fall 2019 GROWTH GROUPS
Growth Groups will start the week of September 8 and will end the week of December 15.
"For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope—the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ" Titus 2:11-13
Our emphasis as a church this year has been on growing in grace, seeking wisdom from God to live in such a way that we glorify Him. This Fall our sermon series will be on Romans 6-8 and many of our groups will be digging deeper into these chapters (see The Battle Within description below). There will also be groups focused on other parts of the Bible or studying topics such as prayer or how to be good stewards of our finances. Please check out this list, then register for a group here.
* Indicates childcare is available
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.
"For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope—the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ" Titus 2:11-13
Our emphasis as a church this year has been on growing in grace, seeking wisdom from God to live in such a way that we glorify Him. This Fall our sermon series will be on Romans 6-8 and many of our groups will be digging deeper into these chapters (see The Battle Within description below). There will also be groups focused on other parts of the Bible or studying topics such as prayer or how to be good stewards of our finances. Please check out this list, then register for a group here.
* Indicates childcare is available
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.
Fall Emphasis: The Battle Within - Romans 6-8
When we read Romans 6-8, one thing becomes clear: there’s a battle going on here. Spiritually speaking, it’s a life-and-death situation: we’re dead to sin, and we’re alive in Christ! Once we’ve been justified by faith in Jesus, the old self is gone, and we are given a new life—life to the full. So, are we living that way? Are we winning the battle to live the sanctified life? Do we even know what that means? Do we recognize there’s a battle taking place at all? This fall, as we study these three chapters of Paul’s letter to the Roman church, our hope is for this study to be a tool you can use to dig into God’s Word, on your own and in community with others, as we embark on “The Battle Within” together as a church.
When we read Romans 6-8, one thing becomes clear: there’s a battle going on here. Spiritually speaking, it’s a life-and-death situation: we’re dead to sin, and we’re alive in Christ! Once we’ve been justified by faith in Jesus, the old self is gone, and we are given a new life—life to the full. So, are we living that way? Are we winning the battle to live the sanctified life? Do we even know what that means? Do we recognize there’s a battle taking place at all? This fall, as we study these three chapters of Paul’s letter to the Roman church, our hope is for this study to be a tool you can use to dig into God’s Word, on your own and in community with others, as we embark on “The Battle Within” together as a church.
SUNDAYS at 8:45AM
THE BATTLE WITHIN* - 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. They love engaging the class with ice breakers so that everyone gets a chance to know each other.
THE BATTLE WITHIN (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.
THE BATTLE WITHIN (WOMEN'S GROUP)* - led by Cynthia Sheppard - ROOM 220
Cynthia Sheppard is a former teacher who loves meeting weekly with other women. She is a sports enthusiast who loves following the activities of her 11 grandchildren.
THE SCHOOL OF PRAYER* - led by Jeff Blankenfeld - ROOM 120
The apostle Paul instructed the Colossians in this way regarding prayer: Devote yourselves to prayer, always keeping alert in it, with an attitude of thanksgiving. (Col. 4:2) A simple, straight forward verse but with transforming implications for those willing to venture into the truth Paul was speaking of. This class will be an open discussion of prayer, the importance of prayer, and will encourage a deeper prayer life within us.
Jeff and Deniz live on an acreage near Aurora and have an adult son, daughter and son-in-law.
SUNDAYS at 10AM
THE BATTLE WITHIN* - 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.
BIBLE IN A YEAR* - led by Gregg Carlson - ROOM 210
In this group, we cover the entire Bible in chronological order. Our goal is to review the entire Bible while focusing on what we believe and why we believe it.
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.
BIBLE STUDY* - led by Tom Delaney - ROOM 120
This group starts off with a challenging question, thought, or quote, then studies different verses of the Bible each week.
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.
FINANCIAL PEACE - led by Cody and Mary Christensen - Room 135
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.
Married 12 years, Cody and Mary have 3 young kids and both work at SDSU. They have been using the Financial Peace program for 10 years. “We are excited to teach the FPU class because it changed our lives, strengthened our marriage, and helped us be on the same page about money.”
BIBLE STUDY (MEN'S GROUP)* - led by Todd Intermill - ROOM 150
This group will be studying the Bible throughout the year.
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 – GOD OF CREATION by Jen Wilkin (WOMEN'S GROUP)* - led by Lisa Boulais - Room 220
There are no minor characters in the story of God. Beginning with Genesis 12, walk alongside the fathers of our faith—Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph—to discern Jesus in the stories of His people. Over 10 sessions, discover how God orchestrates everything for His glory and the good of His people, and see how the God of creation and covenant is the same yesterday, today, and forever.
Lisa lives on a lake and loves spending time there with her friends and family, including 2 grandchildren. She has attended GracePoint for 21 years.
7:00PM – THE QUEST by Beth Moore (WOMEN'S GROUP) - led by Nicole Gertken - Home Group (east side of Brookings)
The crooked punctuation mark at the end of a sentence speaks of curiosity, interest, and perhaps doubt. A question is an invitation to vulnerability, to intimacy. The Bible does not shy away from such an invite. Over and over we see the people of God asking questions of their Creator. We also see the God of the universe asking questions of His creation. The Quest is a challenge to accept the invitation. Beth Moore uses questions from Scripture to lead you into intimacy with the One who knows you best. Learn to dig into the Word, to respond to the questions of God, and to bring your questions before Him. Let the crooked punctuation mark be the map that points you into a closer relationship with the Father.
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.
7:00PM - CONQUERORS (MEN'S GROUP) - (meeting details will be provided following signup)
Discover how to renew your mind and break destructive patterns. Sexual immorality is rampant in our culture, and also in our churches, and many men don’t even know where to turn for help, support, and teaching on how to walk in purity in this impure world. This is not just another study for men, but a tried and proven battle plan, whereby you will learn how to use the weapons of God to be a better husband, father, and friend, by walking alongside other men in the battle for purity, and also by learning how to help your friends, and teach your children how to walk in purity also. We will get to the root of bondage and addiction, while offering proven principles to walk in freedom from sin. Let’s come together as men, and conquer one of Satan’s greatest strongholds in the church.
WEDNESDAYS at 6:30PM
THE BATTLE WITHIN* - led by Joe and Patty Tschetter - ROOM 200
Joe & Patty have been married for 32 years and have two adult children. They have been at GracePoint for 35 years.
WHAT TO DO WHEN YOU DON’T KNOW WHAT TO DO by David Jeremiah* - led by Paul and Leila Muzzey - ROOM 210
Sometimes the big and small decisions in life seem overwhelming. How do you know what to choices to make about your career, kids, and relationships? Even when you make good decisions, how do you avoid temptation along the way? In this study, Dr. David Jeremiah walks you through the book of James to glean God’s wisdom on issues such as finances, faith, and decision-making.
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 five years.
THE BATTLE WITHIN* - led by Randy and Stacey Hanson - ROOM 220
Married for 27 years, Randy & Stacey have two adult sons. They have been attending GracePoint for 18 years. They live on an acreage near Aurora and love to ride their horses together.
THE BATTLE WITHIN* - led by Jim Merritt - ROOM 115
We'll follow The Battle Within material and then move into working our way through a book called Prayer: Finding the Heart's True Home. It's a book that dives into different types of prayer. The trick is, we actually read it together in class. No reading ahead, so there's no falling behind. It's a low key way to work your way through a book you might not pick up otherwise, but that, afterwards, you'll be so glad you read. Going through it together with a group gives you a
chance to talk through what you are learning and listen to others as they grow.
Jim and his wife Cindy have four kids.
BIBLE IN A YEAR* - led by Gregg Carlson - ROOM 130
In this group, we cover the entire Bible in chronological order. Our goal is to review the entire Bible while focusing on what we believe and why we believe it.
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.
THE BATTLE WITHIN (21 to 40)* - led by Andrew Waterman - ROOM 135
This group is for anyone, post-college to early adulthood, trying to figure out what life is about. All who are on the same journey are welcome. We will intentionally connect outside of group to serve and have fun. 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.
IF:GATHERING (WOMEN'S GROUP)* - led by Kate Bergstrom and a host of co-leaders - Great Room
What “IF” you gather in fellowship with a small group of women, navigating life together? Here is an opportunity to join a table within a large group setting. At IF:Gathering 2019 we’re going to learn what it means to rely on the wisdom of God and not rely on our own understanding. This will be led by: Kate Bergstrom, Jen Dietrich, Jessica Hardt, Liz Jordan and Sandy Sheppard. Click here for a short video with more Info
WEDNESDAY EVENING HOME GROUPS
6:30PM - THE BATTLE WITHIN – led by Kevin and Hillary VanDyke - Home Group (Elkton)
Kevin and Hillary have been married for 7 yrs and live in Elkton. They have one child, Gideon, and three cats. They have attended GracePoint for over ten years and met at Oasis. Kevin has a passion for fixing machinery and Hillary enjoys quilting.
6:30PM - THE BATTLE WITHIN – led by 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.
OASIS COLLEGE MINISTRY GROUPS:
Oasis will host groups each night of the week for men and women seeking to grow in their faith, along with like-minded others. Groups typically work around the college schedule starting between 7PM and 9PM. You can see the list of options HERE.
GRACEPOINT STUDENT MINISTRY:
GSM will be following the orange curriculum again this fall and will be meeting each Sunday morning during 1st and 2nd hour. Participants will be grouped by age and gender. Please sign up for the time that works best for you.
CARE GROUPS
THURSDAYS AT 6:30 - Celebrate Recovery Brookings
led by Serenity Miller, Steve & Tamie Dvorak, and a host of co-leaders - GREAT ROOM (potluck-style food/social beforehand starting at 5:30)
The purpose of Celebrate Recovery Brookings is to celebrate God's healing power through the Christ-centered 12 Steps and 8 Biblical Principles of spiritual recovery. We break the bondage of the past by sharing our experience, strength, and hope with each other, finding healing in Jesus Christ and CELEBRATING freedom from the hurts, hang-ups, and habits that have controlled us! General meeting nights start with a time of big group worship through song, followed by a teaching/testimony, then break into men’s & women’s small groups for personal sharing, before we come together again for a time of fellowship at the end of the evening. CR meetings are a CONFIDENTIAL environment where you are safe to share your journey with a community of others who are journeying, too.
THE BATTLE WITHIN* - 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. They love engaging the class with ice breakers so that everyone gets a chance to know each other.
THE BATTLE WITHIN (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.
THE BATTLE WITHIN (WOMEN'S GROUP)* - led by Cynthia Sheppard - ROOM 220
Cynthia Sheppard is a former teacher who loves meeting weekly with other women. She is a sports enthusiast who loves following the activities of her 11 grandchildren.
THE SCHOOL OF PRAYER* - led by Jeff Blankenfeld - ROOM 120
The apostle Paul instructed the Colossians in this way regarding prayer: Devote yourselves to prayer, always keeping alert in it, with an attitude of thanksgiving. (Col. 4:2) A simple, straight forward verse but with transforming implications for those willing to venture into the truth Paul was speaking of. This class will be an open discussion of prayer, the importance of prayer, and will encourage a deeper prayer life within us.
Jeff and Deniz live on an acreage near Aurora and have an adult son, daughter and son-in-law.
SUNDAYS at 10AM
THE BATTLE WITHIN* - 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.
BIBLE IN A YEAR* - led by Gregg Carlson - ROOM 210
In this group, we cover the entire Bible in chronological order. Our goal is to review the entire Bible while focusing on what we believe and why we believe it.
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.
BIBLE STUDY* - led by Tom Delaney - ROOM 120
This group starts off with a challenging question, thought, or quote, then studies different verses of the Bible each week.
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.
FINANCIAL PEACE - led by Cody and Mary Christensen - Room 135
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.
Married 12 years, Cody and Mary have 3 young kids and both work at SDSU. They have been using the Financial Peace program for 10 years. “We are excited to teach the FPU class because it changed our lives, strengthened our marriage, and helped us be on the same page about money.”
BIBLE STUDY (MEN'S GROUP)* - led by Todd Intermill - ROOM 150
This group will be studying the Bible throughout the year.
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 – GOD OF CREATION by Jen Wilkin (WOMEN'S GROUP)* - led by Lisa Boulais - Room 220
There are no minor characters in the story of God. Beginning with Genesis 12, walk alongside the fathers of our faith—Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph—to discern Jesus in the stories of His people. Over 10 sessions, discover how God orchestrates everything for His glory and the good of His people, and see how the God of creation and covenant is the same yesterday, today, and forever.
Lisa lives on a lake and loves spending time there with her friends and family, including 2 grandchildren. She has attended GracePoint for 21 years.
7:00PM – THE QUEST by Beth Moore (WOMEN'S GROUP) - led by Nicole Gertken - Home Group (east side of Brookings)
The crooked punctuation mark at the end of a sentence speaks of curiosity, interest, and perhaps doubt. A question is an invitation to vulnerability, to intimacy. The Bible does not shy away from such an invite. Over and over we see the people of God asking questions of their Creator. We also see the God of the universe asking questions of His creation. The Quest is a challenge to accept the invitation. Beth Moore uses questions from Scripture to lead you into intimacy with the One who knows you best. Learn to dig into the Word, to respond to the questions of God, and to bring your questions before Him. Let the crooked punctuation mark be the map that points you into a closer relationship with the Father.
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.
7:00PM - CONQUERORS (MEN'S GROUP) - (meeting details will be provided following signup)
Discover how to renew your mind and break destructive patterns. Sexual immorality is rampant in our culture, and also in our churches, and many men don’t even know where to turn for help, support, and teaching on how to walk in purity in this impure world. This is not just another study for men, but a tried and proven battle plan, whereby you will learn how to use the weapons of God to be a better husband, father, and friend, by walking alongside other men in the battle for purity, and also by learning how to help your friends, and teach your children how to walk in purity also. We will get to the root of bondage and addiction, while offering proven principles to walk in freedom from sin. Let’s come together as men, and conquer one of Satan’s greatest strongholds in the church.
WEDNESDAYS at 6:30PM
THE BATTLE WITHIN* - led by Joe and Patty Tschetter - ROOM 200
Joe & Patty have been married for 32 years and have two adult children. They have been at GracePoint for 35 years.
WHAT TO DO WHEN YOU DON’T KNOW WHAT TO DO by David Jeremiah* - led by Paul and Leila Muzzey - ROOM 210
Sometimes the big and small decisions in life seem overwhelming. How do you know what to choices to make about your career, kids, and relationships? Even when you make good decisions, how do you avoid temptation along the way? In this study, Dr. David Jeremiah walks you through the book of James to glean God’s wisdom on issues such as finances, faith, and decision-making.
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 five years.
THE BATTLE WITHIN* - led by Randy and Stacey Hanson - ROOM 220
Married for 27 years, Randy & Stacey have two adult sons. They have been attending GracePoint for 18 years. They live on an acreage near Aurora and love to ride their horses together.
THE BATTLE WITHIN* - led by Jim Merritt - ROOM 115
We'll follow The Battle Within material and then move into working our way through a book called Prayer: Finding the Heart's True Home. It's a book that dives into different types of prayer. The trick is, we actually read it together in class. No reading ahead, so there's no falling behind. It's a low key way to work your way through a book you might not pick up otherwise, but that, afterwards, you'll be so glad you read. Going through it together with a group gives you a
chance to talk through what you are learning and listen to others as they grow.
Jim and his wife Cindy have four kids.
BIBLE IN A YEAR* - led by Gregg Carlson - ROOM 130
In this group, we cover the entire Bible in chronological order. Our goal is to review the entire Bible while focusing on what we believe and why we believe it.
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.
THE BATTLE WITHIN (21 to 40)* - led by Andrew Waterman - ROOM 135
This group is for anyone, post-college to early adulthood, trying to figure out what life is about. All who are on the same journey are welcome. We will intentionally connect outside of group to serve and have fun. 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.
IF:GATHERING (WOMEN'S GROUP)* - led by Kate Bergstrom and a host of co-leaders - Great Room
What “IF” you gather in fellowship with a small group of women, navigating life together? Here is an opportunity to join a table within a large group setting. At IF:Gathering 2019 we’re going to learn what it means to rely on the wisdom of God and not rely on our own understanding. This will be led by: Kate Bergstrom, Jen Dietrich, Jessica Hardt, Liz Jordan and Sandy Sheppard. Click here for a short video with more Info
- Option one: sign up and be placed at a table
- Option two: invite 2-5 women to create a table
WEDNESDAY EVENING HOME GROUPS
6:30PM - THE BATTLE WITHIN – led by Kevin and Hillary VanDyke - Home Group (Elkton)
Kevin and Hillary have been married for 7 yrs and live in Elkton. They have one child, Gideon, and three cats. They have attended GracePoint for over ten years and met at Oasis. Kevin has a passion for fixing machinery and Hillary enjoys quilting.
6:30PM - THE BATTLE WITHIN – led by 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.
OASIS COLLEGE MINISTRY GROUPS:
Oasis will host groups each night of the week for men and women seeking to grow in their faith, along with like-minded others. Groups typically work around the college schedule starting between 7PM and 9PM. You can see the list of options HERE.
GRACEPOINT STUDENT MINISTRY:
GSM will be following the orange curriculum again this fall and will be meeting each Sunday morning during 1st and 2nd hour. Participants will be grouped by age and gender. Please sign up for the time that works best for you.
CARE GROUPS
THURSDAYS AT 6:30 - Celebrate Recovery Brookings
led by Serenity Miller, Steve & Tamie Dvorak, and a host of co-leaders - GREAT ROOM (potluck-style food/social beforehand starting at 5:30)
The purpose of Celebrate Recovery Brookings is to celebrate God's healing power through the Christ-centered 12 Steps and 8 Biblical Principles of spiritual recovery. We break the bondage of the past by sharing our experience, strength, and hope with each other, finding healing in Jesus Christ and CELEBRATING freedom from the hurts, hang-ups, and habits that have controlled us! General meeting nights start with a time of big group worship through song, followed by a teaching/testimony, then break into men’s & women’s small groups for personal sharing, before we come together again for a time of fellowship at the end of the evening. CR meetings are a CONFIDENTIAL environment where you are safe to share your journey with a community of others who are journeying, too.
