Spring 2011 Term
Welcome to the Life Groups page!
Thank you for taking the time and interest to explore these groups further. We hope that as you join one of them, you will Connect with new friends, Grow as a person being changed wonderfully by Jesus, and Serve others with the blessings God continually gives to you. Together, God will shape us into the community God has called us to be through the love and forgiveness and LIFE of Jesus.
May that LIFE grow richly in you!
Introduction 1st Commandment 2nd Commandment
The Good Life: Ten Guiding Principles for Christ-Followers
But exactly what is the Good Life? Many different voices tell us: "It is to have enough money and things so that you can enjoy life." "It is to be spiritual in whatever way works for you; that will give you a good life in every circumstance." "It is to be able to laugh a lot with friends and family; everything else is less important."
But for those who are followers of Jesus, we learn what the Good Life is from Jesus’ lead through his word and life. So for the Spring term we'll take a look at the rich gift of God's Ten Guiding Principles for the Good Life. These principles, often known as the Ten Commandments, are much more than the Ten Commandments of Old Testament fame. They have been transformed by Jesus Christ in the richest of ways. So we'll ask some questions as we hear God's guides for the Good Life: What are these Ten Guiding Principles for our lives, and how does Jesus Christ transform them for us who are Christ-followers? How will these Ten Guiding Principles direct us to the Good Life? And how will this Good Life affect not only us, but also our businesses and schools, our homes and neighborhoods, our nation and world?
So join us on the journey of learning and living! Some Life Groups will discuss these Ten Guiding Principles together (some may supplement their study with Edmund Clowney's book, How Jesus Transforms the Ten Commandments). Others--as we've been doing in the Spring sessions--will have their own devotional practices or study guides. Whichever group you join, plan on being transformed by God in wonderful ways with the rest of the church!
-Pastor Mark Vermaire
Sign Up!
(Descriptions listed below sign up form.)
* We will not be able to offer a group if too few people sign up.*
1. Hiking Group-Bert Ton
The hiking group has been very popular in past years, both for the hikes around San Diego County and for the opportunity to meet new friends. The group will take hikes each Sunday, alternating between shorter and longer hikes/outings. We will have a devotional and prayer time before or during each hike.
Place: At site of each hike (TBA)
Time: Sundays/12:30pm
2. Movie Discussion Group-Rod Koelewyn
Do you have an interest in watching and discussing movies? Consider getting together with others to discuss selected movies, with the intent of gauging and assessing their spiritual and cultural value. Members will watch the selected movies at home and be prepared to discuss them the following Sunday. It would probably be helpful to have a Netflix account. See Rod Koelewyn for more details.
Place: Rod Koelewyn’s
Time: Sundays/5:00pm
3. Sermon Response-Trena Boonstra (Coordinator)
Join with residents of Green Oak Ranch for a great time of learning, fellowship, and growth as we attend to the rich meaning of the Ten Commandments for our lives. Green Oak Ranch is a grace-filled Christian community in Vista for those recovering from addictions. (Read “The Good Life” on the back for more info.)
Place: Green Oak Ranch Library/Conference Room
Time: Sundays/5:30pm
4. Women’s Photography Group-Kristin Brown
Come join us as we follow a weekly devotional together! We will be integrating a weekly photography theme into our devotional and share our assignments with each other as we learn and grow as a group. This will not be a technical class, we will just be having fun taking pictures that follow a specific guideline each week.
Place: Kristin Brown’s
Time: Mondays/7:00pm
5. Sermon Response-Jim Den Ouden
Join us for a great time of learning, fellowship, and growth as we attend to the rich meaning of the Ten Commandments for our lives. (Read “The Good Life” on the back for more info.)
Place: Jim Den Ouden’s
Time: Mondays/7:00pm
6. Tuesday Morning Group-Nettie Steenstra
Join us for a great time of learning, fellowship, and growth as we attend to the rich meaning of the Ten Commandments for our lives. (Read “The Good Life” on the back for more info.)
Place: Nettie Steenstra’s
Time: Tuesdays/8:30am
7. Knitting, Crocheting and Crafting Group-Lindsey Vander Pol
Are you a knitter, crocheter, scrapbooker or crafter? Would you like to become one? Bring your latest project along and work on it while fellowshipping with others. We'll be doing a Sermon Response discussion, praying for one another, and having fun visiting while we craft. If you don't know how to knit or crochet, but would like to learn, there may be opportunities for that too. Contact Lindsey VanderPol with questions.
Place: Lindsey Vander Pol’s
Time: Tuesdays/7:00pm
8. Men’s Book Group-Vic Varvel
Men of all ages, come join us for a time to challenge and encourage each other in our Christian lives. Over the months, we'll read and discuss Hidden Treasures in the Book of Job, by Hugh Ross. Astrophysicist, and Christian apologist Hugh Ross claims the book of Job is arguably the oldest book in the bible, and thus has a lot to say about the creation of the world. We will probe and discuss this different take on the well know old testament book.
Place: Vic Varvel’s
Time: Tuesdays/7:15pm
9. A Woman's Heart: God's Dwelling Place-Jackie Vanden Bos
A Woman's Heart: God's Dwelling Place by Beth Moore provides a personal in-depth Bible study for women. Explore the Old Testament tabernacle, the significance of its intricate design, its pivotal role in God's eternal plan, the grand fulfillment of its purpose by Jesus Christ, and how that speaks to your walk with God today. No Old Testament event so richly prefigures the coming of the true Tabernacle, Jesus Christ, or so dramatically illustrates God's persistent desire to relate to His children as the building of the tabernacle in the wilderness. You will be challenged to prepare your heart, like the holy of holies, to become a home for His love and glory — a dwelling place for the Most High God. The cost for the book is $15.00. If you are unable to pay the full amount please let the office know as scholarships are available.
Place: Jackie Vanden Bos’
Time: Wednesdays/7:00pm
10. Thursday Afternoon Group-Paul Robb
Join us for a great time of learning, fellowship, and growth as we attend to the rich meaning of the Ten Commandments for our lives. (Read “The Good Life” on the back for more info.)
Place: Crossroads (in the youth room)
Time: Thursdays/1:00pm
11. Men Who Eat Meat Group-Pastor Mark Vermaire
Men from ages 25-50 are invited to eat some red meat, enjoy time together in a well-appointed Man Cave, and talk about how the Ten Commandments are lived out in our Christ-formed lives at work, home and beyond (see the Spring Sermon Theme description on the back). We'll join together and take turns providing anything from tube steaks to T-bones and some other manly sides. No casseroles or quiche allowed.
Place: The Eric de Jong man-cave
Time: Thursdays/6:30pm
Click on LifeGroup picture below to see a short video
on why lifegroups are important.
Testimony by Paul Robb on his Life Group experience.
Please click space below.