winter 2019 GROWTH GROUPS
Winter Emphasis - Minor Prophets:
What does it mean to live with timeless wisdom? It starts with being teachable in the present. And this means understanding that God is still speaking to us today. God spoke to His people thousands of years ago, through the ancient prophets. The Lord’s message to them then still applies for His people now. What do the Minor Prophets of the Old Testament have to say to us as people of the New Testament, who are living our lives on purpose to follow after Jesus Christ?
The terms “Minor Prophets” and “Major Prophets” simply distinguish between two groups of Old Testament prophetic texts. The books called “major” are longer and focused more broadly; the books called “minor” are shorter and focused more specifically. This doesn’t mean the Minor Prophets are any less important than the Major Prophets—it just means these two groupings of biblical texts have certain characteristics which set them apart from one another in their applications.
We also offer a number of Bible studies, and topical studies from a biblical perspective.
Growth Groups will start the week of January 9 and will end in May (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.
What does it mean to live with timeless wisdom? It starts with being teachable in the present. And this means understanding that God is still speaking to us today. God spoke to His people thousands of years ago, through the ancient prophets. The Lord’s message to them then still applies for His people now. What do the Minor Prophets of the Old Testament have to say to us as people of the New Testament, who are living our lives on purpose to follow after Jesus Christ?
The terms “Minor Prophets” and “Major Prophets” simply distinguish between two groups of Old Testament prophetic texts. The books called “major” are longer and focused more broadly; the books called “minor” are shorter and focused more specifically. This doesn’t mean the Minor Prophets are any less important than the Major Prophets—it just means these two groupings of biblical texts have certain characteristics which set them apart from one another in their applications.
We also offer a number of Bible studies, and topical studies from a biblical perspective.
Growth Groups will start the week of January 9 and will end in May (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 - Minor Prophets* - 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 - MEN’S LEADERSHIP GROUP* - led by Bruce Burckhardt - ROOM 210
Drawing on the wisdom of strong accomplished leaders, this group will help men to be 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 - "GOOD TO GREAT IN GOD'S EYES" with Chip Ingram (WOMEN'S GROUP)* - led by Cynthia Sheppard - ROOM 220
Join other women as we seek together to find a fresh infusion of faith and spiritual passion. Using Scripture, personal stories, and examples from Christians who left an indelible mark on the world, this study offers clear steps to becoming great in the things that matter most.
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.
8:45AM - 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 hopefully encourage a deeper prayer life within us. Biblical references to prayer, as well as prayer topics as taught by E.M. Bounds, will be used in the study.
Jeff and Deniz live on an acreage near Aurora and have an adult son, daughter and son-in-law.
8:45AM - RETURN OF THE PRODIGAL SON by Henri Nouwen* - led by Janet Gerjets - ROOM 130
When Henri Nouwen stumbled across a poster of Rembrandt's Return of the Prodigal Son, he began a spiritual journey that would help him understand the biblical parable as well as the story of his own life. Take this opportunity to join Henri as he leads the wayward prodigal and judgmental sibling who reside within each of us toward the open-handed, overwhelming compassion and eternal love of the Father. The Return of the Prodigal Son will transform your reading of the parable and the way you understand your life story.
10:00AM - MINOR PROPHETS* - 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 - BIBLE IN A YEAR* - led by Gregg Carlson - ROOM 210
In this group, we cover the entire Bible in chronological order. This class will start with Genesis in January.
Our goal is to review the entire Bible while focusing on what we believe and why.
This is the 16th 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.
10:00AM - SCREWTAPE LETTERS by C.S. Lewis* - led by Randy and Stacey Hanson - ROOM 220
Join Randy and Stacey in a unique 13-week study of the "enemy of our souls". The Screwtape Letters is a brilliant and satirical look at spiritual warfare and the dynamics of temptation. Screwtape, a senior demon in the bureaucracy of Hell, writes letters to his incompetent nephew Wormwood, a junior devil. The younger demon's assignment is to corrupt a young man living in London during the tumultuous days of World War II. We will use this book as a unique way to understand the invisible war waged against all humanity (Ephesians 6:12). Many consider this book the most engaging account of temptation—and the triumph over it—ever written. We hope you will join us.
Married for 25 years, Randy & Stacey have two adult sons. They live on an acreage near Aurora and love to ride their horses together. They have been attending GracePoint for 16 years.
10:00AM - 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.
10:00AM - BOOK CLUB: TO END ALL WARS* - led by Laura McMartin - ROOM 130
This group will read through novels and discuss them every other week starting Jan 13th. The first book will be “To End All Wars”. At the age of 24, Ernest Gordon was captured by the Japanese while escaping from Sumatra during the Second World War. Along with other British prisoners, he was marched into the jungle to build the notorious "Railroad of Death" and the bridge over the river Kwai. Gordon describes vividly the appalling conditions of the prisoners' camp and the inhumane treatment they received from the guards. The miracle is that, in these horrific circumstances, seeds of faith among the men sow forgiveness, unselfishness and love. This is a gripping story of triumph and heroism.
10:00AM - SERVING WITH EYES WIDE OPEN* - led by Lyle Olson and Dave Hopewell - Room 135
Though this book was designed for people interested in short-term missions, it’s a practical guide for those learning to serve. Serving and short-term mission trips are a great way to impact the kingdom, yet they can lack effectiveness because of mistakes or naiveté on the part of participants. In Serving with Eyes Wide Open, David A. Livermore calls us to serve with our eyes open to global and cultural realities so we can become more effective cross-cultural ministers.
Lyle and Dave both serve with GracePoint's global outreach leadership team and they are passionate about teaching and training everyone to have a heart for service.
10:00AM - 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 JONAH by Priscilla Shirer (WOMEN'S GROUP)* - led by Lisa Boulais - Room 220
Interruptions. They're aggravating. Sometimes infuriating. But how we handle interruptions actually tells us more about ourselves. What do we do when God interrupts our lives? Many times, like Jonah, we run! Priscilla redefines interruption and shows that interruption is actually God's invitation to do something beyond our wildest dreams. When Jonah was willing to allow God to interrupt his life, the result was revival in an entire city.
Lisa lives on a lake and loves spending time there with her family, friends and 2 grandchildren. She has attended GracePoint for 21 years.
7:00PM - CONQUERORS (MEN'S GROUP) - led by Stephen Inches and Cody Pomerenke (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 by learning how to help your friends, and teach your children how to walk in purity. 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
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.
WEDNESDAYS
5:30PM - MINOR PROPHETS - led by Larry Becker - ROOM 120
This is a great group to attend right after work with a fun group of people.
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 - MINOR PROPHETS* - led by Joe and Patty Tschetter - ROOM 200
Joe & Patty have been married for 32 years and have two adult children. Joe likes camping and fast cars. They have been at GracePoint for 35 years.
6:30PM - REVELATION* - led by Paul and Leila Muzzey - ROOM 210
Revelation is full of vivid imagery, assuring Christians that God is in control of all past, present, and future events. The apostle John wrote Revelation to reveal the end of human history, the return of Christ, and the establishment of a new heaven and a new earth.
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.
6:30PM - THE CRAZY CYCLE and FUTURE FAMILY* - led by Mike and Kristi Van Hofwegen - ROOM 220
This will be a mix of two different materials. The Crazy Cycle focuses on conflict in marriage. Future Family will help you decide what you want your family to look like, and how to achieve that goal.
Mike and Kristi have a broad range of experiences: 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.
6:30PM - PRAYER: FINDING THE HEART'S TRUE HOME by Richard Foster* - led by Jim Merritt - ROOM 115
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."
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.
6:30PM - BIBLE IN A YEAR* - led by Gregg Carlson - ROOM 130
In this group, we cover the entire Bible in chronological order. This class will start with Genesis in January.
Our goal is to review the entire Bible while focusing on what we believe and why.
This is the 16th 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.
6:30PM - MINOR PROPHETS (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 are welcome who are on the same journey. 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.
6:30PM - THE ART OF MARRIAGE - led by Adam and Kathryn Wiese, and Jim and Aleycia Gerlach - ROOM 150
InThe Art of Marriage, we weave together biblically-centered teaching, real-life stories, humorous vignettes and more to portray both the challenges and the beauty of God's design. Ministry leaders provide the expert teaching while couples who have struggled and overcome openly and honestly share their stories of pain, loss, forgiveness and grace.
Kathryn and Adam have been married for 12 years and farm north of Flandreau. They are parents to five kids that keep them busy year round. In addition to family time they enjoy the outdoors, fitness, reading and they love building relationships.
6:30PM - 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.
● Option one: sign up and be placed at a table
● Option two: invite 2-5 women to create a table
Kate has been married to Brian for 14 years and they have been blessed with 3 kids. Kate is a former educator turned stay-at-home mom.
Co-leaders will be Jen Diedrich, Brandy Eidsness, Jessica Hardt, Liz Jordan, Sandy Sheppard & Shiree Warner.
WEDNESDAY EVENING HOME GROUP
6:30PM - MINOR PROPHETS - 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, 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 (6 -12th Grade):
GSM will be following the orange curriculum this winter and will be meeting each Sunday morning during 1st and 2nd hour. We will split up participants based on age and gender. Please sign up to let us know what time works best and we will help assign you to the appropriate group.
CARE GROUPS (Registration is welcome, but not required to attend a care group.)
WEDNESDAYS at 6:15-7:45PM - EMBRACE LIFE (WOMEN’S GROUP) - led by Ashlee Reyes, Ellie Vilhauer, Jenny Hallan - ROOM 140
The Embrace Life group equips new moms on how to flourish in their relationship with God and not only survive in life but THRIVE! These brave moms will learn spiritual and practical ways to help navigate their way through life with the Holy Spirit as their compass
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
IF: Gathering, GracePoint Conference
IF:Gathering exists to disciple the next generation of women to live out God’s calling on their lives. The first step to this is gathering all generations of women together. The 2019 IF:Gathering Conference will be live streamed at GracePoint on Friday, February 8 from 6-9PM & Saturday, February 9 from 9AM-5PM (lunch from 12- 2PM). Registration is $20 and covers refreshments, gift bag & childcare on Saturday. Click here to register. Will you join us for life-on-life discipleship and discover how God can use us?
8:45AM - Minor Prophets* - 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 - MEN’S LEADERSHIP GROUP* - led by Bruce Burckhardt - ROOM 210
Drawing on the wisdom of strong accomplished leaders, this group will help men to be 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 - "GOOD TO GREAT IN GOD'S EYES" with Chip Ingram (WOMEN'S GROUP)* - led by Cynthia Sheppard - ROOM 220
Join other women as we seek together to find a fresh infusion of faith and spiritual passion. Using Scripture, personal stories, and examples from Christians who left an indelible mark on the world, this study offers clear steps to becoming great in the things that matter most.
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.
8:45AM - 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 hopefully encourage a deeper prayer life within us. Biblical references to prayer, as well as prayer topics as taught by E.M. Bounds, will be used in the study.
Jeff and Deniz live on an acreage near Aurora and have an adult son, daughter and son-in-law.
8:45AM - RETURN OF THE PRODIGAL SON by Henri Nouwen* - led by Janet Gerjets - ROOM 130
When Henri Nouwen stumbled across a poster of Rembrandt's Return of the Prodigal Son, he began a spiritual journey that would help him understand the biblical parable as well as the story of his own life. Take this opportunity to join Henri as he leads the wayward prodigal and judgmental sibling who reside within each of us toward the open-handed, overwhelming compassion and eternal love of the Father. The Return of the Prodigal Son will transform your reading of the parable and the way you understand your life story.
10:00AM - MINOR PROPHETS* - 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 - BIBLE IN A YEAR* - led by Gregg Carlson - ROOM 210
In this group, we cover the entire Bible in chronological order. This class will start with Genesis in January.
Our goal is to review the entire Bible while focusing on what we believe and why.
This is the 16th 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.
10:00AM - SCREWTAPE LETTERS by C.S. Lewis* - led by Randy and Stacey Hanson - ROOM 220
Join Randy and Stacey in a unique 13-week study of the "enemy of our souls". The Screwtape Letters is a brilliant and satirical look at spiritual warfare and the dynamics of temptation. Screwtape, a senior demon in the bureaucracy of Hell, writes letters to his incompetent nephew Wormwood, a junior devil. The younger demon's assignment is to corrupt a young man living in London during the tumultuous days of World War II. We will use this book as a unique way to understand the invisible war waged against all humanity (Ephesians 6:12). Many consider this book the most engaging account of temptation—and the triumph over it—ever written. We hope you will join us.
Married for 25 years, Randy & Stacey have two adult sons. They live on an acreage near Aurora and love to ride their horses together. They have been attending GracePoint for 16 years.
10:00AM - 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.
10:00AM - BOOK CLUB: TO END ALL WARS* - led by Laura McMartin - ROOM 130
This group will read through novels and discuss them every other week starting Jan 13th. The first book will be “To End All Wars”. At the age of 24, Ernest Gordon was captured by the Japanese while escaping from Sumatra during the Second World War. Along with other British prisoners, he was marched into the jungle to build the notorious "Railroad of Death" and the bridge over the river Kwai. Gordon describes vividly the appalling conditions of the prisoners' camp and the inhumane treatment they received from the guards. The miracle is that, in these horrific circumstances, seeds of faith among the men sow forgiveness, unselfishness and love. This is a gripping story of triumph and heroism.
10:00AM - SERVING WITH EYES WIDE OPEN* - led by Lyle Olson and Dave Hopewell - Room 135
Though this book was designed for people interested in short-term missions, it’s a practical guide for those learning to serve. Serving and short-term mission trips are a great way to impact the kingdom, yet they can lack effectiveness because of mistakes or naiveté on the part of participants. In Serving with Eyes Wide Open, David A. Livermore calls us to serve with our eyes open to global and cultural realities so we can become more effective cross-cultural ministers.
Lyle and Dave both serve with GracePoint's global outreach leadership team and they are passionate about teaching and training everyone to have a heart for service.
10:00AM - 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 JONAH by Priscilla Shirer (WOMEN'S GROUP)* - led by Lisa Boulais - Room 220
Interruptions. They're aggravating. Sometimes infuriating. But how we handle interruptions actually tells us more about ourselves. What do we do when God interrupts our lives? Many times, like Jonah, we run! Priscilla redefines interruption and shows that interruption is actually God's invitation to do something beyond our wildest dreams. When Jonah was willing to allow God to interrupt his life, the result was revival in an entire city.
Lisa lives on a lake and loves spending time there with her family, friends and 2 grandchildren. She has attended GracePoint for 21 years.
7:00PM - CONQUERORS (MEN'S GROUP) - led by Stephen Inches and Cody Pomerenke (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 by learning how to help your friends, and teach your children how to walk in purity. 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
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.
WEDNESDAYS
5:30PM - MINOR PROPHETS - led by Larry Becker - ROOM 120
This is a great group to attend right after work with a fun group of people.
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 - MINOR PROPHETS* - led by Joe and Patty Tschetter - ROOM 200
Joe & Patty have been married for 32 years and have two adult children. Joe likes camping and fast cars. They have been at GracePoint for 35 years.
6:30PM - REVELATION* - led by Paul and Leila Muzzey - ROOM 210
Revelation is full of vivid imagery, assuring Christians that God is in control of all past, present, and future events. The apostle John wrote Revelation to reveal the end of human history, the return of Christ, and the establishment of a new heaven and a new earth.
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.
6:30PM - THE CRAZY CYCLE and FUTURE FAMILY* - led by Mike and Kristi Van Hofwegen - ROOM 220
This will be a mix of two different materials. The Crazy Cycle focuses on conflict in marriage. Future Family will help you decide what you want your family to look like, and how to achieve that goal.
Mike and Kristi have a broad range of experiences: 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.
6:30PM - PRAYER: FINDING THE HEART'S TRUE HOME by Richard Foster* - led by Jim Merritt - ROOM 115
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."
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.
6:30PM - BIBLE IN A YEAR* - led by Gregg Carlson - ROOM 130
In this group, we cover the entire Bible in chronological order. This class will start with Genesis in January.
Our goal is to review the entire Bible while focusing on what we believe and why.
This is the 16th 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.
6:30PM - MINOR PROPHETS (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 are welcome who are on the same journey. 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.
6:30PM - THE ART OF MARRIAGE - led by Adam and Kathryn Wiese, and Jim and Aleycia Gerlach - ROOM 150
InThe Art of Marriage, we weave together biblically-centered teaching, real-life stories, humorous vignettes and more to portray both the challenges and the beauty of God's design. Ministry leaders provide the expert teaching while couples who have struggled and overcome openly and honestly share their stories of pain, loss, forgiveness and grace.
Kathryn and Adam have been married for 12 years and farm north of Flandreau. They are parents to five kids that keep them busy year round. In addition to family time they enjoy the outdoors, fitness, reading and they love building relationships.
6:30PM - 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.
● Option one: sign up and be placed at a table
● Option two: invite 2-5 women to create a table
Kate has been married to Brian for 14 years and they have been blessed with 3 kids. Kate is a former educator turned stay-at-home mom.
Co-leaders will be Jen Diedrich, Brandy Eidsness, Jessica Hardt, Liz Jordan, Sandy Sheppard & Shiree Warner.
WEDNESDAY EVENING HOME GROUP
6:30PM - MINOR PROPHETS - 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, 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 (6 -12th Grade):
GSM will be following the orange curriculum this winter and will be meeting each Sunday morning during 1st and 2nd hour. We will split up participants based on age and gender. Please sign up to let us know what time works best and we will help assign you to the appropriate group.
CARE GROUPS (Registration is welcome, but not required to attend a care group.)
WEDNESDAYS at 6:15-7:45PM - EMBRACE LIFE (WOMEN’S GROUP) - led by Ashlee Reyes, Ellie Vilhauer, Jenny Hallan - ROOM 140
The Embrace Life group equips new moms on how to flourish in their relationship with God and not only survive in life but THRIVE! These brave moms will learn spiritual and practical ways to help navigate their way through life with the Holy Spirit as their compass
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
IF: Gathering, GracePoint Conference
IF:Gathering exists to disciple the next generation of women to live out God’s calling on their lives. The first step to this is gathering all generations of women together. The 2019 IF:Gathering Conference will be live streamed at GracePoint on Friday, February 8 from 6-9PM & Saturday, February 9 from 9AM-5PM (lunch from 12- 2PM). Registration is $20 and covers refreshments, gift bag & childcare on Saturday. Click here to register. Will you join us for life-on-life discipleship and discover how God can use us?
