LIFEgroups are becoming an integral part of “doing life” at Horizon Community.  As an expression of our “Family Room” Environment, LIFEgroups are where dynamic ministry will take place as we encourage, support, and challenge one another.  God doesn’t want any of us to be left to walk alone – we need each other.  We want to be a church, not a crowd

A LIFEgroup is made up of 10 - 16 people who meet weekly to study, to share, and to support one another in their Christian lives.  Each group is led by a trained leader and host couple. A typical meeting lasts for an hour and a half, followed by light refreshments.  Some groups choose to also spend some time in singing and worship.

Each LIFEgroup session/quarter lasts 9 to 11 weeks. Basically, we’ve broken the year into quarters or sessions and meet  only during 3 of the 4 quarters. At the end of each quarter, you have the choice of staying in the same group, trying a new group, or taking a break.  Most groups stay together throughout the entire year.  Groups do not meet mid June through August, though some continue to informally or socially through the summer.

The studies are based on the previous weekend’s sermon.  Most of our LIFEgroups are built upon what we call a “Lecture Lab” model.  If you imagine the weekend sermon as a lecture on Christian living, then the group meeting is a lab where you get to roll up your sleeves and discuss how the sermon works out in real life.

Each week’s homework includes Bible passages and questions to study and complete before your meeting.  The homework is included in the Sunday sermon notes inserted in the bulletins. It usually take 20 to 30 minutes to complete the homework.

Joining a LIFEgroup requires a 9 to 11 week commitment to attend the weekly meetings and to do the homework ahead of time. Obviously, allowances are made for sickness, vacation, work conflicts, and other special events...but not much more!  We have found that this commitment is the key to strong relationships and healthy groups.

LIFEgroups are for adults only (exceptions are made for nursing newborns up to six months).  We leave it up to each family to work out their own childcare.  Sometimes it works best for families to share a sitter or to swap childcare with another family whose group meets on a different evening or time.

We suggest you join a group based on your “station in life” rather than on geography or the most convenient night of the week.  We’ve found that a group works best when you share common interests, backgrounds, marital status or similar aged children.  Frankly, sometimes it might take two or three groups before you find the perfect fit.  But don’t worry, you’ll find it!

Church wide signups begin at the start of each new session (in September, January, and March).  You can also sign up before or after any weekend worship service or by calling the church office.  Our LIFEgroup Pastor and staff will be happy to help you find just the right group for you. Those who are new to the church (start attending in the middle of a session) can sign up and join any group that has openings without waiting for the start of a new session.

Our LIFEgroups meet on various days and nights of the week in homes throughout the community.  And a few of them actually meet at the church even though they are called “LIFEgroups!”  This is particularly true of some Special Interest and Recovery Groups.

Some Special Interest groups use a different curriculum for their studies. Their focus can include everything from marriage enrichment materials to Bible study methods, parenting issues or financial freedom.  Other Special Interest groups are bound together by a common station-in-life such as singles, young married, parents of teens, seniors, collegians and other groupings.

Recovery groups provide a safe place for emotional and spiritual healing.  These "Journey to Freedom" groups deal with tough issues, old hurts, broken relationships and destructive patterns within an atmosphere of honesty, acceptance, openness and encouragement. Journey to Freedom is our primary “Recovery” Group. For more information about Journey to Freedom please contact Pastor John at 503.612.6688 or email: jpries@horizonlife.org.

Take a few minutes and check out the different LIFEgroups that are meeting this quarter.

Groups are listed in the LIFEgroup Booklet.

Please review the list of LIFEgroups and select the group you want to join this quarter. Complete registraion form. Drop off your completed sign-up form at church at the LIFEgroup SIGN UP table or the Connection Center. You can also submit your selection online.

Group size is limited and so are the spaces.  (Groups are filled on a “first come, first in” basis.)

LIFEgroups are designed to make it easy for people to get to know each other and build meaningful relationships. That’s why each group has between 10 and 16 people. SPACE IS LIMITED.

Whether you are looking for a new group to join for the first time or a returning veteran, sit back, look through the booklet and know that God wants to work in our life by connecting us with others.

To sign up for a LIFEgroup. Do the following…

• Read the booklet and review the different groups listed.

• Choose a couple of groups that seem to fit you.

• Complete the sign up form

• Drop off the sign-up form at the Connection Center or at the LIFEgroup tables in the lobby register online.

FALL 2009 LIFEgroup “QUICK FACTS”:

•  September 27th is the first week LIFEgroups start meeting

•  The first LIFEgroup meeting includes a “potluck” and an opportunity to meet the people in your group

Need more information about LIFEgroups? Contact
Pastor Roger at 503.612.6688 or rlevasa@horizonlife.org

The number of LIFEgroups are limited.  Our ultimate goal is to have everyone in a LIFEgroup.  We will continue to add new groups each quarter. If the group choices you made have been filled, you will be contacted ASAP. We apologize for any inconvenience and appreciate your patience.