St. Andrew By-The-Sea members and friends enjoy making connections with other folks. It takes some time and some commitment to build the kinds of relationships that result in long-lasting friendships and faith-building in an atmosphere of trust. No one is perfect or has all the answers. Everyone is seeking God at a different place in their journey, but also looking for help along the path to the promise!
The definition of a small group is about 12 persons who agree to meet regularly for support and study at a time and place (on and/or off island) chosen by the group.
In a recent survey, 150 people responded that small group topics of most interest were the Bible, Contemporary Issues, Disciple Bible Study in groups that were for men, for women or for couples. Each group selects a topic and the Education Committee helps to research for appropriate study materials. .
Join your friends and meet new friends as we enlarge our Small Group opportunities!
For more information, email Connie at conniebhhiumc@gmail.com or call 785-4711.
Here are some of the groups that LOVE having new folks join in at any time:
Island Couples Small Group:
Meets Monday evenings from 5-6:30pm at the church.
The “Couples Small Group” will do a Short-Term DISCIPLE Bible Study on the book of John in fall 2011. The study will cover 12 weeks. The expectation is that study participants will prepare for the weekly meeting by reading assigned Scripture and study guide segments. The weekly meetings will include viewing videos showing the insights of biblical scholars to set the Scriptures in context, as well as small group discussion on the application of the Scripture to our Christian lives as individuals, in our families, in our community, and in the world. All couples who are interested in growing in their knowledge of the Scriptures are invited to attend. If you have questions, please contact Joe Kerr at 341-3021.
Fellowship of Women:
Meets the first Tuesday of every month (Sept - May) at The Seabrook at 10am
Men's Tuesday Lunch Study:
On Tuesday, September 13, the UMM lunch group, will embark on an 8-week study of our faith using the book: “As We Believe; So We Believe” led by our own Rev. David Leininger. He should know the book, he wrote it. This series asks the question: “When it comes to our faith, what exactly do we believe?” It seeks the answer in an every Sunday event, the reading of the Apostle’s Creed. Leininger demonstrates that the faith statements embedded in the creed are not dry collections of ancient words mumbled quietly every Sunday. Rather, they are vibrant and vital elements in our walk with God, impacting every aspect of our lives. It is very helpful to have studied the book and completed Dave Peterson now at 682-3639 to reserve a book and a lunch.
Bluffton Men's Breakfast Group:
There is a men’s group which meets at Stooges restaurant in Bluffton each month on the second Tuesday at 8 A.M. We enjoy breakfast together while we share our common con-cerns and faith interests. This is one of the many activities for the St. Andrew By-The-Sea family in the Bluffton area. The Rev. Jim Morrison meets with the group. All men associated with SABTS are invited. And more, we encourage you to invite friends to join us. Be sure we have your email address so we can remind you of the breakfast.
If you have comments or questions, please contact Jim Morrison at 757-8156 or click here to email him.
Bluffton Evening Group:
Singles or couples are welcome to this group which meets every other week at the Bluffton Truffles.
See the calendar for the schedule.
Starting fall of 2011, the group will use the book “There’s a Hole in Your Soul That Only God Can Fill ” by James W. Moore as a study guide. Moore, a United Methodist pastor in Houston, is also the author of such favorites as “If You’re Going the Wrong Way…Turn around,” “God Was Here & I Was Out to Lunch,” and “Yes, Lord, I Have Sinned, but I Have Several Excellent Excuses.” Rev. Jim Morrison will kick off the study on Sept. 6. Chapter topics in the study include: “Dear Hope, Keep Living Up to Your Name,” “Have You Ever Run Out of Gas?” or “The Power of Purpose.” The group is open to the public, but please contact Connie Borgiainini, Director of Program, at 785-4711 or email her if you have an interest so enough books will be available. Invite a friend to come, too! The group includes both singles and couples! While the group meets at a restaurant, you may order just a beverage or a menu item – there is no set dinner and no set cost. Each lesson of the book stands on its own, so you can start any time!