"People are longing to rediscover true community. We have had enough of loneliness, independence and competition."
- Jean Vanier
We believe that writer/theologian Jean Vanier is right, but we also recognize that most of us lead somewhat over-scheduled lives...which means a lot of activity, but activity that can translate to a creeping sense of disconnection.
What we’re experiencing reflects something the apostle Paul wrote: God has made us to be a collective “Body” of many parts - and each part needs the other. When we’re not experiencing at least some kind of community, there is a “holy discontentment” that eventually gets out attention. Plus, on a lighter note, Mark Twain wrote, “ To get the full value of joy, you must have someone to divide it with.” We agree with him too.
Vineyard 101/Welcome
We hold these pre-service sessions (or luncheons) roughly once a quarter to welcome those who have recently started attending our Sunday services. We give you the opportunity to ask any questions you have - from accountability structure to theological matters - and we give you a basic introduction to our congregation's mission, vision and values. It’s a great way to accelerate getting to know one another and for newcomers to decide whether and/or how to jump in with both feet.
Click on "Calendar" in the tool bar on the left to see when the next one is scheduled.
HOME/CONNECTION GROUPS
“"Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another - and all the more as we see the Day approaching.” - Hebrews 10:25
We take this New Testament admonition seriously and so we are trying various home groups/connection group formats to see what works best for different people.
Here’is what we’are doing now:
1. Men's "Centurion's" Breakfats
A Saturday morning breakfast group for guys held each week at 7:30 a.m. at the Coffee Break in Clinton (Route 1/Post Road in the center of town). We crank through a spiritually-themed book every 3-4 months.
2. Friday Morning Women's Bible Study
Held every Friday morning from 9-11 following the public school calendar (no school, no meeting). This is a discussion-based format for understanding and applying the Bible.. Babies and pre-schoolers are welcome. Host location rotates from month to month, so speak to Sandy Connolly, Arlene Hristov or Meg Sargent if you're interested.
3. Monday Night for Men
A monthly get-together for ANY guys 18 and up. It's a great place to meet some new folks, and discuss the Bible's take on issues unique to men. No commitmet is required; just come if you can, or bring someone along who's new in town.
(We've taken the summer off
4. Power/4 Groups
These are our ongoing (two years now) experiment with encouraging committed groups of four people (same gender) to meet weekly for a unique combination of mutual support, very simple Bible study, and prayer for one another. It's been a life-saver and life-giver for our original group, so we've been trying to spread the wealth. Speak to John Reichart if this idea intrigues you.
5. Worship/Music Team
All musicians and vocalists, newcomers or those already committed and on Sunday team rotation, stay tuned for a late-September announcement of dates for jams, jobs needed, a new team calendar/schedule, etc.
6. Sr. High Youth Group
Stay tuned for new stuff in the fall of 2010.
7. Outreach teams
You can have some surprising experiences when joining with a team of others to practice the "art of good neighboring." See our Calendar link for updates regarding or free oil changes and events at Boston Terrace, one of Guilford's low-income housing complexes.
For updates and more current schedules on our various groups, click on the “Calendar” link in the toolbar at left.