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Small Groups
Small Groups have been recognized as an important aspect of the
mission and ministry life of First Baptist Church. As an active participant
of First Baptist Church, this is truly one of the best ways of participating
fully in the life of the church.
We have a diverse small group program. There
is not one standard type of group that everyone joins forever.
Instead, a variety of house groups and mission groups are possible
in our setting: An Enquirer’s Group (a basic introduction
to the Christian Faith), Home Groups, Women’s Groups,
Men’s Groups, Prayer Groups, Age defined groups, Missions
Support Groups, and specific Task Groups.
- Fill out a “Visitors Card” located in the church pews and
indicate that you would like to become a member of a small group
- Call Pastor Norm or the Church Office at 556-3219 to find out
more information about the small groups at First Baptist church.
- Start a small group (if you need ideas or help, contact Pastor Norm
or one of the existing Small Group Leaders).
- Ask someone in a current group if and when they are accepting new members
- Watch for notices in the church bulletin, bulletin boards about new
groups forming and beginning.
Have your members invite friends who are not in a group to a party,
BBQ, or Potluck Dinner, Do some “Door Knocking” and give
each household a written invitation in your immediate area, Meet new
people at social events, informal coffee get-togethers or orientation
meetings, Submit a group description (goals, activities, objectives,
and group membership profile) to Pastor Norm so he can help recruit
for you. Self-recruitment is the best way to get members that best fit
your group.
Pastor Norm Tauber will occasionally meet leaders and facilitators
of the groups for planning and idea-sharing. Every group needs a recognized
facilitator with specific, easily learned skills to serve its members.
One of the best places to discover new designated leaders is in existing
groups. An organically growing group program will have existing groups
giving birth to daughter groups. In other words, a portion of the members
(including a new leader) with a new vision should be budded off every
couple of years.
The designated leader in a group should not be the sole leader. We
believe at First Baptist Church that the same kind of participation
observed in Sunday worship should permeate the whole life of the church.
Hence the ideal is leadership by the whole group – every member
shaping goals, expressing their gifts, helping with tasks. Thus the
designated leader does not dominate, nor collapse under an unreasonable
burden, but simply serves in specific ways (which may or may not include
leading Bible studies).
We strongly recommend taking longer than usual at the beginning of
each quarterly when you re-evaluate your group life in order to establish
clear goals and activities for your next months get-together. This is
especially important for new participants, or when a group is forming
for the first time, so that everyone can make an informed decision about
joining.
The group must establish whether it is an open group (the majority
of the group), able to invite newcomers to any meeting, or a closed
group, whose membership remains constant for the duration of a specified
period. The ideal size of a group is from 4 – 12 people. If the
group is larger than 12, you may want to consider splitting into 2 separate
groups or breaking into smaller groups within one larger group. The
group should meet together weekly or within time frames prescribed by
the group itself.
Every group, no matter what its age, depth or mandate, should have
some balance of various components such as the following:
- Fellowship – encouraging friendship, confidentiality, self-disclosure,
and accountability. May include refreshments or even meals together,
social events, practical helps, etc.
- Worship – particularly in music, song, praise/prayer, and use
of spiritual gifts. Try appointing a worship leader.
- Bible Study – sometimes based on the integrated curriculum that
studies the passage to be taught on Sunday morning, or a topical study,
a devotional book study, a Biblical biographical study, or a Biblical
Book or letter expositional study.
- Prayer for personal, church and community needs.
- Outreach – looking beyond the group to share the message of Christ
with friends, co-workers, family, etc. Taking advantage of outreach
opportunities at First Baptist church, helping with a specific or special
need, adopting one of our missionaries, adopting one of our college
students, taking on a hospital chapel program, hospice, visitation or
care program. Perhaps you might consider organizing an occasional project
such as Samaritans Purse or social justice, cooking at the Mustard Seed
in Calgary. If the outside focus becomes regular and substantial then
you may be fairly called a missions group.
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Monday
1:30pm…meets at the home of Rosemary Anhorn (#42, 5210 – 65 Ave.) each Monday. Our study continues on the Letter to the Ephesians – Wholeness For A Broken World. Paul lifts the veil from the future to allow us to see God's plan to unite everyone and everything in Christ. Studying this book will renew your hope. For more information contact: Rosemary Anhorn 403–507-4746 or Marion Archer at 403-556-2286.
(1st Monday of each Month)
7:00pm…Watch for INFO on Women’s Movie Night starting Monday, October 3th. Participants will be viewing wholesome and classic movie themes. For more information contact Bonnie Robb 403-556-3829. Cost: A TOONIE.
7:30pm …meets at the Olds College (Den) weekly with Jared Hystad jhystad@telus.net or Kevin Finster finsterk@gmail.com and Andy Moffat 403-556-3219, Study: T.B.A.
(Every 1st & 3rd Tuesday)
9:30am – 11:30am …we meet in the church Fireside Room. Starts: Tuesday, September 20th. An informal, casual get-together designed to help moms with young children to meet and get to know one another. The little ones play while moms chat over coffee, juice and goodies. For more information contact Kaitlyn Boffey at 403-638-6907.
(Every 2nd Tuesday)
9:30am - meets at the home of Shauna Olsen (North of Olds). You can contact Esther Kary 403-556-2859 for more info. This indepth, Biblical study by Beth Moore explores the fascinating account of the building of the tabernacle, the significance of its intricate design, it pivotal role in God’s eternal plan, and the grand fulfillment of its purpose by Jesus Christ and its variety of meanings in your walk with God today. This Care Group is limited to 10 people and is NOW FULL. Starts: Tuesday, October 18th.
6:45pm … This College age and older group meets weekly at the home of Mandy Kary. We’ll be studying the book “Instruments In the Redeemer’s Hand” by Paul David Tripp. This is a comprehensive treatment of how God uses people as tools of change in the lives of others, people who themselves are in need of change. For more information contact: Josh Kary at403-556-7169 or email: josh.m.kary@gmail.com.
7:00pm …meets at the home of Virginia Behiel (404 Silverthorn Close). Starts: Tuesday, September 27th. This group will be limited to the first 12 people. Reserve your spot by calling: Albert or Mabel Heinzig at 403-507-8956. Our study continues an overview of the Book of Revelation. There will also be lots of singing.
7:00pm …Come and join us for a Salmon Dinner at 6:30PM & Bible Study at the home of Vicky & Wayne Synder (1341 – 25 Street). We will study John’s Letters (1,2,3 John). Contact Vern Dye 403-556-2142 for info.
7:30pm …meets weekly at First Baptist Church in the Prayer Room. A DVD Bible Study by “R.C. Sproul” called ‘Pleasing God’. In this series of practical guidelines for Christian Living, Dr. Sproul clearly identifies the struggles we all share in “Pleasing God” and offers insights on how to overcome them. Contact: Glen/Dorothy Nussbaum at 403-335-3829 or Betty Evans at 403-556-2359. Newcomers welcome. This group starts: Tuesday, September 27th.
7:30pm…meets weekly at First Baptist Church in the Fireside Room. As we study together, we will find a faith that works. Together we will break the mold of spiritual immaturity and grow up in Christ. Contact: Marj Janzen at 403-227-1248. Newcomers welcome. This group starts: Tuesday, September 27th
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(Every 2nd Tuesday)
8:00pm …Reserve your spot by calling Terry Hickok at 403-507-3781. The purpose of this group is for men to have a place to connect and be encouraged to live a life that God has called them to live. Meets regularly every second Tuesday...starts: Tuesday, September 20th. Newcomers are welcome!!
Wednesday
8:45am …meets weekly for one hour in the Prayer Room - to pray for students and staff of our local schools. Contact Debby Crawford at 403-556-8156. Begins Wednesday, September 14th.
2:00pm …meets in the Fireside Room with Pastor Norm. If you long for an in depth Bible Study then hang on to your hat, in this expositional study of the “Gospel of Matthew”. We will be focusing on God’s direction for life and ministry! Begins Wednesday, September 14th.
(Every 2nd Wednesday)
7:30pm …meets at the home of Greg & Kalen Loewen 403-556 – 9404 at 37 Vantage Crescent, or contact Paul & Franshesca Hildebrand 403-556-2905 for more info. This Bible Study group will meet every second Tuesday. Starts: Wednesday, September 21th. Tonight we will decide on the Bible Study format and topic. Please bring a snack.
Thursday
10:00am …meets at the home of the Mary Ann McLeod (off the Amaratta Road). Healing Choices…Freedom from your Hurts, Hang-ups, and Habits. This is a study using Biblical principles Author John Baker of Saddleback Church. A commitment of 8 weeks is needed. Cost: Study Guide $12.00. Group size is limited. Please call to register. For further information contact Janice Laslo 403- 335-4999 or Mary Ann McLeod at 403-507-7826. Starts: Thursday October 6th.
10:15am …residents of Mount View Lodge are invited to this weekly Bible Study starting on Thursday, September 15th with Betty Evans. Our Bible Study topic will be – “New Testament Characters” They were ordinary people yet they were all touched by Jesus. In this study guide, Carolyn Nystrom introduces you to the fascinating men and women of the New Testament. As you enter into their stories, you'll discover how you too can be touched by the Saviour.
7:00pm …meets weekly at the home of Max & Val Clark (1126-23rd Street). Starts: Thursday, September 29th. You are welcome to come for a time of sharing and Bible Study. Reserve your spot by calling: Gord & Dianne Bueckert at 403-335-4785 or Max & Val Clark at 403-335-3990 for information.
(3rd Thursday of Each Month)
7:00pm …Meets at the home of Renate Tauber (185 Balsam Crescent) to knit, crochet and sew baby blankets, mittens, toques, socks and other warm clothing for an orphanage and group homes in Arad, Romania. Next meeting date is Thursday, October 20th. Call Renate Tauber at 403-507-8888 for more information.
(3rd Thursday of Each Month)
7:00pm - Meets at the home of Norm & Renate Tauber (185 Balsam Crescent) to play Dominoes, have fun & fellowship, and enjoy home-made refreshments. Next meeting date is Thursday, October 20th Call Norm or Renate Tauber at 403-507-8888 for more information.
7:00pm …Meets at the home of Ken & Rita Fahlman (5½ km West of Olds on Hwy 27). We will be viewing a DVD Series – “Christianity, Cults & Religions” by Paul Carden. Cost of the Study Guide is $10.50. for more information call Ken Fahlman at 403-556-6159. Starts: Thursday, September 22nd.
7:30pm …meets in the Fireside Room. Please call Wayne Keillor at 403-507-2426 for information. Starts: October 20th.
Fridays
Group participants will be cooking for their own International Dinner Night. Group members cook ethnic food from their home countries and deserts from their respective cultures. It is a great event and they have fun doing it. The dinner will be open to the first 30 individuals signed up in advance. We hope to see you at the next one – Friday, September 30th and it’s …A Mexican Theme Night!
This small group is committed to meeting new people to our church community. Barriers are overcome, and many lasting friendships are formed. Sometimes a seemingly small gesture can mean more than we imagine. If you would like to be a part of the International Dinner Group, please contact Dale Anderson at 403-556-8797 or Connie Dahl at 403-335-3860 or call Pastor Norm at the church office.
Sundays
(Every 2nd Sunday)
4:00pm …Family Encounter is a group for families from the church or community. Come and enjoy an afternoon out with friends, crafts, food and conversation. Starts: Sunday, September 18th. People wishing to be a part of this ministry should contact Stacey or Terry Hickok 403-507-5850 for information. Supper will be provided.
6:00pm …meets at the home of Allan & Judith Ellingsgaard (6017 – 58th Street). Come and enjoy an evening with friends studying God’s Word. For more information contact: Doug or Joanne Shields at 403-335-3919.
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