fall 2018 GROWTH GROUPS
This year, our congregation has focused on cultivating elements of Intentional Life and Intentional Discipleship. This fall many of our groups will focus on Intentional Worship. What does it mean to be people of worship? It starts with knowing Who God is and what He’s done. In our Intentional Worship groups we’ll walk step by step through some defining characteristics of God, laid out in Psalm 145 and selected New Testament texts.
We also offer a number of Bible studies, and topical studies from a biblical perspective.
Growth Groups will start the week of September 10 and continue through the week of December 19 (except as noted).
* Indicates childcare is available
Please check out the list below, then register for a group here.
If you have questions, please call the church office (605-692-6671), email the community life team, or check "Request Assistance" on the registration form.
We also offer a number of Bible studies, and topical studies from a biblical perspective.
Growth Groups will start the week of September 10 and continue through the week of December 19 (except as noted).
* Indicates childcare is available
Please check out the list below, then register for a group here.
If you have questions, please call the church office (605-692-6671), email the community life team, or check "Request Assistance" on the registration form.
SUNDAYS
8:45AM - INTENTIONAL WORSHIP* - led by Orv Smidt and David Sheppard - ROOM 200
Orv is a 34-year veteran of the U.S. Army and loves the Jackrabbits. David has farmed for 40 years. He loves spending time with his 11 grandchildren and playing pickleball. Orv and Dave have been leading together for over 6 years.
8:45AM - INTENTIONAL WORSHIP (MEN’S LEADERSHIP GROUP)* - led by Bruce Burckhardt - ROOM 210
Drawing on the wisdom of strong accomplished leaders, this group will help make men stronger Christian leaders in their homes, workplaces, church and environment. Be prepared to be challenged once you join this group.
Bruce loves God, good food, grandkids and, of course, his beautiful wife. He is a business owner and is always pushing himself to learn more about leadership.
8:45AM - INTENTIONAL WORSHIP (WOMEN'S GROUP)* - led by Cynthia Sheppard - ROOM 220
A former teacher and newspaper editor, Cynthia still loves leading a classroom. She finds joy, laughter, and caring in small group settings where she makes many new friends.
8:45AM - PRAYER* - led by Jeff Blankenfeld - ROOM 120
Jeff is a lifelong resident of South Dakota and recently retired. Jeff and Deniz have been married for 35 years. He enjoys gardening, hunting, fishing and has a special interest in driving horses.
This class will take a 6-week look at the who, what, when, where, why, and how of prayer. We will study Scripture each week to learn how we are supposed to pray, and will incorporate this into our daily practice. If you want to grow deeper in your prayer walk, this class is for you.
8:45AM - EYES OF THE HEART* - led by Janet Gerjets - ROOM 130
Eyes of the Heart guides readers through a new way of spiritual observation-through the lens of a camera-and in receiving images, not simply taking them. The class will use photography as a Christian contemplative practice, relating personal photography to our everyday lives.
10:00AM - INTENTIONAL WORSHIP* - led by Harley Harms - ROOM 200
Harley is married, has 5 kids and 6 grandchildren. He loves leading a group to a place of authentic connection.
10:00AM - INTENTIONAL WORSHIP* - led by Randy and Stacey Hanson - ROOM 220
Married for 25 years, Randy & Stacey have two adult sons. They have been attending GracePoint for 16 years. They live on an acreage near Aurora and love to ride their horses together.
10:00AM - INTENTIONAL WORSHIP (YOUNG PROFESSIONALS GROUP)* - led by Kayla Weng - ROOM 130
Kayla recently graduated from South Dakota State and is now the receptionist here at GracePoint. In her free time she loves to read, cook, run, travel, and spend time with her friends & family. She is greatly looking forward to diving further into this series with you!
10:00AM - BIBLE IN A YEAR* - led by Gregg Carlson - ROOM 210
This is the 15th year that Gregg has led “Through the Bible in a Year” at GracePoint. He began attending GracePoint and leading groups in 1969. In his spare time he studies Scripture, runs a sawmill and does CNC woodworking.
In this group, we cover the entire Bible in chronological order. It’s never too late to join the group and we will start the New Testament in September. Our goal is to review the entire Bible while focusing on what we believe and why we believe it.
10:00AM - BIBLE STUDY* - led by Tom Delaney - ROOM 120
Married for almost 39 years, Tom & his wife Deb have 7 children. Tom is a certified teacher, loves reading, and writing poetry. He has attended GracePoint for 17 years.
This group starts off with a challenging question, thought, or quote, then studies different verses of the Bible each week.
10:00AM - FINANCIAL PEACE* - led by Eric Hanenberger - ROOM 135
Eric enjoys walking with people learning how to manage God’s money. The first step of the journey is usually the toughest.
Financial Peace is a biblically-based curriculum that teaches people how to handle money God’s way. The cost for the kit for this class is $99, assistance may be available, if needed. Couples need only purchase one kit.
10:00AM - BIBLE STUDY (MEN'S GROUP)* - led by Todd Intermill - ROOM 150
Todd has attended GracePoint since the late 1960s, and has been leading men’s classes for the last decade. He grain farms with his wife, Wendy, in the Colman area. They have 2 daughters and 3 foster daughters, all adults now. Todd is enthusiastic about understanding Scripture, learning how to read it, and using it in your daily life.
TUESDAYS
9:00AM ENTRUSTED by Beth Moore (WOMEN'S GROUP)* - led by Lisa Boulais - Room 220
Lisa is married with 3 grown children. She lives on a lake and loves spending time there with friends and family. She has attended GracePoint for 19 years.
We were never meant to take this journey of faith alone or in secret. God has entrusted us with the great and mighty gift of the gospel, something too precious and life-giving to keep to ourselves. In this study, Beth will encourage you to guard what God has entrusted to you, further His kingdom by sharing Christ with others, and pour into future generations just as Paul once mentored Timothy. Because, in this journey of joy and hardship, we need each other to stay the course and live a life of faithfulness.
7:00PM - CONQUERORS (MEN'S GROUP) - led by Stephen Inches and Cody Pomerenke (meeting details will be provided following signup)
Stephen grew up in Aberdeen and is a carpenter by trade. He has a passion for helping people walk in purity with God, so they can live free of the destruction of sin and walk the amazing path that God has for each of us. He enjoys the outdoors, sports with friends, and playing guitar with the worship team.
Discover how to renew your mind and break destructive patterns. This is not just another study for men, but a tried and proven battle plan, where you will learn how to use the weapons of God to be a better husband, a better father and become a man of integrity. We will get to the root of bondage, while offering proven principles and practical tools to walk in freedom from sin.
WEDNESDAYS
5:30PM - INTENTIONAL WORSHIP - led by Larry Becker - ROOM 120
Larry served for 22 years as a special agent in Air Force Special Investigations. He’s been a Wesleyan since he was born in ‘42 and he really enjoys bowling and fishing.
6:30PM - INTENTIONAL WORSHIP* - led by Joe and Patty Tschetter - ROOM 200
Joe & Patty have been married for 30+ years and have two adult children. They have been at GracePoint for 32 years. They enjoy camping and Joe has been Troop 14’s scoutmaster since 1990.
6:30PM - INTENTIONAL WORSHIP (21 to 40)* - led by Andrew Waterman - ROOM 135
Andrew is originally from South Dakota, growing up on a farm on the South Dakota-Iowa border, and graduated from SDSU with a degree in Mechanical Engineering in May. He enjoys competing in Spartan obstacle course races as well as cooking and eating.
This group is for anyone, post-college to early adulthood, trying to figure out what life is about. All are welcome who are on the same journey. We will intentionally connect outside of group to serve and have fun.
6:30PM - WHY DISPENSATIONALISM MATTERS* - led by Paul and Leila Muzzey - ROOM 210
Grandpa Paul moved to Brookings about seven years ago to be near his son and grandkids. He met his wife Leila at GracePoint, and they have been married three years.
We will be looking at God’s plan for the ages. Dispensationalism is far more than simply a way to organize history or a system of belief. Dispensationalism comes from a careful, literal interpretation of Scripture. This course will employ that careful interpretation to help learners understand Israel, the church, Christ's present ministry and coming kingdom, and other future events.
6:30PM - PRAYER: FINDING THE HEART'S TRUE HOME by Richard Foster* - led by Jim Merritt - ROOM 220
Jim and his wife Cindy have four kids. Jim’s classes are pretty low key and open, filled with ‘how to’ tips for growing in your faith. Perfect for those who want to get started growing, or those who might need a spark to help get them unstuck.
Coming to prayer is like coming home, says Richard Foster. "Nothing feels more right, more like what we are created to be and to do. Yet at the same time we are confronted with great mysteries. Who hasn't struggled with the puzzle of unanswered prayer? Who hasn't wondered how a finite person can commune with the infinite Creator of the universe? Who hasn't questioned whether prayer isn't merely psychological manipulation after all? We do our best, of course, to answer these knotty questions but when all is said and done, there is a sense in which these mysteries remain unanswered and unanswerable . . . At such times we must learn to become comfortable with the mystery."
6:30PM - YOU AND ME FOREVER by Francis & Lisa Chan (MARRIAGE & PARENTING)* - led by Mike and Kristi Van Hofwegen - ROOM 220
Mike and his wife Kristi have a broad range of experiences ranging from divorce, single parenting, co-parenting and a blended household. They have been married for five years and, between them, have five children ranging in age from 9 to 18.
How do I have a great marriage? Setting aside typical topics on marriage, Francis and Lisa Chan dive into Scripture to understand what it means to have a relationship that satisfies the deepest parts of our souls. Material covered during the semester will focus on the core topics of marriage and parenting and, during the study, you will form relationships with others and a support structure for your marriage and parenting. The group will break into separate men's and women's groups once a month to change up the discussion and grow connections/support.
6:30PM - BIBLE IN A YEAR* - led by Gregg Carlson - ROOM 130
This is the 15th year that Gregg has led “Through the Bible in a Year” at GracePoint. He began attending GracePoint and leading groups in 1969. In his spare time he studies Scripture, runs a sawmill and does CNC woodworking.
In this group, we cover the entire Bible in chronological order. It’s never too late to join the group and we will start the New Testament in September. Our goal is to review the entire Bible while focusing on what we believe and why we believe it.
6:30PM - IF:GATHERING (WOMEN'S GROUP)* - led by Kate Bergstrom and a host of co-leaders - Great Room
Kate has been married to Brian for 14 years. They have been blessed with 3 kids (Krayton, Beckett, and Berkley). Kate is a former educator turned into a stay-at-home mom. Co-Leaders: Jen Diedrich, Brandy Eidsness, Jessica Hardt, Liz Jordan, Sandy Sheppard, Shiree Warner, Kathryn Wiese, and Jenna Byrd.
What “IF” you gather in fellowship with a small group of women to navigate life together? Here is an opportunity to join a table within a large group setting. We will journey through the book of 2nd Timothy via video sessions and table discussions. Along the way we will have the opportunity to reflect on topics such as doubt, anxiety, endurance and discipleship.
WEDNESDAY EVENING HOME GROUPS
6:30PM - INTENTIONAL WORSHIP - Jim Gilkerson - Home Group (east of Brookings)
Jim and Kysa Gilkerson live on their family farm located just east of Brookings. The farm has been in the Gilkerson family for more than 70 years.
7:00PM - BREATHE by Priscilla Shirer (WOMEN'S GROUP) - led by Nicole Gertken - Home Group (SE side of Brookings)
We are a group of ladies in all stages of life, looking to deepen our relationship with Christ and each other. Nicole works as a First-Year Academic Advisor at SDSU.
One of the greatest challenges among women in our culture is taking time to stop and cease from all the activities and busyness and just breathe. We are in bondage to busyness. It is time for us to build margin into our lives for God. If you are weary, worn out, and exhausted; the concept of Sabbath will change your life.
OASIS COLLEGE MINISTRY GROUPS:
Oasis will host groups each night of the week for Men and Women seeking to grow in their faith with others. Groups typically work around the college schedule starting between 7PM and 9PM. You can sign up for a group that works best for you and a group leader will be in touch with more information.
GRACEPOINT STUDENT MINISTRY:
GSM will be following the orange curriculum this fall and will be meeting each Sunday morning during 1st and 2nd hour. We will split up participants based on age group and gender. Please sign up to let us know what time works best and we will help assign you to the best group.
INTENTIONAL FAMILY LIFE SEMINAR* - Wednesdays at 6:30PM in the Great Room (November 28, December 5 & 12)
This 3-week series, led by the pastoral staff, will focus on key biblical principles for leading your family, incorporating intentional parenting and home discipleship. We will share plenty of resources along the way to encourage you that you are not doing this alone.
CARE GROUPS (Registration is welcome, but not required to attend a care group.)
WEDNESDAYS at 6:15-7:45PM - EMBRACE GRACE (WOMEN’S GROUP) - led by Ashlee Reyes, Ellie Vilhauer, Jenny Hallan - ROOM 140
This group provides emotional, practical, and spiritual support for young, single women who find themselves in an unintended pregnancy. The primary goal of Embrace Grace is to be a safe and non-judging place for young ladies to come when they find out they are pregnant. This is a 12-week program that teaches about God's love and grace, honoring these moms for choosing life and helping equip them to provide for their baby's needs.
THURSDAYS at 6:30PM - DARKNESS INTO LIGHT
Women's group led by Serenity Miller & Allison Schaffer - ROOM 220
Men's group led by Jeff Blankenfeld - ROOM 200
There's one thing we all have in common: Jesus is hope. Struggles with depression, anxiety, addiction, or trauma don't have to isolate us from community in Christ. In fact, God can use your story to light the way for someone else! This group meets year-round, and participants are welcome to join as needed. We'll walk through prayer, Scripture, practical exercises, and personal stories, sharing space in the struggles as we encourage one another to step from darkness into light, together.
2nd MONDAY of every month at 6:30PM - TOGETHER STRONG CANCER SUPPORT TEAM - led by Becky Eggebrecht - ROOM 220
Together Strong meetings are a safe, trusted environment for participants to process the emotional, spiritual, physical & relational changes that may occur with a diagnosis of cancer. Participants will have the opportunity to openly share and discuss concerns, apprehensions, questions, losses that arise from a past or present experience with cancer. Meetings are open to patients, survivors, family, friends, caregivers & health care workers.
Questions? Contact: beckytogetherstrong@gmail.com
