SMALL GROUP OPPORTUNITIES AT TRINITY CRC – FALL 2008

Trinity Christian Reformed Church has many opportunities throughout the week for fellowship, Bible Study, prayer, and other activities in small groups. People are welcome to join any of these groups at any point during the year. You may contact individuals listed in each group if you are interested in joining any of the activities. Alternatively, contact Nancy Berns for more information about joining an existing group or organizing a new group.

Monday Night Women’s Small Group: This women's group meets once a month on a night that works best for group members to have a time of fellowship, prayer, and sharing a meal. We welcome women of all ages. Contact Janet Bakker for more information.

Sunday Night Small Group: This group meets in members' homes twice a month on Sunday at 7:30 p.m. for a time of fellowship and discussion based on various topical or Bible studies. Previous studies have included marriage & parenting issues, prayer, priorities, and the book of Romans, and we are always open to new ideas and to newcomers. Contact Jim and Trish Hallihan for more information.

East of Ames Small Group: This group meets in members’ homes about once a month at 7:00 p.m. for Bible study, fellowship, and prayer. Members come from all directions (so are not limited to living east of Ames) and meet when convenient for group members. Contact Adrian and Shirley Ploegstra for more information.

“The Mids”: Are you finding yourself in the middle of life—possibly facing issues like:

• parenting older teens

• having children leave the nest or return home again

• learning how to deal with adult children (with or without spouses and in-laws)

• welcoming grandchildren as well as making decisions about aging parents

• working to keep your marriage strong as you weather major changes and stresses

• thinking more about retirement, finances, travel, volunteering and new hobbies

Feel free to join us on Wednesday, October 1, 7:30-9 p.m. at Bill and Sue Bokhoven’s home (4306 Harrison Circle) for a welcoming discussion and review of possible book resources. Bring your ideas and calendar (we would like to meet twice a month and are open to a different day and time to fit others' needs). Contact Sue Bokhoven for more information.

C.L.O.H (Christian Ladies of Hope): This is a social support group for women of the church who struggle with chronic depression or random bouts of depression. Members’ names will be kept confidential. The meetings will be a combination of discussions, support ideas, and fun in a relaxed social comfort zone. All Christian women are welcome; please feel free to invite friends. We will be meeting once a month, starting Thursday, September 25th, at 7:00 pm, by the fireplace in the fellowship hall. Please contact Mindy Nikkel for more information.

Young Adult Socials: All young adults (college age and up, single or married) are encouraged to join together for fun and fellowship once a month. Activities will vary (movie night, bonfires, bowling, games, etc...) and friends are welcome to join. For more information contact Rachel Johnson, Jenna Vander Veen or Jessica Dykstra.

Couples with Kids: A healthy family starts with a healthy marriage. Healthy marriages take time to build and require quality time together. Need a night without the kids to build your marriage? The structure of this group will vary depending on how many couples are involved. The idea is that several couples would get together to take care of everyone else’s kids and the other couples have the opportunity to spend an evening however they like. The childcare responsibility would be rotated through the couples so that everyone has a chance for a date. Contact Karen De Bruin or Stacy Hertz for more information

UFOs (formerly Fellowship and Crafts): This group meets once a month in the evening in members' homes. Participants bring their own UnFinished Objects (crafts, etc.) to work on, or just come to enjoy the fellowship. Devotions, prayer, and refreshments are also part of the evening. Contact Deb Niehof or Elaine Oftedal for more information.
 

Trinity Outdoors: This group will get people together as weather permits for outdoor activities. Events may include canoeing, fishing, bicycling, basketball, camping, or sledding. Open to people of all ages and interests. Please contact Karen De Bruin for more information.

Game Group: This group is designed to draw people of all age groups and interests for a time of laughter and competition. Group games such as Bunko and Pictionary may be played as well as board games (Settlers of Catan, Monopoly, Scrabble, Sequence, etc.) and card games (Rook, Yukor, Speed, etc.) Playing games always works up an appetite so gamers should bring a snack to share. This group provides an excellent opportunity to bring a friend or invite people new to Trinity and will meet 3-4 times throughout the year. Contact Jason and Karen De Bruin for more information

Summer Softball: Trinity fields a softball team that competes against other churches in the Ames area. The season starts in May and continues through late July. Contact Mark Voss for more information.