Written by Lynn Lease, Small Group Ministry Leader
One of my most vivid childhood memories is standing in a California redwood forest. The smells, sounds, and sights are still fresh in my memory. In my opinion, the redwood trees are some of the most magical and surreal of all of God’s creation. They stand together, so tall, so wide, and so majestic. Standing at the base of the giants and gazing up, it seems the tops of the trees are beyond even the clouds in the sky. One would think that these giants must have roots that reach the depths of the earth to stand so straight and so tall for so long. But the reality is that redwoods actually have shallow roots. So, how is it that they withstand the tests of time, creatures, and weather to maintain their stature for centuries? They stand together.
Redwoods endure together. Growing in groves, redwoods have a foundational root system. While shallow, the roots of these giants reach out to entwine with the roots of the other nearby redwoods. This entwining of roots becomes a solid web-like foundation allowing the trees to stand together against anything that comes their way. The redwoods are a community, surviving and thriving together, all anchored to a solid foundation.
We Christians are called to a similar community. We were not created to walk the journey through life alone; we need each other. Together, with our roots entwined and anchored in the solid foundation of our faith in God, we can stand firm in whatever comes our way. Just like a redwood that sprouts up too far from the others, when we are separated from our grove of believers, we will likely struggle to withstand the storms of life. We need to make sure that we are rooted in a community of believers.
What are you rooted in? Who is in your grove? Who are you entangled with? Are you in a community with those who are seeking deeply after God or are you spending time entangled with the ways of the world?
VCN offers small groups, a grove-like community creating an opportunity for faith growth individually and collectively. My husband Jeff and I have been involved with small groups for several years and have grown in our faith walk and have developed lifelong friends. Our roots have been entwined with the roots of some amazing people through these small group experiences, and without these relationships, we would have struggled to remain standing during the tougher seasons of life. Our small group community has always been there, supporting us as we support them.
So what is a small group? I’m glad you asked!
Small groups are typically formed in October and meet every other week in various homes through April or May. This allows our snowbird friends to be a part of this important ministry. Meeting in homes allows for a more intimate setting to promote discussions and relationships. VCN small groups are focused on scripture, prayer, and care.
Small Groups focus on Scripture
Each meeting includes time in the Word. A group might study a specific book of the Bible, i.e. the book of John, or a topic founded on the Word, i.e. a study on prayer. Each group's leader selects the topic and resources to guide the learning and discussion.
Small Groups focus on Prayer
Each meeting starts and ends with prayer. As a small group, you get to know each other intimately, sharing life together. Groups are encouraged to consider prayer requests and take time to pray for specific needs and to invite the Holy Spirit to speak through the group's conversation. It's always good to thank God for all that He is doing within your small group community.
Small Groups focus on Care
Your small group is more than the time you spend together in formal gatherings. Group members are encouraged to pray for each other throughout the week. Group members gather around individuals as special needs arise. Strong relationships are built and focus on showing love to all members and building a sense of family and community.
Just like the California redwoods we were created for unity. "How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity! It is like precious oil poured on the head, running down on the beard, running down on Aaron’s beard, down on the collar of his robe. It is as if the dew of Hermon were falling on Mount Zion. For there the Lord bestows his blessing, even life forevermore" (Psalm 133, NIV).
If you are interested in joining a small group this fall, contact the church office by phone (941) 488-5007 or email office@venicenazarene.com.