Spring 2015 Small Groups

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Sign up for Spring Small Groups today! Click HERE. | Page 1 SPRING 2015 SMALL GROUPS AT TRINITY CHURCH All are welcome to participate in Small Groups at Trinity Church! You can sign up for small groups by going to THIS FORM. The newest offerings are listed first, with the ongoing ones you are welcome to join at any time following. Groups with the BeADisciple.com Tree Logo are online groups available to you. Notice also the Spirituality Type logos (Head, Heart, Soul, Hands and Feet) which appear next to groups or sections. See The Trinity Discipleship Path booklet for more information about spirituality type and how to become more intentional about your discipleship path through our ministries at Trinity. Christ Walk: A 40 Day Spiritual Fitness Program Leader: Nancy Hayes ([email protected]) Four Saturdays: Saturday, April 11, 2014 – 10:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. Turkey Brook Park, Budd Lake, NJ Saturday, April 25, 2014 – 10:00a.m.-1:00p.m. Stephens State Park, Hackettstown, NJ Saturday, May 9, 2014 – 10:00a.m.-1:00p.m. Hacklebarney State Park, Chester, NJ Saturday, May 16, 2014 – 11:00a.m.-2:00p.m. Patriots Path, Chester, NJ (Walk or bicycle) Christ Walk, is a 40-day journey designed for individuals or groups to focus on improving their physical health while also engaging in spiritual and mental reflection and growth. Christ Walk is a 40-day challenge where individuals or groups select different routes in the Bible to challenge them to complete (through walking, running, biking, acts of kindness, etc.) while reading a reflective passage on health and spirituality each day of the journey. Evangelism: How to Love Your Neighbor to Christ – ONLINE COURSE Dates: April 13-May 1 Cost: $40.00 Register at www.BeADisciple.com Each of us is called to share our faith in obedience to the Great Commission. The Second Greatest Commandment (Matthew 22:36-40) tells us to love our neighbors as ourselves and The Great Commission (Matthew 28:16-20) tells us to go and make disciples. By combining these two commandments from our Lord, we are able to share our faith with those around us in a natural way. During this course you’ll learn about ways you can share the Gospel that are both comfortable for you and effective; it is all about sharing the love of Christ by building relationships with those around you and allowing the Holy Spirit to work through you as your relationships progress. This course is for everyone – you don’t have to be a Christian for several years or a seminary trained theologian – God uses ordinary people! You will need the book, The Second Greatest Commandment Meets the Great Commission: How to Love Your Neighbors to Christ, by Nancy Golden, which may be purchased at Nancy’s website. During the course you will learn about why and where you should evangelize and how to go about it, with plenty of examples and encouragement along the way. You should find it very convenient to fit this study into even the busiest of schedules, yet gain the tools you need to approach evangelism with joy and confidence.

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Trinity Church in Hackettstown, NJ, offers a number of online and in-person small groups to help participants grow as disciples and grow in community with others. All are welcome!

Transcript of Spring 2015 Small Groups

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SPRING 2015 SMALL GROUPS AT TRINITY CHURCH All are welcome to participate in Small Groups at Trinity Church! You can sign up for small

groups by going to THIS FORM. The newest offerings are listed first, with the ongoing ones you

are welcome to join at any time following. Groups with the BeADisciple.com Tree Logo are

online groups available to you. Notice also the Spirituality Type logos (Head, Heart, Soul, Hands

and Feet) which appear next to groups or sections. See The Trinity Discipleship Path booklet for

more information about spirituality type and how to become more intentional about your

discipleship path through our ministries at Trinity.

Christ Walk: A 40 Day Spiritual Fitness Program Leader: Nancy Hayes ([email protected]) Four Saturdays:

Saturday, April 11, 2014 – 10:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. Turkey Brook Park, Budd Lake, NJ Saturday, April 25, 2014 – 10:00a.m.-1:00p.m. Stephens State Park, Hackettstown, NJ Saturday, May 9, 2014 – 10:00a.m.-1:00p.m. Hacklebarney State Park, Chester, NJ Saturday, May 16, 2014 – 11:00a.m.-2:00p.m. Patriots Path, Chester, NJ (Walk or bicycle)

Christ Walk, is a 40-day journey designed for individuals or groups to focus on improving their physical health while also engaging in spiritual and mental reflection and growth. Christ Walk is a 40-day challenge where individuals or groups select different routes in the Bible to challenge them to complete (through walking, running, biking, acts of kindness, etc.) while reading a reflective passage on health and spirituality each day of the journey.

Evangelism: How to Love Your Neighbor to Christ – ONLINE COURSE Dates: April 13-May 1 Cost: $40.00 Register at www.BeADisciple.com Each of us is called to share our faith in obedience to the Great Commission. The Second Greatest Commandment (Matthew 22:36-40) tells us to love our neighbors as ourselves and The Great Commission (Matthew 28:16-20) tells us to go and make disciples. By combining these two commandments from our Lord, we are able to share our faith with those around us in a natural way. During this course you’ll learn about ways you can share the Gospel that are both comfortable for you and effective; it is all about sharing the love of Christ by building relationships with those around you and allowing the Holy Spirit to work through you as your relationships progress. This course is for everyone – you don’t have to be a Christian for several years or a seminary trained theologian – God uses ordinary people! You will need the book, The Second Greatest Commandment Meets the Great Commission: How to Love Your Neighbors to Christ, by Nancy Golden, which may be purchased at Nancy’s website. During the course you will learn about why and where you should evangelize and how to go about it, with plenty of examples and encouragement along the way. You should find it very convenient to fit this study into even the busiest of schedules, yet gain the tools you need to approach evangelism with joy and confidence.

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Learning to Pray, Baby Steps – ONLINE COURSE Dates: April 13-May 22 Cost: $40.00 Register at www.BeADisciple.com On the one hand, prayer is so simple that the littlest child can pray. On the other hand, even the most spiritually mature men and women struggle with prayer from time to time. This workshop is designed for the person who wants to review the very basic elements of prayer. The key passage for the course is Luke 11:1-13 where the first disciples asked Jesus to teach them to pray. Like a new born baby has the desire and ability to learn to walk and talk, the same is true for the spiritual life of a Christian. Each of us have the ability to learn how to walk and talk with God spiritually. The six topics we will cover include: 1) Prayer is relationship, 2) Learning to Listen, 3) Learning to Talk, 4) Learning to Walk, 5) Learning to Fall Down and Asking for Help, and 6) Learning to Ask for the Needs of Others. Each week there will be a short video introduction, a select portion of scripture, and three to five page of content to read; followed by a two questions for reflection, and then an invitation to respond each day. The rhythm each week is receive, reflect, respond. The Holy Spirit will be the primary teacher and Rev. Tom Albin, Dean of The Upper Room Ministries, will be the guide.

Life Together in the United Methodist Connection – ONLINE COURSE Dates: April 13-28 Cost: $65.00 Register at www.BeADisciple.com Why does the United Methodist Church do things the way it does? Why is our pastor being reassigned? Why don’t we get to vote on our new pastor? How do we get things done, like renovating our building or starting a new ministry? What are the rules – and why are they the rules? And what does any of this have to do with trying to be a place and a people that embody the Kingdom of God? Both laypeople and clergy are often confused and even frustrated by those questions and more. This class will help newcomers to the U.M.C. get their bearings, and longtime members consider the specific structural challenges the church faces in the 21st Century. Participants must obtain the book, “Polity, Practice and the Mission of the United Methodist Church” by Thomas Edward Frank, which is not included in the course fee. Participants should be prepared to read assignments and post their reflections on the discussion boards daily, but there is no set time to be online. This is an intense course. Participants are strongly urged to get the book and read it before the class starts, to make the class more relaxed and fun.

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Women Speak of God – ONLINE COURSE Dates: April 13-June 8 Cost: $50.00 Register at www.BeADisciple.com This course is not just for women! The workshop is about how Christians in different cultures, different time periods, and different social locations have told their faith stories. Amy Oden, professor of the History of Christianity and Dean of Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington, DC, presents video lectures on six Christian women who wrote about their faith. The workshop explores how we, as members of the Christian family, tell our “family stories.” It also helps us to examine our own faith and to articulate our own experiences of God. Lessons Include:

Perpetua: Rebellious Daughter (2nd century Carthage)

Macrina: Scientist and Pastor (4th century Asia Minor)

Juana Inez de la Cruz: Intellectual in the Kitchen (17th century Mexico)

Susanna Wesley: First Theologian of the Methodists (18th century England)

Jarena Lee: Preaching Pioneer (19th century United States)

Georgia Harkness: Theologian for the People (20th century United States) Each week’s study consists of two weekly readings and three or four video segments (under 10 minutes each) plus online discussion for each video. Participants login at the time of day which works best for each one’s own schedule while still interacting with one another and the facilitator of the course. Plan on roughly 2-6 hours online weekly engaging with the materials and the other students. No live or set meeting times are involved.

Guiding Ourselves to Wellness Leader: Fran Blaskopf, M.S., Clinical Exercise Physiologist ([email protected]) Start Date: Tuesday, April 14, 11:00a.m. – noon Duration: Six weekly sessions (not meeting on May 12) Location: Room 104 This is an invitation to make positive steps to help lead a healthier life, fulfilling Christ’s intent for us. We’ll discuss how small changes can enhance our life and positively effect our ability to carry out our activities of daily living with greater ease. Though this class is designed to address the needs of senior women, women of all ages are invited and will find our discussions lively and relevant!

NOOMA Leader: Bill Anzel ([email protected])

Start Date: Tuesday, April 14, 7:00-8:00p.m.

Duration: Six weekly sessions (not meeting on May 19) Location: Room 104

NOOMA is a series of short films that explore our world from a perspective of

Jesus. NOOMA is an invitation to search, question, and join the discussion. Each week we

will view one of the NOOMA videos followed by a discussion of the “Topic of the Week”.

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Making Sense of the Bible Leader: Deb De Vos ([email protected]) Start date: Wednesday, April 29, 7:00-8:30p.m. Duration: Six weekly sessions Location: Room 104 Adam Hamilton invites us into an honest conversation about the Bible. The book begins with

foundational questions such as, How and when was the Bible written? Who decided which

books made it into the scriptures and why? How literally must we read it? And, Is the Bible

ever wrong? In approachable and inviting language, Hamilton addresses these often

misunderstood biblical themes leading readers to a deeper appreciation of the Bible so that

we might hear God speak through it and find its words to be life-changing and life-giving.

Walk to Emmaus Retreats Leader: Skylands Walk to Emmaus http://www.swte.org or contact Deb De Vos ([email protected]) Dates: Women’s Walk # 42 - April 23-26, 2015

Men’s Walk # 42 - April 16-19, 2015 Location: Sacred Heart Spirituality Center, Newton, NJ The Walk to Emmaus is a spiritual renewal ministry intended to strengthen the local church through the development of Christian disciples and leaders. The program's approach seriously considers the model of Christ's servanthood and encourages Christ's disciples to act in ways appropriate to being "a servant of all." The Walk to Emmaus is truly a transformative experience that will help you grow in your faith and strengthen your commitment to living your life as a Disciple of Christ. Sponsors for the walks are needed. A sponsor must have previously attended a Walk to

Emmaus weekend. Contact Deb De Vos for help finding a sponsor.

Exploring the Labyrinth Leader: Pastor Jenny Smith Walz ([email protected], 908-852-3020) Start Date: Sunday, May 3, 12:30 - 1:30 p.m. Duration: One Session Location: Gather in Trinity House 401 Did you know that Trinity Church has a prayer labyrinth? It is located at the back of our

property near Trinity House, and this workshop will explore the history and use of labyrinths

as a spiritual tool. A labyrinth is a winding, circular path, symbolic of our journey with God.

Labyrinths can be a powerful prayer tool, as they guide us on an inward journey toward God

and an outward journey with God. This is not just a prayer in our minds and hearts, but an

embodied prayer - one that uses our physical being and movements to connect with God.

Dress for the weather! In case of inclement weather we will remain indoors.

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Prayer: Finding the Heart’s True Home – ONLINE COURSE Dates: May 4-June 11 Cost: $45.00 Register at www.BeADisciple.com During this six weeks we will read, practice and reflect on chapters from Richard Foster’s book “Prayer: Finding the Heart’s True Home.” While we won’t cover every chapter there will be opportunity for each of you to veer off the course structure to explore new ways to enter into listening and responding to the heartbeat of God. Students will need to purchase a copy of the book and can do so here.

Interrupted: When Jesus Wrecks Your Comfortable Christianity Leader: Pastor Jenny Smith Walz ([email protected], 908-852-3020)

Start Date: Thursday, May 7 (not meeting on May 28), 7:00-8:30p.m.

Duration: Five weekly sessions Location: The Walz Home / Parsonage, Hackettstown

Interrupted follows the author’s messy journey through life and church and into living on mission. Snatching her from the grip of her consumer life, God began asking her questions like, “What is really the point of My Church? What have I really asked of you?” She was far too busy doing church than being church, even as a pastor’s wife, an author of five Christian books, and a committed believer. She discovered she had missed the point. Christ brought her and her family to a place of living on mission by asking them tough questions, leading them through Scripture, and walking together with them on the path. Interrupted invites readers to take a similar journey.

Hiking God's Creation Leaders: John & Jenny Forestiere ([email protected], 908-328-9215)

Six Sundays: Come to any and join any time. Meet at Trinity at 1:00pm. Hikes will be about 2 1/2

hours once we hit the trail, not including driving time.

Sunday, May 17 - Columbia Trail (start location to be announced)

Sunday, June 28 - Hacklebarney State Park (Long Valley)

Sunday, July 26 - Location TBD

Sunday, August 30 - Location TBD

Sunday, October 11 - Delaware Water Gap

Sunday, November 8 - Location TBD

Have you ever felt connected to God through nature? By exploring God's creation, we can

know Him better. Our goal with this small group is to find new paths by which to further our

spiritual journeys as we explore trails and step away to connect to God through his

creation. We will meet on Sunday afternoons, approximately once a month from May to

November and head to a different hiking location in Northern New Jersey - starting with a

low impact walk through the woods and working up to some more challenging

hikes. Partway through each hike, we will take a break for a group devotion and personal

prayer and reflection in the midst of His creation.

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Community Dinners Coordinator: Bill Anzel ([email protected])

Last Wednesday of Each Month from 5:30-7:00p.m. in Starr Hall

All are welcome to this free monthly meal. Enjoy fellowship with others before group

meetings or rehearsals or just come out to eat. We especially encourage you to invite people

who aren’t already part of Trinity’s congregation. Invite friends, neighbors, those you pass

as you come to the church. If you would like to help with preparation or serving, please

contact Bill.

Trinity Garden Leader: Mary Brigode ([email protected] 304-552-2021)

Start Date: Join Anytime

Duration: Ongoing Location: Garden Area

Through the summer and into the fall, plants will continue to ripen and ready for harvesting

and donating to the Lord’s Pantry to share with those in need in our community. Whether

you are a master gardener or aren’t sure whether you’ve got a green or a black thumb, come

join, learn, grow together as you help bountiful food and flowers grow. We need water-ers,

weed-ers, compost-ers, harvest-ers, and more! We are constantly increasing our accessibility

in the garden. There is now a ramp and there will be a few beds raised high enough that no

bending over will be necessary. “One is nearer God’s heart in a garden than anywhere else

on earth.” –Dorothy Frances Gurney

Facing Financial Struggle: 28 Days of Prayer – ONLINE COURSE Dates: Self-paced – begin any time Cost: $25.00 Register at www.BeADisciple.com Do you worry about money? Are you experiencing a time of particular financial stress? Join author Wessel Bentley on a 28-day prayer journey that will improve your perspective and help you tackle your financial problems. This self-paced* eCourse includes:

daily reading, prayers, and practical advice video messages from Wessel Bentley audio recordings of scripture all content from Wessel’s book Facing Financial Struggle

All of this content is designed to offer insights into these themes: (1) you are not alone, (2) effective planning, (3) living with discipline, and (4) living as a steward. *This course is self-paced which means you may begin this eCourse by enrolling at any time and work through materials at your own pace

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ONGOING GROUPS The following groups meet regularly through the school year, and some meet year-round. You

are welcome to join these any time.

Ongoing HEAD Groups

Adult Bible Study Leader: Anne Caamano 908-852-3545 Meets: Ongoing, Each Sunday, from 9:15-10:30 a.m. Location: 102 Not sure how to juggle your children’s Church School with family worship? Attend bible study the same time they’re in class and then worship as a family at the 10:45 service. This bible study is open to all interested in learning more about God’s Word. This group explores the meaning and application of the message of God’s Good News for us today in various topics, based on the Adult Bible Study curriculum from Cokesbury.

Wednesday Bible Study Leader: Rev. Jenny Smith Walz 908-852-3020x13 [email protected] Meets: Ongoing, Each Wednesday from noon-1:00 p.m. Room: TH400 This mid-day Bible Study explores various topics in short courses of 4-6 weeks at a time. Lively discussion, a supportive group around the table, and a safe place to ask questions and share ideas make this group a great place for you to come explore, whether you are new to bible study or have been involved in many before. At times our studies are topical (prayer, women in the bible), other times we study a book of scripture. You are welcome to join any time.

Men's Bible Study Leaders: Darrell Haytaian ([email protected]) and Pastor Frank Fowler (908-852-3020 [email protected]) Meets: Ongoing, Each Saturday, from 7:00-8:00 p.m. Location: Blue Room We dive into scripture and ask what it means. What does it mean for our world? What does it mean in our lives? There’s always great fellowship and you need not register. Just show up when you can, and we’ll be there. We’ll be exploring books of the bible of interest to the group. You are welcome to join any time.

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High School Bible Study Leaders: Anthony and Cheryl Pami 973-975-5805 [email protected] [email protected] Meets: Ongoing, Each Monday, from 7:00-9:00 p.m. Location: Pami Residence (2 Old Turnpike Rd. Port Murray) Calling all High Schoolers! You are invited to join us every Monday for community, fellowship, a snack or two, and an exploration of God’s story. To date, we’ve explored the Gospel of Mark as well as the books of Ruth and Jonah, and the letters to the Romans and Colossians. Join us for our continued exploration of God’s story. Come as you are whenever you can.

Heath Village Bible Study Leaders: TUMC Clergy 908-852-3020 Meets: Ongoing, 2nd Monday of each month, from 2:00-3:00 p.m. Location: Heath Village Activity Room The clergy of Trinity Church (Frank Fowler, Don Gebhard, Debbie Kauffman, Jenny Smith Walz, and Paul Wells) will be sharing leadership of this study for residents of Heath Village. We come together in faith through scripture, faith sharing, and fellowship. We’ll explore scripture together and see how God speaks to us through it. You are welcome to join any time.

Heritage House Bible Study Leader: Liz Falco Meets: Ongoing, Each Friday from 10:00-11:00 a.m. Location: Heritage House Hackettstown Senior Living Community Join us for scripture study and reflection with the residents of Heritage House. We come together to share our faith, our questions, our prayers. You are welcome to join any time.

Wiseman's Journey Leaders: Claude Buchman and Fred Bormann Meets: Ongoing, 1st Wednesday of each month, from 7:30-9:00 p.m. Location: Trinity House 401 This small group is designed for the Christian male age 50 and above. We will explore topics such as coping with retirement, the male grandparent, preventive medicine, social relationships and other topics of interest for the mature Christian male. You are welcome to join any time.

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Ongoing HEART Groups Sister Share Leaders: Jackie Gebhard (908-813-2835 [email protected]) and Betsy Hart

(908-852- 2643 or [email protected]) Meets: Ongoing, 1st and 3rd Wednesdays, from 7:30-9:00 p.m. Location: Trinity House 403 This year we will be studying New Testament books of the Bible. This Bible study is open to all women! Join us as we explore the Scriptures together and share in the fellowship of our sisters in Christ.

Junior Prayer Shawl Leaders: Ginny Thorp (908-852-3020x17), Pattie Huff (908-852-3020x11) and Debbie Tuxhorn Duration: Ongoing, 2nd Wednesday of each month, 4:30-5:30 p.m. Location: 104 This ministry is intended for young people, age 8 and older, who wish to knit or crochet. Instruction and patterns will be provided. Although person-al items will be made, the ultimate goal will be the creation of a prayer shawl.

Prayer Shawl Daytime Group Leader: Carren Thomas 908-852-7437 Meets: Ongoing, 1st Friday of each month, from 1:00-2:30 p.m. Location: Blue Room Evening Group Leaders: Pat Bristow 908-852-1143 and Lorry Fulton 908-684-9235 Meets: Ongoing, 3rd Monday of each month, from 7:00-8:30 p.m. Location: 104 Heath Village Group Leader: Carren Thomas 908-852-7437 Meets: Ongoing, Bi-monthly, 2nd Friday, from 2:00-3:30 p.m. Location: Heath Village No experience necessary. The purpose of the Prayer Shawl Ministry is to pro-vide a "comfort gift" of care and concern in the form of a hand-crafted shawl for those in need. The group members minister to each other as they knit or crochet these beautiful shawls with love, prayers and blessings. Come and learn!! You are welcome to join anytime.

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Stamping Angels Leader: Wahneta Bears 973-398-9375 or [email protected] Meets: Ongoing, 2nd Tuesday of each month, from 6:30-9:00 p.m. Location: Trinity House 400 Cost: $12 per month for supplies Each participant will make 3-5 cards, one of which will be donated to the military, church or other organization. You will learn different techniques and make cards for all occasions, and fellowship with one another as you create.

Sabbath Basketball Leader: Mike Kratzel Meets: Ongoing, Each Sunday, from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Location: Starr Hall Consider yourself a “baller” or maybe you just need a good run? Come out and join us! We gather, fellowship, play some good, hard and clean “ball,” and then share a prayer. Invite a friend! You are welcome to join at any time.

Thursday Game Group Leaders: Nancy Soleau ([email protected]) and Kay Tillson ([email protected]) Meets: Ongoing, Each Thursday, from 1:30 – 3:30 p.m. Location: Rotunda A new small group is forming for those who would like to share in fellowship with others while playing or learning to play card or board games. These would include mahjongg, canasta, pinochle, or any other game the group would enjoy playing. The group would meet every Thursday afternoon and participation would be whenever you’re able to attend. If you’re interested in participating or have questions, please contact Nancy or Kay.

SPROUTS Leader: Ginny Thorp 908-852-3020 [email protected] Meets: Weekly in blocks of 4-6-week sessions, from 6:30-8:00 p.m. Location: 401 This small group is designed especially for 4th and 5th grade students to support them in their daily lives and to help prepare them for Student Min-istry activities that begin in 6th grade.

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6th & 7th Graders Leader: Anthony Pami 908-852-7437 [email protected] Meets: Weekly in blocks of 6-week sessions, from 6:30-8:00p.m. Location: Varies An (EPIC) 6th & 7th Grade Small Group - this fall, all 6th and 7th graders are invited to be in “faithful fun” and “fellowship” together. We will gather for a series of sessions over the course of three seasons … first in October and November and then in January and February and finally in April and May. Our first season (beginning in October and running for 5 weeks) will include a time of prayer and conversation as well as fun and always some good food too!

High School Boys Group Leaders: John Forestiere 908-328-9020 [email protected], Mark Whittle Meets: Ongoing, 1st and 3rd Wednesday of each month from 7:00-9:00 p.m. Location: Varies All boys in grades 9-12 are cordially invited to join in on the conversation and community. This group is intended for us to grow together, and we will make this small group what you feel you need to get through your week! Join anytime!

G.I.R.L.S. Leaders: Laura Iacampo , Cheryl Pami Meets: Ongoing, Each Tuesday, from 7:00-8:30 p.m. Location: Iacampo Residence All girls in grades 9-12 are cordially invited to join in on the conversation, community and perhaps calamity that is all about being a GIRL! G.I.RL.S. (God in Real-Life Situations) Night is intended for us to grow together, and we will make this small group what you feel you need to get through your week! Join anytime!

United Methodist Women Leaders: Vicki Hoffman, Edna Barrier - 973.426.9420 This organization brings women of the church together to study, to fellow-ship, to serve, and to raise funds for global missions, such as Imagine No Malaria. Watch for various opportunities throughout the year to connect with this group.

United Methodist Men Leader: Fred Bormann Duration: Ongoing, Second Saturday of each month, from 8:00-9:30 a.m. Location: Starr Hall All Men (and Women) are welcome to fellowship together over a delicious breakfast! Each month, different speakers will come and share something they are passionate about, helping you to know more about the speaker or a topic of interest. Throughout the year, the UMM also sponsor a Scout Troup, raise money for one of Trinity’s scholarships, and generally support one another, strengthening the men and fostering community.

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Ongoing SOUL Groups Spiritual Direction Leader: Pat Riegler 908-303-2067 [email protected] Duration: Varies, determined by you and Pat Cost: Varies, determined by you and Pat Take the opportunity to meet with a Spiritual Director! Spiritual Direction is Spiritual Companioning - the Spiritual Director attends to the presence of God with another person who desires a companionship with God. We seek for God at the center of all life experiences through various spiritual disciplines. If you are feeling a nudge to go deeper with God, in prayer, in your spiritual life, spiritual direction is a great way to go. Pat Riegler received her training at Oasis Ministries in Camp Hill, PA and is a Certified Spiritual Director. Feel free to contact Pat to discuss how a personal Spiritual Director can enrich your relationship with God as well as help you navigate your spiritual journey.

Soul of Creativity Leader: Carol Droppa 908-759-0142 [email protected] and Dawn Patterson Meets: Ongoing, Second Wednesday of each month, from 7:00-9:00 p.m. Location: Trinity House 401 Our God is a god of creation. As created beings, we’ve all inherited the ability to create and express ourselves in unique ways. Creative expression can be a means for us to feed our souls, to learn about ourselves, to heal and connect with God in ways that enrich our faith journey. In this group, we’ll create places of personal expression and us our creativity experiments through a variety of art forms to open ourselves to God’s transforming work.

A Time for Prayer Leader: Worship Ministry Team Duration: Ongoing, monthly – Watch bulletin and website for dates Location: Sanctuary This three-hour window for prayer time is held in the sanctuary each month. You are welcome to come and spend as much or as little time as you would like. You might stop by on the way home from work, in between drop-off and pick-up times, or after dinner. By providing scripture, prayer requests, candle light and quiet music, we hope to create an environment that is spirit-filled, and one that welcomes people to spend time in communion with God. All are welcome!

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Centering Prayer Leader: Rev. Jenny Smith Walz 908-852-3020x13 [email protected] Start Date: Tuesday, September 2 10:00 - 11:00 a. m. Duration: Ongoing, Each Tuesday from 10:00-11:00 a.m. Location: Rotunda Want to grow more deeply in your prayer life? Want to create a habit of praying and dwelling in God’s presence? We’ll gather every week to practice the art of Centering Prayer. This is a type of silent prayer through which we learn to experience God’s presence within us, closer than breathing, closer than thinking, closer than consciousness itself. This method of prayer is both a relationship with God and a discipline to foster that relationship. Centering Prayer is not meant to replace other kinds of prayer. Rather, it adds depth of meaning to all prayer and facilitates the movement from more active modes of prayer into a receptive prayer of resting in God. You’re welcome to join at any time. Each week we’ll review the “how” of this type of prayer, engage in it for about twenty minutes, and then reflect as people feel led. Join any time and come as often as you can, but don’t worry if you need to miss.

Prayer 101 Leader: Marilyn Lingard Meets: Ongoing, Each Friday from 2:00-4:00 p.m. Location: Various Homes Offsite Studying the history of revivals in America, we pray for our country, and our political leaders. We pray for Christians all over to be revived and restored. We pray for our personal revival, our Trinity church, its members and cur-rent events. Come as often as you can! You are welcome to join anytime.

Ongoing HANDS AND FEET Groups God in Many Faces / God through Many Lenses Leader: Tammy Bormann Meets: Ongoing, one Sunday a month from 9:00-10:30 a.m. Location: Blue Room This small group will use Scripture, music, the writings of contemporary theologians, and

documentary film, to explore how we see, experience and understand God through our

differing cultural, ethnic and racial lenses. There will be time for prayer, worship and

dialogue. You are welcome to join anytime.

Page 14: Spring 2015 Small Groups

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Fitness Club Leader: Justin Spelling 973-525-8949 Meets: Ongoing, weekly, Wednesdays and Fridays, from 3:00-5:00 p.m. Location: Starr Hall Calling all 6th-12th graders: Come join us for open gym. Fitness, sports, strength training, and encouragement are all included. Let’s get and stay fit together!