- Why is Group Life important to FUMCR?
"Group Life gives people an opportunity to deepen their faith and broaden their relationships. I would highly encourage you, if you are not connected, to participate in Group Life."
- Dr. Clayton Oliphint
- What is the difference between Group Life and Sunday School?
- Group Life sessions occur each fall and spring, meeting weekly in groups of 10-16 people for 10-12 weeks. Provided curriculum is sermon-based. Meetings do not take place on Sunday mornings. They may they meet on our campus, in the community, or in group members’ homes. Groups take a break from study between sessions, but often plan social or service activities if the group is continuing.
- Sunday School groups meet year round on Sunday mornings on campus. Group size, leadership style and curriculum varies.
Both are ways for individuals and couples to get connected.
- Is Group Life required?
No. Being a member of a group at FUMCR is not required, but encouraged. All human beings were created to be in relationship (Genesis 2:18). We want you to connect. Whether you join Group Life, Sunday School, or another small group, what is important is that you are part of a group that can know you, support you and encourage you along the journey.
- Can I be part of both Group Life and Sunday School?
Yes, of course you can. At FUMCR we are all encouraged to worship, grow and serve others. Group Life is another way for individuals and couples to connect to others as we grow in our faith, and also participate in a service project over the course of a 10-week period.
- What will we study?
The studies are based on the previous weekend’s sermon. Most of our Small Groups 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.
- When will Groups meet?
Groups meet on various days and nights of the week. A full listing can be found at www.fumcr.com/grouplife.
- What about childcare?
Childcare for newborn to elementary school-aged children is provided for groups that meet here at the church, with prior reservation. Just make an initial reservation at least one week before the group meets for the first time. Then call the church at 972-996-0120 at least 2 business days prior to each subsequent date you need childcare.
- What happens at the end of the session?
Groups, as a whole, decide to either:
- Continue to meet weekly or monthly on their own (we will not provide curriculum) OR
- Take break till next session.
Individuals get to decide, depending on what group has decided:
- Stay with same group OR
- Join another group when next session starts OR
- Take a break from Group Life / Join Sunday School or another Small Group.
- How long are the sessions and breaks between sessions?
Spring Group Life runs Feb-Apr. Fall Group Life runs Sep-Nov. Each session will include new and returning groups.
- How will groups be filled?
Individuals pick the group in which to participate. We have groups that are being led by a diverse group of leaders. Individuals might decide to join a group based on similar life stage with leaders or they may want to join a group based strictly on what day and time works best for them. All registrations are done online through this website.
- Will they always use the sermon based curriculum?
Yes, all new groups will continue to be based upon sermons.
However, each group has the right to pursue other curriculum after they have completed the initial 10 – 12 weeks. For example, if we have a small group of 18 young marrieds meeting and they decide to stay together for the next session, they may choose as a group to do a marriage study in their second session together. We would help them find a curriculum to use. We would also encourage them, at the end of the 6 or 8 week marriage study, to fill the other 4 to 6 weeks with the sermon based material. And they would be treated just like all other groups at the end of the 10- to 12-week period.