So…What is G2G?

Hanover Missionary Church, Groups To Go, G2G

With our new IDENTITY and PURPOSE defined and our new LOGO in place we thought it only appropriate that we revisit our life group branding.

G2G stands for GROUPS TO GO – playing off our purpose statement of GATHER AND GO –  and, though the title has changed, it still encapsulates all the things we believe about small groups (below is the definition as it appears on our website):

We aren’t designed to go it alone, especially when it comes to our spiritual growth! It’s about relationships – with God and others. A relational community can help you grow in your faith. We encourage both our attendees and all those we know to experience their purpose through belonging to a small group.

In G2G Groups (comprised of 8-12 people) friendships are developed and people are encouraged to live out their fullest potential. People in G2G Groups at HMC care for one another and build one another up so that we can reach out to others who need Jesus.
Our G2G Groups meet at different times and in many places. We have materials and resources available to help facilitate discussion pertinent to your group’s needs and stage in life. Alternatively, our church offers standard programs and materials each year that are used church-wide, and often connected with Sunday morning teaching and the current area of growth emphasis the church is promoting.

Last Sunday we rolled out our groups, introducing them at a display in the foyer. There are many different studies beginning very soon and we don’t want you to miss out!

Clipboards will still be out next Sunday for you to sign up. Take some time to read through the descriptions of each group (available here) and come knowing where you want to commit your time.  

It is our hope that everyone can be connected in a way that helps them grow and feel supported.

Thinking about starting/leading your own group? Great! Talk to Pastor Lyndsay and we’ll add you to the growing list of flourishing G2G groups!

G2G Fall Studies

Hanover Missionary Church, Groups To Go, G2G

 Sermon Series Groups

Following along with the Sunday morning Sermon Series, 1 Kings: A House & Heart Divided, with curriculum crafted in-house.

Hanover Missionary Church, 1 Kings Sermon Series, A heart & house divided

Tuesday Evening 7:00 – 9:00
The Burt’s Home
Starting September 22
Led by Paul & Marcia Burt

Wednesday Evening 6:30 – 8:00
Hanover Missionary Church – Upper Room
Starting September 30
Led by Jason Bechtel

Other Groups

Sunday Morning 10:30 am
Hanover Missionary Church – Upper Room
Started September 20
The Christian Community Comes Alive – Acts by David C. Cook
Led by Carolyn Austin

Looking at the first church as the Holy Spirit empowers the disciples to spread the Gospel. Unit 1 explores the beginnings of the church in Jerusalem as the disciples fearlessly proclaim the Gospel, share their possessions, and are then scattered from the city after the stoning of Stephen. Unit 2 looks at how the Gospel goes beyond the first Jewish converts. Philip proclaims it to the Samaritans, Saul is converted to be a preacher to the Gentiles, and Peter sees Cornelius receive the Holy Spirit and is rescued from prison by an angel. The Jerusalem Council then sanctions the mission of Paul and Barnabas to the Gentiles. Unit 3 examines Paul’s missionary journey to the Gentiles at Philippi, Thessalonica, Berea, Athen, and Corinth as some receive the Gospel and start churches while others fight the missionary and his message.

Monday Evening 7:00 – 8:30
Hanover Missionary Church – Overflow
Starting September 28
Sacred Rhythms (6 week study) by Ruth Haley Barton
Led by Pastor Lyndsay

Do you long for a deep, fundamental change in your life with God? Do you desire a greater intimacy with God? Do you wonder how you might truly live your life as God created you to live it?

Spiritual disciplines are activities that open us to God’s transforming love and the changes that only God can bring about in our lives.The disciplines of the spiritual life are the basic components of the rhythm of intimacy that feeds the soul, keeping Christians open and available to God. Each session offers specific practices that allow you to experience each discipline and incorporate it into your life.

Tuesday Morning 9:30
Hanover Missionary Church – Overflow
Started September 15
Extending God’s Grace followed by Beautiful in God’s Eyes by Elizabeth George

Guiding women through Proverbs 31, beloved Bible teacher Elizabeth George shows how God defines beauty and reveals how His “plan for success” is totally achievable.

Insightful and practical, this book reveals how women can make each day meaningful and delight in what God accomplishes through them. Readers will discover how to…experience progress toward goals, manage daily life more effectively, tap into unlimited energy & apply God’s principles to relationships

Women will feel greater confidence and enjoy rich daily rewards as they realize who they are in Christ and what they can do when they follow His formula for true beauty.

Wednesday Morning 10:00 – noon
The McCutchon Home
Starting September 28
Signs of Life by Dr. David Jeremiah
Led by Rick & Joan McCutchon

With our society’s sometimes unfavorable view of Christians, it is all the more important that believers display what Dr. David Jeremiah calls signs of life — signs that Jesus has transformed us and that we are committed to Him and His kingdom. They are signs that ought to be detected from across the street, over the fence, down the hall, throughout the office, or in the pews, for it’s not enough to just talk about  Jesus. It’s also not enough to serve Him in secret with our acts of private devotion. We have to display the lifestyle of the Nazarene in the midst of a corrupt and darkened culture.

Signs of Life will lead you on a journey to a fuller understanding of the marks that identify you as a Christian. Signs that will advertise your faith. Personal imprints that can impact souls for eternity and help you become a person of influence who radiates relevancy, authenticity, generosity, and compassion every day — just like Jesus did.

Wednesday Afternoon 1:00-3:00
Hanover Missionary Church – Upper Room
Starting September 30 (8 weeks)
James: Mercy Triumphs by Beth Moore
Led by Karen Schmalz

James: Mercy Triumphs provides a personal study experience five days a week plus viewer guides for the 8 video sessions of this in-depth women’s Bible study. James, Jesus’ own brother, started out as a skeptic. See how one glimpse of the resurrected Savior turned an unbeliever into a disciple. Bible scholars compare James to the prophet Amos. In other ways, James more closely resembles the Book of Proverbs than any other New Testament book. Topics in this study include: joy, hardship, faith, reversal of fortunes for rich and poor, wisdom, gifts from above, single-mindedness, the dangers of the tongue, humility, and prayer.

Thursday Afternoon 1:30-3:00
Hanover Missionary Church – Upper Room
Started September 17
Sermon on the Mount by John Stott
Led by Bob Crawford

What does it mean to “seek first the kingdom of God” in our relationships, values, ambitions, finances and commitments? Jesus’ answer to these questions amazed those who first heard the Sermon on the Mount. In this study guide, you’ll dig deep into his startling and challenging message–the greatest sermon ever preached.

Day & Location TBA
Armour of God by Priscilla Shirer
Led by Kristina Dyck

All day, every day, an invisible war rages around you — unseen, unheard, yet felt throughout every aspect of your life. A devoted, devilish enemy seeks to wreak havoc on everything that matters to you: your heart, your mind, your marriage, your children, your relationships, your resilience, your dreams, your destiny. But his battle plan depends on catching you unaware and unarmed. If you’re tired of being pushed around and caught with your guard down, this study is for you.

The Enemy always fails miserably when he meets a woman dressed for the occasion. The Armor of God, more than merely a biblical description of the believer’s inventory, is an action plan for putting it on and developing a personalized strategy to secure victory.

Consider Yourself Called

by contributing writer Heidi Eastman

For the last few weeks, Pastor Amos has been asking for help in child and youth ministries.  Every area of ministry needs leadership.  And obviously, enough of us are not stepping up quickly.

I wonder how many are actually involved in any area of ministry?  And I wonder how many of the rest are too busy, too lazy, physically unable, or too burned out from helping in the past?

And I wonder how many people are thinking “I don’t feel called”?

For those of you involved: thank you!  

I am so thankful that I get welcomed every Sunday morning by happy faces greeting me at the door and others taking up the offering.  I am so thankful to have somewhere to take my kids on a Sunday morning so I can sit and hear a sermon.  I am thankful to have a team of musicians on the stage welcoming me in with song.  I am so thankful that our church is a place hurting people can find support and healing.  I am thankful for the lovely people who serve drinks in the foyer.  And I’m thankful for all those other volunteers who help make the church an environment I am proud to be a part of.

For those who don’t help: why not?

Too busy? I understand.  I am married to this one.  And if he were to suggest volunteering at the church with his current schedule, I would be the one to say no.  When you are so busy, the last thing you need is adding one more thing to your plate.  You need to take care of yourself and when this busy season ends, the church will appreciate your hard work in whatever area of ministry you decide to join.  But, before using this reason, honestly evaluate your life – are you actually too busy or is it just the first excuse that comes to mind?

Too lazy?  Just stop (or should that be start?).  Jump in.  Not every area of ministry involves hours of time.  For example, the nursery could use you.  Show up on your scheduled Sunday and play with babies.  You can sit in the comfy chairs (unless you have to bounce a crying baby) and read stories to babies if you choose.  It may not seem like a big deal to you but for the stay-at-home mom whose only break from her baby is the nursery, this ministry can be a life-saver.

Physically unable?  If you want to help but have physical limitations, ask the leadership if they can use you.  I expect if you are able to get into the building, the answer will be yes! A few years ago, one of the youth leaders was well into his 80’s.  He couldn’t play the crazy games, but he cheered on and encouraged the teens.  Perhaps seeing you there will inspire some of those kids.  Perhaps your physical limitations will open doors to relationships you never considered.

Burned out?  I’m sorry.  Sometimes we do have to take time out to care for ourselves and that’s okay.  Personally, I stayed in an area of ministry longer than was healthy for me but I found it hard to step out when I didn’t see other people stepping in.  I would love to see a church where there is such a strong volunteer base that when one of us needs a rest, we can do so guilt-free knowing that everything is covered.  Everything has a season and I think that applies to ministry as well.  Sometimes we just need rest, and we need to know the gaps are filled to make our time away refreshing.  I hope you find the rest you need and can rejoin us soon – motivated and enthusiastic.

You don’t feel called?  I have been involved in some area of ministry since I attended high school.  And guess what?  I don’t feel “called” to help – and I never have.

And I think that’s okay. 

And I think it might be normal.

This “called” word that gets tossed around in Christian circles gives us an easy excuse not to help.  If we say “but I don’t feel called,” other Christians don’t dare question us. 

But I am going to. 

What if being a Bible-believing-Jesus-loving-Christian is all the calling we need?

I believe God can use us without a clear calling.

But why would I help when I don’t feel called?  My current reasons include:

  1.     I love our church.
  2.     I feel most connected to other people when I am actively involved in something.
  3.     I want to set an example for my children of the importance of volunteerism.
  4.     My current job does not use my social work background, and I spent a lot of time (and money) learning those skills, and I don’t want to lose them.
  5.     My toddler needs to learn that the world will not end if Mommy is not home every single night.
  6.     But the bottom line is: I am a Bible-believing-Jesus-loving-Christian, and I think that is all the calling I need.

So please – honestly evaluate why you are not currently helping at the church. If you don’t have a good excuse then make a change and get involved.   It may surprise you to find that ministry will sometimes impact you just as much or more than those you are there to help.

1 Corinthians 12:27
Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.

Heidi Eastman lives in Neustadt with her husband, two daughters, and a beast of a dog. She has been an active part of the HMC congregation from the moment she was old enough to contribute. You can find her over at her own blog, My Sister Told Me To Start A Blog.  [Articles by Heidi]

Grace In The Ugly

by contributing writer, Kristina Dyck

http://www.unashamedgrace.com/2015/08/13/grace-in-the-ugly/

I have been thinking about grace a lot this summer. When grace shows the most in our lives, and when we see it the most in the lives of others.

A few of weeks ago a couple I know had a new baby, their precious baby came too soon though and was only with them for an hour before going to be with Jesus.

As a bystander I was wrecked, I sat in my car listening to music just weeping for them, I had to sneak out of church a week later because I was sobbing again, even as I write this the tears threaten to pour over.

I drove to meet some girlfriends the day I heard the news, listening to “Your Grace Finds Me” by Matt Redman and sobbing for them and their children and their pain. I started to think about how Grace is most evident in the ugliest moments of our lives.

As a believer we can see grace in our lives everyday in so many ways and they are all beautiful, but grace never shows up so beautifully as it does in those devastating moments. The moments when a regular person would fall apart, when a regular person would get angry and yell at God. Those are the moments when grace shines so brightly it can’t be ignored.

When the person who should be destroyed with grief is still praising the Lord.

When the woman who just received the news that there is nothing else they can do for her cancer and she has only weeks left is singing praises and encouraging others.

When the man who just lost his whole family because of his faith is still telling everyone he meets about Jesus.

When the thing that should make a person bitter actually draws them closer to God; grace is never so beautiful as it is then.

It was, after all, one of these ugly moments when Grace won. In that moment when the perfect God-incarnate, beaten so badly he was unrecognizable, cried “it is finished” and conquered sin and showed us what Grace is in the biggest way possible.

Kristina Dyck currently lives in Durham with her family. She is a missionary kid who married another missionary kid and wants to serve the Lord wherever He leads which is in Grey Bruce right now.  She has been an active part of HMC for 3 years. She is a photographer, birth doula, and art enthusiast. You can find her over on her own blog, Unashamed Grace.