Small Groups

To truly experience connecting with fellow believers, everyone is encouraged to join a small group. There are several groups within our congregation that meet on a regular basis outside of church, usually in someone's home. Life change often happens in circles rather than rows!

 

There are groups for high school age, college age, adults and couples that include Bible study, fellowship and praying for each other. To find a care group that's right for you, contact Pastor Dan.

 

Why join a small group?

• To learn and grow

• To connect with new people on a deeper level

• To feel cared for and supported

• To encourage others' spiritual journeys

 

Women's Bible Study

On Mondays

5:45-8:00pm in the Church Library
This group meets on Monday evenings year-round for a time of fellowship, study and prayer. This group strives to deepen each member's relationship with Jesus and each other. Led by Judy Thompson.

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Monday Night Young Adult Group

On Mondays

7:00-9:00pm
If you are a young adult or in high school, then you are invited to Pastor Dan’s house every Monday night. We hang out, talk, pray, discuss the Bible, eat snacks, and play card or board games. If you would like more info about this group, please contact Pastor Dan Colthorp at (269) 369-8475. 

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Prayer Group - NEW!

On Tuesdays

11:00am in the Church Library

Carol Britton will be leading this new Prayer Group that will meet every Tuesday. They will spend 20 minutes praying for the church, and 20 minutes praying for the community and our world. 

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Women's Wednesday Noon Study

On Wednesdays - will resume in September

12:00-1:00pm ONLINE
This is the perfect study for busy women's schedules. This weekly hour for group Bible study can make all the difference. This group typically meets via Zoom during the school calendar year. No homework!  Led by Lorie Kraus. Contact Lorie or the church office to get a book and a link for the online study.

 

The Young & the Rest of Us

On Wednesdays

7:00 pm in the Youth Center 

This care group (aka Y&R) is intended for those in their 20’s and 30’s who are looking for Bible Study and fellowship. Will Flaherty and Savannah Tucker lead the group. The group studies and discusses a book of the Bible, other books with Christian topics, or watches Christian-themed movies or series. The group lifts up concerns and praises in prayer.  There is always a get-to-know you time; it may be playing sand volleyball or cards, taking on team trivia nights, or going out to eat or to a special event together.  In the summer months Y&R meets at Silver Beach at picnic tables between the bathrooms and Shadowland Pavilion on the parking lot side.  Join Y&R and make some new friends!

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Women's Bible Study

On Thursdays Sept - May

9:30-10:30am in the Church Parlor

Women of all ages are welcome to join. For more information, please contact  study leader Barb Petzke.

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Men's Breakfast Group & Bible Study

On Saturdays 

9:00-10:30am in Fellowship Hall
The St. Joe First UMC Men's group invites all men to join them for Saturday breakfast where the coffee is always hot, the food is great and the Christian fellowship is thriving! Every Saturday a group of men come together to laugh, eat and enjoy good Christian fellowship. They talk about everything including sports, world news and what's going on in their lives; and yet each week they have some deep and inspirational discussions during their Bible study time under the leadership of Bill Funk and Scott Wagner.

The group is based on the biblical purposes stated in Hebrews 10:24-25. They take turns providing breakfast, which includes everything from bakery-runs to full breakfasts cooked in our church's kitchen. At the breakfasts the men make plans to help those of the church family who have filled out "Job Jar" request cards. The schedule is strict starting at 9:00 and ending by 10:30, so members have the rest of the Saturday to go about their business. No RSVP needed!

 

Sunday Connection Group 

10:20am  Hybrid class

Adult Class led by Bill Funk.  This group will meet in person every Sunday at 10:20 AM in Room 307, but you can also join it virtually through Zoom.  If you need the link, please contact the church office and we will send it to you.

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Sports & Events

This ministry is coordinated by Ryan Tucker and includes the church softball team (Thursday evenings in the summer), basketball group (Tuesdays, 5:30pm at Lincoln Twp Park, May-Sept), bowling nights, golf outings, and organized sporting events like South Bend Cubs games, K-Wings hockey games, and college basketball games close by.  

 

More Groups for Adults

Sewing Ministry

Sit & Stitch (prayer shawl knitters)

Love-in-a-Card Ministry

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Man Camp & Women's Retreat 

Offered in March and/or April each year at Miracle Camp in Lawton, Michigan.  Great weekends to share fun and fellowship with powerful worship!  See Events Blog for current information.

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*Find waiver & permission forms - click here