Noon Meets at Northwest Church

#42 MIXED—Grief Share Monday @ 6:30PM

This weekly support group and seminar is conducted for people grieving the loss

of someone close.

Space Is Available!

Grief Share Mixed

Led by Maggie Ratliff Monday @ 6:30PM


#41 MIXED—Divorce Care Monday @ 6:30PM

This weekly support group and seminar is conducted by people who understand

what adults experience when they go through a divorce.

Space Is Available!

Divorce Care Mixed

Led by Barbara Parker Monday @ 6:30PM





#45 MIXED First Saturday @ 8:00AM

Join us for corporate prayer for our Northwest Church family. These prayer

warriors walk the perimeter of our campus going into classrooms and offices

praying for God’s Spirit to protect and give power in the Name of Jesus as our

church proclaims Him from the corner of West & Barstow. This group meets the

first Saturday of each month.

Space Is Available!

Barbara Parker Mixed—Gatekeepers

First Saturday @ 8:00AM Meets at Northwest Church

#44 MIXED Thursday @ 7:00PM

This group of retired friends has been meeting together for many years. While

not a serious study group, they have a great time each week caring for each other,

spending time in God’s Word, and praying together. There’s always room for

more!


Space Available: 4

Gerry & Bettie Hayes Mixed—Joseph by David

Jeremiah Thursday @ 7:00PM Area of town: 93705

#43 MIXED Wednesday @ 7:30PM

This multi-generational gathering of couples with kids and singles is nicknamed

the “Sugar Group.” They have been together for over 20 years! They all enjoy

dinner at 6:00PM then group at 7:30PM. Virgil & Lois have been at Northwest

since 1977 and have two grown sons and four grandchildren. Virgil is retired and

Lois works as an anesthetist.


Space Available: 2

Virgil & Lois Swearingen Mixed—America’s Godly

Christian Heritage Wednesday @ 7:30PM Area of town: Various

F L I P T O R E A D

Northwest Church Small Group Catalog

Documents

Transcript of Northwest Church Small Group Catalog