Groups/Forums Catalog
Summer 2010
At Immanuel, we believe that there are three foundational catalysts for spiritual growth:
The Bible
Mission
Spiritual Friendships
Immanuel Groups, Forums and Communities are designed to help you experience all three to one degree or another. In a Group, Forum or Community you'll be establishing a personal rhythm for reading the Bible, participating in God's mission to a lost and hurting world, and on your weeks off you'll be connecting with an even smaller group to engage in accountable, spiritual friendships.
Where Do You Fit?
We’ve developed a grading system for small groups at Immanuel to help you see what might work for you.
A stands for Anyone – the study material will generally fit a variety of people at different stages of spiritual growth, and the outside work for Group/Forum is on the light side.
B stands for Beginner – the study material will focus on the basics of the Christian faith and/or basic spiritual practices, and the outside work is moderate but very manageable.
C stands for Committed – the study material is designed for people desiring serious tools for living a Christ-centered life. Outside work will vary.
In addition, you can see where you fit in the descriptions below.
A Group member is someone ready to take the next step in his or her spiritual journey with a track best described as Christianity 101. Have you accepted Christ as your Savior and just don’t know what to do next? Do you want to learn more about God and His Word but just don’t know where to begin? Groups will bring you the basics, like learning about spiritual practices, unlocking the Bible in 30 days, and taking the first steps as a disciple of Christ. This track is for Alpha grads and others who are newer in the faith or anyone eager to dig into Christianity. Groups are semester-based.
A Forum member is interested in enhancing his or her personal walk with God, developing spiritual friendships and making a lasting impact for God’s kingdom on earth. Are you a Christ-follower and desire to do more with your faith? Do you want to get involved at Immanuel and meet new people? Forums will allow you to taste and absorb Biblical curriculum as you get to know others who are on the journey with you. The goal is movement toward sharing your faith, community service, and involvement in studying the Bible and experiencing more about spiritual practices. Forums are semester-based.
A Community member is best described as someone eager to kick his or her spiritual life up a notch or two! A Community member desires to lead a Christ-centered life and to be in a small group with others who are doing the same. Communities will give you a place to belong in a group of committed believers who are ready and willing to be used by God to love others as He loves us. They are for those who desire a “family” experience and want to minister and be ministered to at a higher level. Communities require a nine-month commitment. To enquire about Community membership, please contact Kate Demien at katedemien8@hotmail.com or 847-275-7185.
Groups, Forums, & Communities will incorporate elements of outreach, accountability, and prayer to assist you as you grow and mature in Christ.
Group/Forum FAQs
What size are Groups and Forums?
Groups and Forums are limited to 15 participants each. Sign up will be closed as this number is reached. Other Groups/Forums may be opened if needed, but only if Facilitators are available.
How often do Groups and Forums meet?
Groups and Forums meet every other week, but on the alternate weeks, participants will be meeting in smaller groups informally (i.e. at a coffee shop) to discuss 1) what they are learning in the larger group meeting, 2) what they are learning/experiencing in their own, personal time with God and 3) what they would like the other participants to pray for them. Smaller groups will be assigned by the Group/Forum Facilitator at each larger meeting.
Is there a cost to the Group/Forum participants?
The cost for all Groups/Forums is $15 for an individual or $25 for a couple (payable at registration). This covers all materials and books. There is an additional cost for on-site child care, where applicable. If the fees are a problem for you, please see Mark or Kate Demien at the small groups sign-up table after Sunday services until May 30.
In addition to Groups, Forums and Communities, there are a few other places to get into the Word and into a group experience. Keep reading to see a complete listing of all small groups for this semester.
How long is my commitment to a Group or Forum?
Each Group/Forum varies slightly in overall length, but all will meet for between six and seven sessions, so including the alternate smaller group meetings, you can plan for 12 to 14 weeks total.
What about child care?
On-site child care is available for Wednesday morning and Thursday evening Forums that meet at Immanuel. The cost is $10 for the first child, $5 for each additional child, per semester, payable at the first session. For all other Groups and Forums, Child Care Reimbursement forms are available from your Group/Forum Facilitator.
How do I get started?
Sign up for Groups and Forums is available on line at imannuelhome.org. In addition, sign up stations will be open at the back of the gym or at the Info Circle for the three Sundays prior to the start of Groups and Forums. Some exceptions apply.
How to Sign Up for a Summer Group or Forum
Have a debit/credit card handy.
Read the Groups/Forums Catalog Info and FAQs,
…or if you are already familiar with these, scroll down to the Groups/Forums descriptions.
Decide which Group or Forum you wish to register for.
Click on the To Register, Click Here link at the bottom of your Group or Forum choice.
The e-giving/registration page opens (you are not signing up for e-giving by continuing, you are just registering for your Group or Forum choice).
Continue as directed, completing group registration and payment information.
Payment is made at the time of registration.
Groups
All Groups are in session for the Summer 2010 term. Look here for Fall 2010 Groups beginning in September. Any questions should be emailed to Marion Medina at marionm@immanuelhome.org.
Beta
Facilitator: Marion Medina
Location: Gurnee area
When: Wednesdays, 7-9:00pm; beginning June 2;
Description: Beta is a highly experiential study on spiritual practices and basic structure of the Bible. Beta participants learn a variety of ways to pray and to read Scripture. Beta is for anyone who needs help to develop a meaningful, regular, personal time with God. A B
To register, click here.
Beyond
Facilitators: Tom and Jean Stewart
Location: East Waukegan area
When: Beyond will be taking a break for the summer. Please look for Beyond in the September Roots & Shoots catalog.
Description: This Group uses the study Unlock the Bible in 30 Days by Colin S. Smith which examines all of the major themes of the Bible, from Genesis to Revelation, and shows how they all point to Jesus Christ. A B
Follow
Facilitators: Jon and Heather Welsch
Location: TBA
When: Follow will be taking a break for the summer. Please look for Follow in the September Roots & Shoots catalog.
Description: This Group uses an on-line curriculum called Introduction to Discipleship from Bible.org. The goal of this material is to contribute to the discipleship process of newer believers by orienting them to the basic doctrines and ideas of the Christian faith – in other words, this Group will help develop true, informed followers of Jesus Christ. C
Forums
All Forums are in session for the Summer 2010 term. Look here for Fall 2010 Groups beginning in September. Any questions should be emailed to Marion Medina at marionm@immanuelhome.org.
First Place 4 Health - Summer Living
Facilitator: Michelle Sator
Location: Lindenhurst area
When: Thursdays, 7:00-8:30 pm; beginning June 10
Description: First Place 4 Health is a Christ-centered healthy living program. Learn how to lose weight by finding balance in all four areas of your life: emotional, mental, physical, and spiritual. This study focuses on the unique summertime experiences and ways to find balance through it. A
To register, click here.
Loving the Man God Gave You
Facilitator: Trish Teck
Location: Immanuel
When: Thursdays, 6:30-8:00 pm; beginning June 10
Description: This group is for women married to unchurched men. You will receive support and encouragement to live for God as an example of His love and to pray for your husband to join you on the journey in Christ. Along with the Bible, the group will be reading a book called Living with an Unbelieving Husband, by Jeri Odell. A
To register, click here.
A Different Dream: Comfort & Hope Through Infertility
Facilitator\s: Megan Gillaspie
Location: Grayslake area
When: Thursdays, 6:00-7:30pm; beginning June 10
Description: This group for women who desire comfort and support from others who are struggling with infertility while furthering their relationship with God. The group will use the book Water From the Rock: Finding God's Comfort in the Midst of Infertility, written by Becky Garrett, Donna Gibbs, and Phyllis Rabon. A
To register, click here.
Sweeter Than Chocolate! Romans 8
Facilitator: Pam Gillaspie
Romans 8 delivers the heart of biblical theology in one power-packed chapter and answers questions that make all the difference: Where can I find the power to follow God? How do I know God hears my prayers? What does it mean to be called by God? Can I ever be separated fro God's love? Join bible teacher and author Pam Gillaspie for this Precept pilot study. A B C
To register, click here.
Men’s Morning Forum
Facilitators: Dave Sorensen and Doug Leafblad
Location: Immanuel Church
When: Every Tuesdays, 6-7:30am; beginning June 8
Description: Taking Responsibility for Your Life. We all have them. But we don't all take them as seriously as we should. Wouldn't it be great if we all took responsibility for the things we are responsible for? In this four-part DVD driven series, Andy Stanley says it's time to ask the question, Am I taking responbility for my life . . . REALLY? A
To register, click here.
Men's Evening Forum
Facilitators: Dave Sorensen and Doug Leafblad
Location: Immanuel Church
When: Thursdays, 7-8:30 pm; beginning June 1
Description: Taking Responsibility for Your Life. We all have them. But we don't all take them as seriously as we should. Wouldn't it be great if we all took responsibility for the things we are responsible for? In this four-part DVD driven series, Andy Stanley says it's time to ask the question, Am I taking responbility for my life . . . REALLY? A
To register, click here.
Living Prayer
Facilitators: Jan Howes
Location: Immanuel Church
When: Mondays, 9:30-11:30 pm; beginning June 7
Description: Prayer is one of the most glorious privileges given to Christ-Followers, but some haven't even scratched the surface of this spiritual practice. If prayer seems confusing or stale, this six-week adventure, which uses The Workbook for Living Prayer by Maxie Dunham, will make the experience of prayer come alive. A
To register, click here.
Other Opportunities
Alpha
People attend Alpha for a wide variety of reasons. Some want to investigate if God exists or if there is any point to life. Others may have attended church off and on their whole life but never understood the basics of the Christian faith. Everyone comes with the same objective: to determine whether Jesus Christ has nay relevance for their lives. Though Alpha is a larger group experience, participants break off into small groups for discussion at every session.
Please visit the Connections window of the Info Circle or go to immanuelhome.org for more information about Alpha. Registration for Alpha open until Wednesday, February 10. A
The Marriage Course
The Marriage Course is a seven-session course for any married couple, whether your relationship is strong or you are struggling. The course is an opportunity to invest in the future of your relationship. The Marriage Course formula = delicious hors d'oeuvres (including a romantic dessert for two) + practical talks + private couple discussion times. No group work is involved.The Marriage Course is being offered on Friday nights in the lobby of Immanuel Church from September 17 until October 29. A $20.00 registration fee is required to reserve your space in this course. Child care is not provided; however, child care reimbursement is available. Please contact Linda Schultz at lindas@immanuelhome.org or the church office, 847-336-4800 to register. A
Stephen Ministry Training
Leaders: Mike and Cheryl Tanner
Location: Immanuel
When: TBA
If you have a heart of compassion, please consider this vital ministry. If you feel ill-equipped, then you and Moses have a lot in common. But...God still called Moses, and God may be calling you. Any Stephen Minister will assure you that this is one of the best commitment you could ever make. The commitment is ten hours per month for two years. Your life will be changed and God will use you to restore hope in someone else. Cost $50. Please contact Mike or Cheryl Tanner at tanrclan@gmail.com or 847-746-6751. C
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