| January
12, 2008
Dear Friends in Christ,
During my initial meetings with the search committee
and the Listening Post groups we had in the spring when I first arrived,
many of you shared with me your desire to grow deeper spiritually. You
also told me that you had a great experience with small groups offered
at the church several years ago. In response to your expressed desire
to grow deeper spiritually and experience the rewards of a small, Christian
community, the Deacons, Deaconate, and I invite you to join us on a spiritual
journey for six weeks during the season of Lent (the time of spiritual
preparation before Easter).
Within small group settings, we will be discussing and learning more about
growing closer to Jesus and leading the Christian life. Our discussions
will be based on the best-selling book, The Life You've Always Wanted,
by John Ortberg, Senior Pastor of Menlo Park Presbyterian Church. If you
suspect there is more to Christianity than what you've experienced, you
will find the depth you are seeking as John Ortberg points to a road of
transformation and spiritual vigor that anyone can take.
Many of you have already experienced the power the body of Christ yields
in a small group setting. For some, this may be a new experience. Personally,
I have been part of several Christian small groups. These groups have
helped me to stretch and grow in my faith, held me accountable in my spiritual
walk, and provided support during difficult times. Most of my lifelong
friendships have been born within these small Christian communities. It
is my prayer that each of you will enjoy the blessing of the small Christian
community during the upcoming season of Lent.
The small groups will begin meeting the week of February 3 and conclude
the week of March 9. Due to February school vacation and possible snow
days, we've allowed the week of March 16 as a make-up week for small groups
who lose a week. The gatherings will last between 1 ½ to 2 hours
and include time for refreshments, informal sharing and group prayer.
Groups will be meeting at the church and in people's homes. Each participant
is asked to purchase a $10 participant's guide. The purchase of the actual
book is not necessary to participate, but you are welcome to purchase
it as well. We will have some available for $13. There is no "homework"
to participate but there are optional readings and personal exercises
you may choose to complete.
A list of the groups, with their schedules, is on the back of this letter.
You will have the opportunity to sign up for a small group beginning Sunday,
January 13 in Fellowship Hall during coffee hour. You may also go to our
website and sign up: www.topsfieldchurch.org.
Please prayerfully consider joining us on this Lenten journey. You will
grow closer to Jesus and learn more about the wonderful life that He has
for you.
Peace be with you,
Kathie
· Groups will begin the week of February 3, 2008 and will run
for 6 sessions. (See the notes below for some exceptions.)
· Each group is limited to 10 participants, please sign up early!
· Jackie Cassiday is the signup coordinator. If you have questions,
please call her at 978-887-2402 or send her an email at jacassiday@comcast.net.
| Day and Time |
Group Leader(s) |
Location |
| Sundays 11:15 am |
Lynda Fairbanks Atkins |
Emerson Center |
| Sundays 7:00 pm * |
Steve Moore |
Steve's home |
| Mondays 10:00 am |
Shirley Moser |
Emerson Center |
| Mondays 7:30 pm |
Becky Hathaway |
Emerson Center |
| Tuesdays 1:00 pm |
Sue Denton/Carol Harris |
Emerson Center |
| Wednesdays 7:00 pm ** |
Beccy Knowles |
Emerson Center |
| Wednesdays 7:00 pm ** |
Kathie Rhyne |
Emerson Center |
| Thursdays 10:00 am |
Jackie Cassiday |
Jackie's home |
| Thursdays 7:30 pm |
Mark Balding |
Mark's home |
| Fridays 10:00 am |
Barbara Barnes |
Emerson Center |
| Saturdays 9:00 am |
Steve Whelan |
Emerson Center |
Schedule notes:
* The first session of this Sunday group, on February 3, will be at 4:00
pm. Everyone is invited to stay and watch the Super Bowl afterward!
** These two Wednesday groups will decide either to begin on Wednesday,
February 6 at 8:00 pm after the Ash Wednesday service or on Wednesday,
February 13 at 7:00 pm.
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