Summer Planning Guide
As a Small Groups ministry, we will be breaking from the usual sermon-based guide from May 28th through the beginning/middle of August. This not only allows us as leaders to have a time of rest, but it allows all of us to take a breath and experience God and community through different routines.
So, in your gathering this week, please take time to discuss as a group how you would like to spend your time this summer. If you’re not meeting this week, you may choose to set a date for this discussion, or have it via text/email.
As a group, discuss where you’re at and select from the following options:
Option #1: Take a Break.
Say, “we love you all, but this summer is crazy or filled with transition.” You may decide to take a full break from any organized meeting for the entire summer. There is no shame in choosing this option!
Option #2: Schedule 1-4 Casual Gatherings
If your group wants to get together, but many are going on vacations or have a lot going on, you may want to pick this option. If this option is for you, please do your best to set dates and rough plans for each casual gathering before you end your time tonight. Choose things that are fun, community oriented, possibly outdoors, and kid friendly. Here are some suggestions:
Park N Play Night, Game Night, BBQ Cook-Off, S’mores Galore, Slice and Dice Pizzeria, Isotopes or NM United Night, Day Hike, Zoo or Aquarium Biopark Outing, Overnight Campout, Breakfast Walk and Catch Up, Neighborhood/Bosque Trail Clean-Up…
Option #3: Continue Meeting to Share Life Stories
If your group is getting into a good rhythm (or getting started for the first time), you may decide to continue meeting regularly. If you want to go with this option, decide as a group to meet weekly or biweekly. Then, instead of the normal sermon-based guide, we’ve prepared a guide for your group to go through that will help each person share their life story. When you gather, you’ll share a meal and then 1-3 people will get a chance to share their story.
If you’ve never done this before, this is a great exercise to think through your life and to see how God has been working. It can also be a great way to build trust in your relationships, which can have a big impact on the depth and vulnerability in your group when you get back to the regular rhythm in the fall.
Click here for the Story Sharing Guide
Of course, built into these three options is a natural “Option #4” Your group may decide that you want to do both options 2 & 3 alternating throughout the summer. If that is the case, we encourage you to make a schedule that allows each person to share their life story by fall (mid August-ish).
