GROW GROUPS

What is a Grow Group?

If you are new to the Central community, we have a variety of small groups designed especially for you called Grow Groups. Grow Groups meet weekly for 8-14 weeks, depending on the topic and time of year. They are organized into fall, winter and summer “trimesters,” and are a great way to meet other people as we grow in faith together. We’d love you to join us! Even if you have been here for a while, if you are not currently in a small group, give a Grow Group a try!

Fall 2010 Grow Group Semester:

 What are we studying? This Fall, the Grow Group semester will consist of six areas of study listed below, with a church-wide focus on The Prodigal God. In each of these areas of study, there are at least one, if not multiple groups that meet throughout the week.

1. The Prodigal God – Multiple groups, each day of the week based on the book The Prodigal God by Tim Keller.
2. Discovering Central – Sunday mornings, an opportunity to learn more about Central and step out of the crowd.
3. Alpha – Wednesday evenings, an opportunity to explore the meaning of life in a relaxed, friendly setting.
4. Women on Wednesdays –  Grow Groups for women on Wednesday mornings following The Prodigal God curriculum, as well as other topics (see Grow Group Catalog for full descriptions).
5. Financial Peace University – Various locations and times throughout the week, Biblically based financial teachings guided by DVD teachings by Dave Ramsey, popular national radio personality, best selling author and FPU founder.
6. Men’s Fraternity – Monday evenings at Central, groups designed to help men come together and help strengthen each other

What are my options for groups? There are several groups to choose from that meet at various locations and times throughout the week. For a list of groups in all six areas of study, Click Here.

When and where can I sign up? You can register for any of these Grow Groups for three weeks, beginning Sunday, September 12, through Sunday, September 26 the following three ways:

1. Online, by clicking on this link to the registration form: Register Now
2. At Central on Sunday mornings, at your Grow Group’s table.
3. Completing a registration form and placing it in the offering basket.

Please see below for more information regarding the six areas of Grow Groups this fall semester.

 A Church-Wide, Sermon Based Grow Group Semester Based on: 

The Prodigal God  
By Tim Keller

Various Group Locations and Times throughout the Week

The Prodigal God is a study of the parable of ‘the man who had two sons’ (aka the Prodigal Son).  It is designed for believers as well as seekers and skeptics.  The group will read Timothy's Keller's book through the course of the study, follow a Discussion Guide and DVD each week and discuss in a group setting.  This study can serve both as an introduction to the Christian faith for those unfamiliar with its teachings or who may have been away from them for some time.  It is also for lifelong Christian believers that may need to reconsider the radical nature of the gospel.  So, no matter your age, marital status or spiritual maturity this Prodigal God Grow Group semester is for you! For a semester preview, visit www.theprodigalgod.com.   

Discovering Central

Sunday Mornings, 9 am at Central

Step out of the crowd and meet others as you get to know Central better. Hear how Central got started, what our core values and ministries are, meet the pastors and learn how we are moving with God to reach out to others. We believe each person comes to Central for a purpose that is uniquely their own and we look forward to getting to know you. This is a five-week, class on Sunday mornings at 9a.m. in the Courtyard at Central.  

Alpha

Wednesday Evenings, 6:30 pm at Central

Alpha is an opportunity to explore the meaning of life in a relaxed, friendly setting. The Alpha course usually meets once per week for 10 weeks, and includes a one-day in-house retreat. Each session, people enjoy great food, laughter and learning in a fun and friendly atmosphere where no question about life or God is seen as too simple or too hostile questions like: Is there a God? Why am I here? Where did I come from? Where am I going? Alpha is perfect for those exploring the Christian faith for the first time, for new Christians, or for those who have been around for a while but want to brush up on the basics. It's a fun and non-threatening atmosphere where you can bring people who aren't Christians.  

Women on Wednesdays

Wednesday Mornings, 9:30 am at Central

Women on Wednesdays is a place here at Central where women in our area can come to seek God together, believing that scripture speaks into all areas of our lives as women, no matter what stage of life we may be in.  Whether you're a mother with small kids or pursuing your career, retired with an empty nest or somewhere in between, WOW has something for you. WOW is a welcoming place where women can connect with others in authentic friendship, share their lives and grow in faith together.  Grow groups begin meeting September 22nd.  

Financial Peace University 

Thursday Evenings, 7:00 – 9:00 pm at Central

Sunday Evenings, 6:00 - 8:00 pm in Cockeysville

FPU Classes begin the week of September 12, 2010

 Live Like No One Else!  Financial Peace University is an engaging and empowering, 13-week financial class taught by Dave Ramsey, popular national radio personality, best selling author and FPU founder. This biblically-centered program is designed to help households change the way they view money and debt. FPU will teach you to achieve your financial goals by eliminating debt, saving for the future, and giving like never before.  You will be challenged and motivated to make a plan for your money and change your family tree forever! The goal of Financial Peace University is not just information - but transformation!  Millions have graduated from FPU and have gained an understanding of stewardship, learned how to bust out of debt, save for emergencies, school, retirement and more. Ramsey is engaging, funny and passionate about helping you become debt-free and use wise financial practices. Small groups are designed for encouragement, and accountability, while providing a safe environment to discuss your financial struggles and victories.

Men’s Fraternity

Monday Evenings, at 7:30 pm at Central

Men's Fraternity was designed to help men come together and strengthen each other through weekly sessions that combine biblical teaching and small group interaction. These time-tested resources have been used all over the world to equip men to make their pursuit of noble manhood a lifelong priority. Imagine the transforming power of men coming together within your church and community to honestly examine their lives and take the courageous steps necessary to embrace authentic manhood on a journey to become who God intends them to be. That is the goal of Men's Fraternity. When men connect in life-changing ways, a powerful ripple effect touches families, workplaces, and the church. Deeper connections with God and other men inspire participants to connect more meaningfully in all facets of their lives. They climb beyond the walls of isolation and aspire to a biblical viewpoint marked by integrity, boldness, and compassion. Through this powerful series, men learn to reject passivity, accept responsibility, lead courageously, and expect God's greater reward.

Please keep an eye out for more information regarding the upcoming Winter 2011 Semester. If you have any questions, please contact Sarah Leong Oliver at sarah@centralpc.org.