Upcoming Groups | Fall 2008

MONDAYS

Alpha
Mondays | September 8–November 10 | 6:00–8:30pm | Backdoor
Facilitator: Couples & Staff
In Alpha you can meet others at a wonderful meal, view an engaging video, and ask questions, both simple and complex, about the faith we have. Alpha is a wonderful way to experience the freshness of God as you investigate foundational issues about what you believe. During the course a number of questions are offered and discussed. These include questions such as: Who is Jesus? Why did Jesus die? How can I be sure of my faith? What about the Holy Spirit? Does God heal today? This is an ideal environment in which to bring a friend.

TUESDAYS

Women in the Word
Life Principles from the New Testament Men of Faith
Tuesdays | September 9–May | 9–11:00am | Room 100 & 131 (Library)
Facilitators: Cheryn Huber and Ramona Gibbons
Study Guide $10
This book is designed to provide a personal look at the lives of key characters found in the Bible. The theme Following God is one that emphasizes the importance of building a relationship with God and living a life totally surrendered to His leading.

MOPS—Mothers of Preschoolers
Tuesdays | September 9–May 2009 | 9:00–11:00am | Fellowship Hall
$6 per meeting | Second and Fourth Tuesday of each month
Facilitators: Miriam Hager, 251.6964, & Lisa Rhodes, 274.0832
MOPS is unique in its focus on mothers of preschoolers and understanding the needs of these critical years. MOPS offers encouragement, relationships, and programs to meet the needs of mothers. Child care provided.

WEDNESDAYS

For ages 2 and young 3s—Puggles
Wednesdays | September 10–April 29 | 6:30–8pm
The evening is full of Bible stories, snacks, crafts, music and play and uses great new curriculum from AWANA.

For ages 3 (by Sept. 15) or 4 and not yet in kindergarten—
Bible Buddies
Wednesdays | September 10–April 29 | 6:30–8pm
The preschoolers are learning Bible stories and memorizing Bible verses as well as enjoying crafts, games and music.

For K-2nd Grade—AWANA Sparks
Wednesdays | September 10–April 29 | 6:30–8pm
The evening consists of large group council times with Bible lessons and applications (and some crazy characters, too), small group time to work on handbooks and memory verses and game time in the gym. Special theme nights like “Hawaiian Night” and “Pie in the Face Night” and seasonal parties make for extra fun throughout the year.

For 3rd and 4th Grade—AWANA T and T
Wednesdays | September 10–April 29 | 6:30–8pm
The evening consists of large group council times with Bible lessons and applications (and some crazy characters, too), small group time to work on handbooks and memory verses and game time in the gym. Special theme nights like “Hawaiian Night” and “Pie in the Face Night” and seasonal parties make for extra fun throughout the year.

For 5th and 6th graders—Xtreme PM
Wednesdays | September 10–April 29 | 6:30–8pm
Get ready for fun and learning preteen-style! The games are crazy. The food is plentiful and the studies are geared to meet the interests and needs of kids who are growing in their faith and have plenty of great questions.

For Parents/Grandparents—Parenting is Heart Work
Wednesdays | September 10–October 29 | 6:30–8pm | Room 1238-39 | No Charge
Facilitators: Hunsbergers & Stufflebeems
Learn how to give day-to-day instructions in a way that builds cooperation and responsibility. Hear practical ideas for connecting with your kids emotionally so that their hearts will be soft and teachable. When parents change, children change. You’ll love the difference!

The Way of the Master
Wednesdays | September 10–October 29 | 6:30–8pm | Room 1254-55
Study Guide $5 | Facilitator: Terry Stark
A participant said: “The Way of the Master teaches you how to ask a few simple questions that get to the person’s heart and conscience. You also see it demonstrated by real people in actual situations—over and over, until you feel like you can do this yourself.” Tami Rondeau

For Women—Vision of His Glory
Wednesdays | September 10–October 22 | 6:30–8pm | Room 1240-41 | Study Guide $7
Facilitators: Deb Crivaro & Jane Lanz
Much more than a study of prophecy, Anne Graham Lotz’s passionate study of the Book of Revelation looks into its awesome imagery to reveal a majestic picture of Jesus in all His glory. You will discover that Jesus is your only source of true hope, comfort, and courage for the future. This video-based study presents rich biblical lessons that are both practical and encouraging for believers facing the challenges of life.

For Women—Falling in Love with Jesus
Wednesdays | Beginning October 29 | 6:30–8pm | Room 1240-41
Study Guide $12 | Facilitator: Sharon Johnson
If you are not in a deep love relationship and feel like flipping the switch when the topics of romance, weddings, and marriage come up—don’t! Though love songs will be sung and romantic stories told, we are using these as parables to help you understand the best romance, which is your relationship with Jesus, the ultimate bridegroom for all believing women, whether you are single or married.

For Men—Quest for Authentic Manhood
Wednesdays | September 10 – December 3 | 6:30–8pm | Room 1250-51
Study Guide $10 | Facilitator: Allen Peterson
Men—join this exciting, uplifting study and discover the adventure that God intends for you. The Quest for Authentic Manhood is more than just a title. It describes the very hopes and challenges we face as Christian men. Today, more than ever, we need to be connected with other men who can help us become all that God made us to be. We need to be encouraged, held accountable, and challenged. This study focuses on your core identity and gives an overview of basic manhood issues.

For Men—Winning at Work and at Home
Wednesdays | September 10 – October 29 | 6:30–8pm | Room 1252-53
Study Guide $10 | Facilitator: Aaron Baugher
If you’ve experienced The Quest for Authentic Manhood study, this study is the next step for you! For most men, happiness and satisfaction are locked up in two words—work and home. This study gives you a game plan for winning in both areas. You’ll get the tools to build (or rebuild) your confidence, expand your vision, develop successful life strategies, and improve your performance in your relationships at home and in your job.

For All—Prayer Community
Wednesdays | September 10—On-going | 6:30–8pm | Room 108
Facilitator: Pastor Mike Rose
Spiritual revival begins one heart at a time. As we seek God’s working in our individual lives, community and world, join with others for a rich time of praising God through prayer and seeking His leadership as we move to impact our world for His glory.

For Moms—Moms’ Prayer Group
Wednesdays | September 10–Ongoing | 5:30–6:15pm | Room 131 (Library)
Facilitators: Lori Blake & Julie Harper
If you are a mother of a senior/junior high youth, this is a wonderful opportunity for you to get together with other moms for encouragement and to pray for our youth. You can pick up a meal in Fellowship Hall and join us in prayer.

Card Ministry
Wednesdays | September 17-November | 1:00-3:00pm | Room 139
Facilitator: Carol Fugere, 284.6333
Learn how to provide biblical encouragement and support with a creative touch through the design and creation of handmade greeting cards.

THURSDAYS

Beth Moore Study
Beloved Disciple: The Life and Ministry of John
Thursdays | September 11–November 20 | 9:10–11:10am | Room 108
Thursdays | September 11–November 20 | 6:30–8:00pm | Room 108
Facilitators: Catherine Erickson (morning) & Vickie Blair (evening)
Study Guide $15
As the other disciples were martyred one by one, John remained to write his sublime Gospel proclaiming Jesus’ identity as the eternal Word of God. In his three letters, John left a legacy of divine love to ignite the passion of future believers. And while exiled on Patmos, John recorded his risen Lord’s glorious revelation of victory and hope.

SUNDAYS

For Men—Men’s ABF
Sundays | Begins September 14 | 9:15am
Facilitator: Dan Kennedy
Mark your calendars, Palm Pilots, whatever for September 14! This is the date for the Fall Tailgate Kick-Off for the Men’s ABF group. Look for the tent in the northeast parking lot!
Come for breakfast starting at 9am!
This fall we will begin John Ortberg’s If You Want to Walk on Water, You’ve Got to Get Out of the Boat. Contact Dan Kennedy, , for additional information.

For Young Adults—The Channel
Sundays | Begins September 21 | 9:15am
Facilitator: Pastor Curt De Graaff & Team
Along with the kick off of The River at FFC on September 14, the following Sunday, September 21, we will be establishing a new group—The Channel, for those aged 25–35.
This ABF Group will meet at 9:15am, initially in Fellowship Hall. The Channel is designed primarily for those attending The River service, but will be a great gathering and learning environment for all young adults, whether single, engaged or married, regardless of the worship service attended.
With the addition of Pastor Curt to our staff, we are confident in establishing this ministry targeted to spiritually support an important segment of the greater-Des Moines area population.
The Channel will offer an inviting time of fellowship combined with teaching and discussion allowing people to establish and deepen relationships as a part of the spiritual growth process.
Mark your calendar to check out this new group Sunday morning, September 21, at 9:15am in Fellowship Hall.