1. religion and spirituality
2. christianity

A Publication of East Brainerd Church of Christ
April 2013
Volume 4, Issue 2
WHY A SMALL GROUP MINISTRY?

Why a small
group ministry?

What is a Christian Small
Group?

Starting a small
group.
Small groups are growing in popularity in Christian churches and homes as a way for us to
make the connection we need with fellow believers. Small group fellowship (whether focused on Bible studies or on a wide variety of activities) has a tremendous impact on
those who participate.
PEOPLE TALK MORE IN SMALL GROUPS:
People in a small group, whether based in a home or at church, are more likely to participate in discussions than in a large class. Since there are fewer people,
there is more opportunity to talk and less room to hide.
GROUP MEMBERS REALIZE THAT OTHERS FACE SIMILAR PROBLEMS:
People often think there is something uniquely wrong with them. When they hear that
others have similar struggles, they feel relieved and encouraged.
PEOPLE USE THEIR GIFTS AND TALENTS TO MINISTER TO ONE ANOTHER:
God doesn’t expect pastors and teachers to do all the ministering. He has given each of
us gifts and talents to encourage, teach and challenge one another.
Small groups provide the perfect setting for Christians to minister to one another.(Heb.
10:24)
Inside this issue:
Christian Small
2
SMALL GROUPS ENCOURAGE EACH OTHER IN FAITH:
Group
We strengthen each other’s faith. (Rom. 1:12)
Starting a small
2
SMALL GROUP MEMBERS ENCOURAGE EACH OTHER TO GROW:
Regardless of a group’s format, after a while people are likely to share personal insight
and testimonies. When people share, other group members see new ways they can
draw closer to God and new steps they can take with others.
group
Meet our small
groups
(2 Cor. 1:4)
pgs. 3-6
Easter Pictures
GROUP MEMBERS HOLD EACH OTHER ACCOUNTABLE:
6
If someone announces he or she plans to work on making a change, other members of
the group may ask how it went the next time they meet.
(Prov. 27:17)
Birthday List
7
MEMBERS PRAY FOR ONE ANOTHER:
Upcoming
8
God honors and answers prayer. When people become connected emotionally, they
are more open to praying for one another (Matt. 18:20)
Events
Anniversary List
8
PEOPLE ARE MORE LIKELY TO PRACTICE WHAT THEY LEARN:
For all the above reasons, members of a small group are more likely to apply what they
learn than those in a large group.
GROUP MEMBERS CAN HELP EACH OTHER IN HARD TIMES:
People feel isolated, alone or abandoned when facing grave health, emotional or financial problems. Small group members can provide a “safety net,” supporting one another
in hard times.
FRIENDSHIPS START:
Many people, including Christians, lack close friends. When people get together in a
small group, close friendships form and often remain long after the group ends.
“For where two or three come together in my name, there I am with them.”
(Matthew 18:20)
DEFINITION: A Christian small group is a community of 6-15 people who have willingly and purposefully gathered together to support one another, to help each
other grow spiritually, to hear God, and to extend the Kingdom of God.
PURPOSE: God has gifted every Christian to a function of the Body of Christ. Small
groups are one of many ways through which the Body of Christ can be demonstrated.
1) MINISTRY TO ONE ANOTHER:
A small group is a place where members feel free, loved, accepted and at
home. The small group provides the framework where people can be transparent,
can learn to speak truth in love, and develop mutual trust. (Heb 10:24-25)
2) DISCIPLESHIP:
Members grow spiritually through Bible study, prayer, and ministry to one another.
They learn to look to the Holy Spirit as the teacher of the group allowing Him to
guide and work in and through each member. ( John 15-5)
3) DEVELOPMENT OF EACH PERSON’S GIFT:
Small groups
are one of
many ways
through which
the Body of
Christ can be
demonstrated.
Those whom God brings together in a small group are equipped with all the gifts
needed to accomplish that group’s purpose, whether it be Bible study, support,
fellowship, planning or church work.
(1 Cor. 12:4-7)
4) EMPLOYMENT OF THOSE GIFTS FOR THE BUILDING UP OF THE BODY OF CHRIST:
Small groups are a place where members are “built up” with the fullness of Christ.
As the group bonds and becomes a safe place, each person’s gift will emerge
and enrich other members. ( Eph. 4:15-16)
5) OUTREACH TO THE COMMUNITY:
As participants learn to identify and encourage each other’s gifts, the knowledge
of their ministry increases in the Kingdom and their neighbors and friends will see
God at work in their community.
( Gal. 6:9-10)
The formation of Bible study and service oriented small groups is always encouraged. Contact one of the three Small Group Deacons (John Dizer, Larry Miller
and Matt Wiseman) for an informational package and support. The Elders are
also very much interested in supporting small group growth and knowing the areas of interest.
Page 2
If you are interested in starting a small group, you should first typically find people
that are willing to lead or be co-leaders. You might even consider a service area
or mid-week Bible study or prayer emphasis in which to base a small group. Remember there is no limit to what can be accomplishrd with God’s help. ‘To him
who is able to do immeasurably more” Eph 3:20
The person starting the Small Group will invite participants in an open invitation fashion,
create an atmosphere where the Holy Spirit can work and teach and build up each other. It is also suggested that the leader take a less role of hospitality, organization and
participation so that other members may step in and contribute. He becomes less so
others become more.
Typically at a home Bible study group, the leader becomes a facilitator by continuing to
direct questions back to the group. We have many lesson series already purchased on
a variety of biblical topics ready to go with discussion questions included. Therefore,
leading a small group is relatively painless.
Small Group Meeting at the Church Building
Group Make-up: Mixed Ages
Leaders: Chris Marshall & Ernie Hedgecorth
We are the Small Group that meets at the Church Building in the Education Wing. Our
meeting times are the 1st, 2nd & 3rd Sundays of the month, beginning at 1:00 pm and
ending at 2:00 pm. We do have kitchen facilities available if participants wish to cook
and eat lunch after services and remain at the building. Other group members can
choose to go out and eat before we meet. For anyone wishing to participate in Small
Groups, but finding evening meetings difficult to attend, this may be the group for you,
(and/or your family). We are open to any person or family as we continue to define our
groups focus. Group lessons focus on the individual perspectives on scripture and give
time for all to share their personal thoughts and feelings. In doing so, we want to grow in
our spiritual concern for each other, while focusing on the sharing and understanding of
God's word. We choose to pray, laugh, cry and love together. For further information on
the Church Building Small Group, please contact Ernie Hedgecorth or Chris Marshall.
Thank you
Contact one of
the three Small
Group
Deacons (John
Dizer, Larry
Miller and Matt
Wiseman) for
an information
package and
support.
Small Group Meeting in East Brainerd Area
Group Make-up: Mixed Ages
Leader: Jeremy Davis
Our small group is made up of people of different ages and stages of life. We range from
our 20's up to retirees. We have chosen to be multi-generational with the intentions to
learn from each other in our different stages of life. We also value building relationships
with people that are different than ourselves. Being a part of a big congregation, we
hope to get to know people that we may not normally be in community with. We rotate
to different members’ homes to share together. Each week we spend time hearing
about each other’s lives and praying for our concerns. We are following the Quest of
disciplined grace that Chris Barnett is leading us through on Sunday mornings. We challenge each other actually to practice these spiritual disciplines and discuss how it went
each week. Our group has also been in prayer about ways we can serve our community
in order to share the message of Christ with those in our lives. We meet for the first three
Sundays of each month beginning at 4:30. If you have any questions or are looking for a
place to engage in this type of community, please contact Jeremy Davis at [email protected].
Page 3
Small Group Meeting in Ooltewah -East Brainerd Area
Group Make-up: Parent of Grown Children and Young Adults
Leaders: John Dizer & Steve Ramey
Our small group enjoys the in depth study of the scriptures and the time
spent each week in sharing a meal and sharing each other’s hopes
and burdens in prayer. The make-up of the group is primarily parents
with grown children, as well as several young adults. Our meeting time
is 6:00 Sunday evenings and generally rotates between several homes
in the Ooltewah and East Brainerd area. Currently we are discussing
scripture and topics such as prayer, meditation and other Christian disciplines
based on the book “Celebration of Discipline” from which Chris Barnett is also basing sermon topics on Sunday mornings. Being a member of a large congregation
sometimes brings challenges in getting to know one another. In becoming a
member of a small group, we become closer to other Christians’ lives. We are
able to encourage and serve one another more effectively and simply be family
in good times and not so good times. If you have any questions or are looking to
become part of this small group and experience that sense of Christian family,
contact either John Dizer or Steve Ramey
Small Group Meeting in Ooltewah Area
Group Make-up: Parent with School-Age Children
Leaders: Tim Edmonds & Jason Robertson
The Edmonds/Robertson Small Group is comprised of families primarily from
Ooltewah with children ranging in age from toddlers to middle-school age. We
typically meet in each other’s home for a meal and devotional twice each
month, on Sunday nights opposite of planned youth group activities. On those
Sundays when a small-group devotional is not planned, we often meet for lunch
after Sunday morning worship and classes. Our Bible study topics can range
from being a Christian parent, to raising children to love God and others, to the
power of the Holy Spirit working in our lives. We enjoy social activities such as
spring and summer cookouts, a Halloween party, and Breakfast in Pajamas at
Christmas time, as well as service opportunities such as WATS, making care bags
for the homeless, and caroling for shut-ins.
Small Group Meeting in Apison Area
Group Make-up: Parents with Grown Children
Leaders: Henry Lynn & Eric Whittington
Page 4
Our Small Group can best be described with one word – Impactful! Let me explain: First is the impact this small group makes on the community. We (Henry and
Wanda Lynn, Eric and Judy Whittington, Vicki Haley, Russ and Karen Haynes, Byron
and Ann Boyd, Jim and Shelia Casey and Alton and Sandra Brazzle) perform service projects as God provides the opportunities. Over the years we have been
given opportunities both big and small, short-term and long-term. At Chattanooga’s Room in the Inn, we put down new laminate flooring in multiple
rooms. Both the occupants and staff were very thankful for the huge positive
impact this made on their facility. Some of the members of our congregation
proudly continue to live in their homes, but are no longer physically able to do
all of the required maintenance, etc. Our small group has reached out to
them not only during WATS, but also by providing long-term assistance for
things such as home repairs, yard work and pressure washing. Like many other
members, we have used our chainsaws, trucks and labor to help both our
members and neighbors clean up from multiple storms. Finally, and perhaps the most
impactful, our small group (especially one couple) has rallied to aid a needy family with
special attention given to their teenage daughter to provide money, items for their
apartment, transportation, untold hours of counseling and mentoring, but most of all
love where it did not appear to exist previously . Second is the impact made on each
member of the small group. Although our primary meeting location is in the Lynns’
home, we also meet at the Haynes, Boyds and Caseys. We either begin or end each
meeting by sharing a meal. While breaking bread, we have the opportunity to catch up
on events within each other’s lives. Our lessons before or after the meal vary greatly. We are currently watching short videos produced by Jeff Walling. We have used material designed for small groups, but we have also been known to study whatever the
Holy Spirit put on the mind of our small group leader! No matter the subject, we always
engage in intense discussion that invariably impacts our lives in ways that we didn’t foresee. We strongly feel this is a result that can only occur through the dynamics of a small
group. Thanks, Henry Lynn
Small Group Meeting in Apison Area
Group Make-up: Mixed Ages
Co-Leaders: Larry Miller & Matt Wiseman
The Miller-Wiseman small group was established in 2010 and consists of a wide range of
ages, from 1 through retirement. We enjoy the wide age range and feel that it is beneficial for both the spiritual and social aspects of our group. Given our age range, many
of our group members would never have formed the strong relationships we have without being in a small group together. Our Bible studies have encompassed a wide array
of scriptures and topics from fruits of the spirit, to prayer, to Christian unity. We just concluded a brief survey of fasting, and we recently began a study of I Samuel. Our Bible
studies are open and discussion oriented. Everyone is encouraged to ask questions, answer questions, speak, and share, as we seek to know God more and support each other
with personal growth and struggles. On the first three Sundays of every month, we meet
at the Millers’ home at 6:00pm to eat, with the Bible study beginning around 7:00. We
would love to have you visit our group. Feel free to contact Larry & Lisa Miller at 236-4066
or Matt & Gilly Wiseman at 596-4402. We look forward to seeing you.
Small Group Meeting at Heritage Park (Summer)
Group Make-up: Young Professionals
Co-Leaders: Nathan Brown & Jacob Campbell
The Young Professionals Small Group usually meets on Sundays at 5:30PM. For the summer, we will meet at Heritage Park where all bring their own picnic. In the event of rain,
we will meet at the church building in our classroom. The group is made up of members
of the Young Professionals Class, their friends and family including babies, toddlers, and
(Continued on page 6)
Page 5
small children. We are open to anyone who wants to join us, especially visitors to our class. Our meetings usually consist of a Bible discussion, time in prayer, and some fellowship time including an occasional game of wiffle ball. The focus of our group is to build
stronger Christian relationships and to work on our projects. The
promotion planning which included producing the video featuring
Emily for the Tennessee Children’s Home supply drive is done during
our small group meetings. We also do most of the preplanning for
WATS during our meetings. For more information about our small group, contact
Nathan Brown 423-834-5906 or by email at [email protected].
Family Birthdays
APRIL
20 Dave Mellor
Emory Millirons
Harrison Millirons
23 Samantha Pope
Mack Brown
Savanna Hawk
24 Ashley Brown
John Cardwell
Amy Floyd
25 Tonya Hardison
26 Ausbin Hughes
Kaylyn Martin
Chuck Feagans
28 Rusty Hardison
W C Lane
29 Hannah McKamey
Kristi Rhodes
30 Tim Brooks, Sr
Jacob Campbell
Delane Davis
Gracie Green
12 Parker Wamack
Steve Warren
3 Cathy Amos
Joy Casteel
Emma Moore
13 Christa May
4 Ken Leverette
14 Judy Davidson
Pat Smith
Mildred Kelly
Jacob Sutton
Kelly White
5 Anna Sue Allen
15 Taylor Keasler
6 Linda Caperton
Marian Parrott
7 Micah Barnett
16 Calvin Conn
Jordyn Byles
Carol Littlejohn
Julie Clevenger
Jason Webb
Teresa Gregg
17 Larry Howard
9 Aidan Bontrager
Nadine Hysinger
Jeff Corvin
Joe Pope
Alyssa Martin
Bob Tanner
Ken Parker
18 Patty Brown
10 Wendy Manning
19 Charmane Ayers
Steve Young
Joy Hogan
Larry Waldrep
Linda Jarrett
Dottie Willmore
20 Jordan Akins
11 Marianne Beliveau TreAaron Mercer
MAY
vor McInturff
22 Abigail Willmore
Lori Robertson
1 Rita Lamb
23 Ronnie Buck
12 Makala Daniel
2 Molly Hardison
24 Brenda Pickett
Tim McPherson
3 Birdie Carson
Steve Ramey
Jared Phillips
Linda Dizer
Megan Shepherd
Penny Pirtle
Harrison Gibson
25 Michael McLean
13 Kelly Floied
Leigh Anne McKamey
Jennifer Jones
Annette Hawkins
Trent Sutton
26 Lily Daniel
Erik Overberg
Savannah Bruington
Cecily Edmonds
Irma Shepherd
4 Courtney McInturff
Sarah Emrey
Claudia Wamack
Vivian Moore
27 Byron Boyd
14 Nell Yoder
Ron Rogers
29 Cooper Jones
15 Jack Crosby
6 Joyce Conn
30 Mary Beck
Lisa Bellino
Kathy Loy
Bob Littlejohn
16 Betty Davis
7 Larry Miller
31 Joel Bender
Mary Driver
Amy Lowdermilk
JUNE
Henry Lynn
8 Barbara Duncan
Maggie Lowdermilk
Connor Kruse
2 Caitlyn Kruse
Caroline Sessions
Whitney Webb
Carter Cardwell
17 Rick May
9 Wilma Young
Katie Tipton
Jeff Moon
10 Chris Parrott
Wayne Willison
18 Jade Nunnally
Oliver Webb
4 Jim Green
19 Will Young
11 Dee Harwell
Josh Sutton
Suzanne Wooten
Jennifer Mercer
Vince Van Cleave
Tim Pierce
5 Paula Kleine
6 Teresa Arthur
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
Barry Bates
Jim Owens
Leon Smartt
Michael Anderson
Karen Haynes
Michael Gilbreath
Bettye Hornsby
Hayley Schwieter
Laura Gregg
Evan Pirtle
Edie Crosby
Krista Lee
Andrew Sariah
Chris Schild
Stephanie Jarrett
Leslie Johnson
Aaron Sanders
14 Sandra Green
Harry Reynolds
15 Terri Hurst
McKenna Mason
16 Bo Warren
17 Karleen Dixon
18 Preston Pelfrey
Mary McCleskey
20 Connor Kapperman
21 Elizabeth Garey
Anita Kapperman
Ben Lockert
Connor Young
Tyler Young
22 Amber McMillian
24 Lynn Petty
Kimmi Rougeau
25 Taylor May
Kate Rogers
26 Teresa Baker
John Dizer
Amber Robertson
27 Charlotte Brooks
Tyler Braly
Ray Childers
Kelley Seay
Billy Smith
29 Larissa Braly
Joseph Gregg
Isabella King
John Hewitt King
Page 7
Upcoming Events
April 5 & 6 - Ladies Retreat
East Brainerd Church
April 7 - Mumena Celebration
Aprilof
7 -Christ
Baby Shower for Megan & Andrew
Shepherd from 4-5:30
7745 East Brainerd Road
April 7 - Prophets Playhouse at Martin Boyd
Chattanooga, TN 37421
AprilReturn
13 - Date
Night
5-8:30
Service
Requested
April 14 - Bridal Shower for Rebecca Lynn from
1-2:30
Phone: 423-892-1389
AprilFax:
28 -423-894-2021
Bridal Shower for Katy Lieberum from
1-2:30
E-mail: [email protected]
April 28 - EBBS @ 4:30
May 4 - Preschool Graduation
May 19 - Baby Shower for Sarah McInturff Chelf
Non Profit Org.
from 2-2:30
U.S. Postage
May 26 - EBBS @ 4:30
Paid
June 1 - Date Night
Chattanooga, TN
June 6 thru 13 - Jamaica Permit NO. 71
June 23 - EBBS @ 4:30
Here is the reading list for the East Brainerd Book
Sisters (EBBS) in 2013.
July 28 - Reader’s Choice
April 28 - Snow Flower And The Secret Fan
May 26 - Memory Keeper’s Daughter
June 23 - Big Russ And Me
13
14
16
18
20
21
22
24
25
APRIL
2
3
6
14
15
19
21
24
29
Carter & Kami Fowler
Steve & Tedra Ramey
Trent & Catherine Sutton
Jeff & Tessa Poteralski
George & Anna Sue Allen
Michael & Leslie Johnson
James & Missy Gilbert
Rick & Kimberly Overberg
Daniel & Felicia Ramsey
MAY
2
4
6
8
9
Chris & Bobbi Marshall
Thomas & Stella Raymer
Michael & Courtney Craig
Andrew & Megan Shepherd
Eric & Judy Whittington
26
29
August 25 - The Lion, The Witch, And The
Visit us on the web:
www.eastbrainerdchurch.org
Wardrobe
September 22 - Reader’s Choice
October 27 - I Blame Eve or Murder On A Girls’
Night Out
Aaron & Jennifer Mercer
David & Becky Musgrave
Harry & Fredia Reynolds
Steve & Melissa Conn
Trevor & Ulyana Elliott
Tommy & Sarah Hayes *50th*
Jacob & Minda Campbell
Jacob & Savanna Hawk
Michael & Anna Stone
Gary & Dee Harwell
Will & Jennifer Brewer
Chris & Michelle Richardson
Jeff & Ginny Osby
Barry & Carryl Ryan
Jeff & Barbie Moon
Frank & Sue Ford
Brent & Amber McMillian
9
10
11
17
20
21
22
23
24
JUNE
1
2
3
5
7
8
Kelley & Summer Seay
John & Linda Dizer
Gene & Shirley Floied
Bill & Della Sampson
John & Melissa Wright
Thomas & Rose Cole
Eric & Stephanie Schwieter
Roger & Paula Duckworth
Michael & Kim Gilbreath
25
26
27
28
29
30
Phillip & Jordan Arthur
Richard & Pam Cribbs
Delane & Debbie Davis
Robbie & Kristi Rhodes
Billy & Ruby Jean Smith
Wes & Kristy Vaughn
Mark & Terrie Warren
Ken & Martha Parker
Sherrell & Marion McConnell
Scott & Christin Carlisle
Chuck & Judy Davidson
Will & Lanette Young
Chris & Tonya Barnett
John & Teresa Gregg
Rusty & Jennifer Carlton
Jeff & Julie McKamey
Joel & Anna Davenport
Chuck & Susan Feagans
Jason & Michelle Guess
Ausbin & Anna Ruth Hughes
Byron & Ann Boyd
Michael & Tammy Bramlett
Paul & Penny Pirtle
JR & Brittany Carbonell
Richard & Margie Harris
Courtney & Karen McInturff
Larry & Lisa Miller
Barry & Kelly White
Chad & Lori Wortman