Small Groups
Small Groups Small Groups

Small Groups

What is a small group?

Life is not meant to be lived alone. God intends for us to experience life together, and that’s why at MPC we encourage you to get into a small group. A small group is a weekly or biweekly gathering of three or more people who meet at church, in a home, or other location. They hang out, study the Word, and pray together. Groups come in all shapes and sizes and are for all stages of life.

New Fall class starting soon -

"Re-Grafting our Faith: How Christianity Was Shaved into Fragments Centuries Ago, How It Affects Us, and What We Can Do About It"

 

Tired of political and racial strife? I have bad news and good news. The bad news: it can’t be escaped. The good news: there is a root cause that gets beneath most divisions. The key questions we will wrestle with – what does our world have to do with what we do in worship? Can our gospel help heal political and racial division, or is it best to avoid that stuff? This class will explore a book I’ve written this summer. We will read. We will write. We will grow together over ten weeks. Two times to choose from: 9:30-11:30am or 7:00-9:00pm on Thursdays starting October 7th through December 16th in Quad 2 on the Loretto Road Campus. Email Chris Konker to join this group.

How do I join a small group?

To learn more about joining a small group contact Jessica Konker or fill out the small group survey below and we will help you connect to a group.

If you are interested in being a part of a new group or, joining an existing one, we would love for you to complete this online small groups survey.

Our Fall /Spring 2021-22 Classes and Groups Catalog is available to view here.

Interested in serving on a ministry team at MPC? Complete the 'Serve at MPC' survey.

This Fall 2021, we will be launching a new small group study based off Pastor Rick Warren's study, 40 Days of Prayer. More information will be coming soon. <

 

 

 

 

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    Sunday Morning
     

    The Minglers

    Sundays, 9:00 am
    Quad 1, Mandarin Road Campus
    Contact: Craig Henderson (craiglhenderson@gmail.com)

    This is a group for couples & singles, ranging from 40’s to 70’s. The class is a mixture of fellowship and prayer, teaching, discussion and Bible Study. The first portion of class is spent sharing prayer concerns and praying. The second portion is the bible study.

    Upper Room (working and retired)

    Sundays, 10:30 am
    Choir Room, Loretto Road Campus
    Contact: Trudi Yarbrough (trudiyarbrough@yahoo.com)

    Upper Room is open to anyone looking for a welcoming, loving class who loves Jesus Christ. The average age is 60+ although we have members of all ages, both married and single. Our week-ly class typically has fun discussions around the Bible Study, as well as sharing each other’s joys and concerns. Upper Room provides caring friends who will pray for you and love you through life's ups & downs. We are friends who know you, care about you, and encourage your faith. Please join us.

    Pathfinders Class (50’s+)

    Sundays, 10:30 am
    Room 12, The Loft
    Contact: Margie Dalton (dalton1949@comcast.net)

    This class is a wonderful place to connect to others. You will spend time going deeper into GOD's word and have a chance to meet and pray for each other. The sharing of life experiences and how they relate to our Christian Faith is a key part of the class. Sharing these experiences and discussing how they have impacted our faith is the bond that brings us together as a group.

    Explorers (40’s Couples)

    Sundays, 10:30 am
    Quad 2, Loretto Road Campus
    Contact: Matt Balanky (mattbalanky@hotmail.com)

    We enjoy fellowship, Bible study, and sharing prayer requests. We will meet September 5th through late spring. For the fall, we will be doing a 10 week study on Praying the Bible by Donald Whitney.  All are welcome! Members have kids (preschool-elementary).

    Seekers Class (50+)

    Sundays, 10:30 am
    Room 13, The Loft
    Contact: David Middleton (davidmidd@comcast.net)

    If you are looking for a great place to connect to others, share prayer, and dig into Scripture, the Seekers Class is the adult Bible study class for you. Each Sunday’s topic is a self-contained lesson related to the theme for that quarter. If you miss a Sunday you are not “lost” in the cycle. We have several ministries we support as a class as well. To further promote our small group unity we all go out to Sunday lunch every two or three months.

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    Small Groups - Married Couples
     

    Empty Nest Couples

    Sundays, 6:00pm, twice per month
    Contact Heidi Sorensen (h.sorensen@live.com)

    This is a group that meets for fellowship, study and prayer. They have children that are grown or in college. Would love for you to join for a gathering twice a month.

    Married Couples (40's-60's)

    Wednesdays, 7pm, members’ homes
    Contact Steve Pauly (sdp254@comcast.net)

    This is a group that meets for fellowship, study and prayer. They have children that are in college or have moved out of the home. We will be starting a new study in September and hope you can join us!

    Parents of Middle and High School Students

    Every Other Sunday, 4pm, beginning 9-12-21, Conf Room, LRC 
    Contact: Christina and Marc Elmore (summer14joy@yahoo.com)

    We are a group that meets for fellowship, study and prayer. We have children that are in middle school or high school. This fall, we will begin a new study, but haven’t yet decided yet. Please join us!

    Comernisky Group

    Begins the week of September 12th
    TBD
    Contact: Scott Comernisky (scottcomernisky@gmail.com)

    We meet for fellowship and prayer and to discuss and go deeper with a Bible Study.

    Friday Bible Study Group

    Fridays, 10:00am, via Zoom
    Contact: Priscilla Case (pbcase1972@juno.com)

    This group is one of fellowship, prayer, and deep Bible study. Our next study is on Jesus's Parables. Interested in joining us? Have questions? Contact Priscilla.

     

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    Small Groups - Women's Groups
     

    Monday Morning Women’s Book Group - SG15

    Mondays, 9:00 am starting September 9th
    Room 138, Mandarin Road Campus
    Contact: Toby Richmond (toby.richmond@gmail.com)

    This is a group for women 55+ who will be doing a Bible study and sharing prayer and having fellowship together. Please join us; all are welcome!

    Monday Evening Women’s Group (55’s-70’s) - SG 16

    Mondays, 7:00 pm, starting September 9th
    Room 8, Loretto Road Campus
    Contact: Sandy Smith (sanjoe1213@bellsouth.net)

    Ladies are you looking for a place to connect, to meet together and share life? Join us for Bible study, prayer, fellowship. We will be doing a women’s study and seeing God’s activity in our lives, followed by a study on Jesus’ parables. All are welcome!

    Tuesday Morning Women’s Bible Study (60's & 70's) - SG17

    Tuesdays, 10:00 am
    Quad 4, Loretto Road Campus
    Contact: Jessica Konker (jkonker@mandarinpres.com)
    This is a brand new group just starting. We welcome all women in the 60’s and 70’s to join us. We will spend time sharing our lives, studying God’s word, and praying for each other. We will also gather for fellowship and service. Please join us. All are welcome.

    Women in the Word (late 20’s– early 40’s) - SG 18

    Tuesdays, 6:30 pm
    Room 8, Loretto Road Campus
    Contact: Kim Morse (blim419@comcast.net)

    Do you want to learn more about Scripture, connect with other young women, and serve God in the world? This is a great place to build friendships, support one another and grow in your faith!

    Childcare Provided- RSVP to kidrsvp@mandarinpres.com

    Tuesday Evening Women’s Bible Study (50s & 60’s) - SG20

    Tuesdays, 7:00 pm, starting September 3rd
    Room 8, Loretto Road Campus
    Contact: Jessica Konker (jkonker@mandarinpres.com)

    This is a brand new group just starting. We welcome all women 50’s—60’s to join us. We will spend time sharing our lives, studying God’s word, praying for each other. We will also gather for fellowship and service. Please join us. All are welcome.

    Tuesday Evening Young Women’s (College age/20’s) - SG 21

    Tuesdays, 7:30 pm, starting September 3rd
    Quad 4, Loretto Road Campus
    Contact: Jessica Konker (jkonker@mandarinpres.com)

    This is a new group for college age and young women in their 20’s. We will be doing a Bible study, sharing prayer requests and sharing life together.

    Wednesday Morning Mom’s Group - SG 22

    Wednesdays, 9:30 am, starting September 4th
    BOB 1, Mandarin Road Campus
    Contact: Jessica Konker (jkonker@mandarinpres.com)

    We have a variety of ages from young moms with babies to moms with adult children. We spend time doing a Bible study, sharing prayer requests and fellowship. Hope you can join us.

    Childcare Provided - RSVP to kidrsvp@mandarinpres.com

    Wednesday Women’s Group (55+) - SG23

    Wednesdays, 9:30 am
    Room 137/138, Mandarin Road Campus
    Contact: Sharon Masters (s.mastersfl@gmail.com)

    This is a group for women age 55+. We meet for bible study prayer and fellowship. We will be doing two studies: one will be “All the Places to Go How will you Know” by John Ortberg about discerning God’s direction. And the second will be “When Changing Nothing Changes Everything: seeing God’s perspective on your Life.”

    Childcare Provided - RSVP to kidrsvp@mandarinpres.com

    Wednesday Evening Women’s Group (50+) - SG25

    Wednesdays, 6:30 pm
    Room 6, Loretto Road Campus
    Contact: Ruth Burrell (osprey3811@bellsouth.net)
    Annie Jenkins (jackson.1stson@yahoo.com)

    Ladies, are you looking for a place to connect, to meet together and share life? Join us for Bible study, prayer, and fellowship. Group members range in age from 50-70’s.

    Women's Bible Study Small Group

    SG26

    Thursdays, 9:30 am
    Room 137/138, Mandarin Road Campus
    Facilitator: Priscilla Case (pbcase1972@juno.com)

    The Book of Proverbs is more than just a series of short sayings—found on notecards, bumper stickers, online postings. It is a foundation for our walk with Christ. In this ten-week study we will look at how Proverbs reveals the path we are to follow. Join us on this journey to see where it takes you.

    Third Thursday Circle - SG 27

    Third Thursday of the month, 7:00 pm
    Room 137/138, Mandarin Road Campus
    Contact: Sandy Messer (sandy9965@comcast.net) or 904-923-7986

    This group enjoys studying the Bible together and using God's words to shape our own lives. We support and serve others with our monthly mission projects and encourage each other in our prayers and testimony, all in a casual, fun and social setting.

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    Small Groups - Men's Groups
     

    Men’s Evening Bible Study

    Mondays, 7:00 pm, Quad 3

    Contact: Heath Schopp (schoppworld1@icloud.com)

    We meet for study, fellowship and prayer. 

    Men’s Fellowship Lunch

    2nd and 4th Wednesdays, 12:00 pm
    La Nopalera @ Claire Ln. & San Jose Blvd.
    Contact: Randy Hester, 904- 230-4939 (rhester@mandarinpres.com)

    We meet for fellowship and prayer and to discuss and go deeper with the sermon message from Sunday.

    Men’s Bible Study

    TBD - Begins week of September 12th
    Contact: Jon Kern (jonchriskern@comcast.net)

    We meet for study, fellowship and prayer. We are studying the Book of Revelation.

     

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    Small Groups - Classes

    Loss Of A Spouse - CLASS 1

    Saturday, 10:00am—12:00 pm, November 13, 2021

    The Chapel, Mandarin Road Campus. Contact: Ann Pace Sutton 705-5055, Vic Halbach 631-6415, Carol Yelinek 262-8429.

    Loss of a Spouse helps men and women grapple with the challenges of losing a spouse. This two hour seminar features an inspiring video that’s filled with moving stories, practical advice and a variety of perspectives on spousal loss. After the video, you’ll have the opportunity to discuss what you learned with other participants. You’ll discover that you’re not alone in your grief and what you are going through is normal.

    Grief Share - CLASS 2

    This group meets throughout the year depending on interest. If you would like to be a part of the next class - contact: Ann Pace Sutton 705-5055, Vic Halbach 631-6415, Carol Yelinek 262-8429.

    It may be hard for you to feel optimistic about the future right now. If you’ve lost a spouse, child, family member, or friend, you’ve probably found there are not many people who understand the deep hurt you feel.

    This can be a confusing time when you feel isolated and have many questions about things you’ve never faced before.

    GriefShare groups meet weekly to help you face these challenges and move toward rebuilding your life.

     

    Financial Peace University - CLASS 3

    Sundays, 5:00—5:45 pm, starts August 22nd, 2021
    Two options available - Visit our FPU webpage for option details.
    Contact: Barb Trawick (tennis7@comcast.net)
    Cost: $50

    Financial Peace University is a nine-lesson, money management class taught by America's most trusted financial guru, Dave Ramsey. Dave and his teaching team will walk you through the basics of budgeting, dumping debt, planning for the future, and much more.

     

     

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    Small Groups - Activity Groups

    Salvation Army

    1st or 3rd Sunday of each month, 5:00 –7:00 pm
    Salvation Army Downtown, 900 W. Adams Street
    Contact: Patty Heard (patty.heard84@gmail.com)

    We help to serve meals in the dining room at the Salvation Army between 5 & 7 pm. We also clean off tables and sweep the floor and help in the kitchen with clean up if needed.

    Sanctuary Choir

    Wednesdays, 7:00 pm & Sundays, 8:40 am
    Choir Room, Loretto Road Campus
    Contact: Bill Vasko (bvasko@mandarinpres.com)

    Looking for people that enjoy singing and a willingness to commit to rehearsals as they can. NO AUDITION to sing in the choir. All levels of musical skill are welcome to join.

    MUGS (Men Under God’s Service) Group

    Contact: Randy Hester, home, 230-4939, cell, 859-4996, (plsalesco@aol.com)

    Work with other Christians to help with minor household repairs for seniors, single moms and others in need. We also help with projects on the church property and occasionally are able to help with outside organizations. Call or email for more information on joining our team.

    Stitchers: Needle Work Group - ACT 4

    1st and 3rd Sundays, 1:30 pm
    Narthex/lobby, Loretto Road Campus
    Contact: Shirley Carpenter (scarpenter5552@gmail.com), 828-702-8444

    If you like to sew, knit, crochet or do any type of needle crafts, the Stitchers group would love to have you join them! It's a good time for fellowship, while working on your own projects or items for community service. All ages and abilities are welcome.

    Exercise Group: Yoga - ACT 5

    Tuesdays, 9:30 am; Thursdays, 6:00 pm
    The Loft, Loretto Road Campus
    Contact: Suelynn Bacon, 571-0730 (suelynnb2018@gmail.com)

    A low impact Yoga class open to both men and women. This class is offered at two different days and times.

    Exercise Group: Pilates - ACT 6

    Mondays & Wednesdays, 5:45 pm
    Fridays, 5:15 pm
    The Loft, Loretto Road Campus
    Contact: Billie Jean Fryer (heidifryer@comcast.net)

    Pilates exercise is based on strengthening one’s abdominal core, improving overall flexibility and increasing mental focus. You are strongly encouraged to work at your own level and pace. Caution, fellowship-building and lasting friendships may also result.

    Usher Team - ACT 7

    Sunday mornings
    Contact: Pat Sullivan (lpsully@bellsouth.net)

    Join the Usher team! You can help pass out bulletins and be a welcoming face on Sunday morning. We need you! You can help usher with your family or do it by yourself. Contact Pat to learn more.

    Greeter Team - ACT 8

    Sunday mornings
    Contact: Alisa Knox (alisa102189@yahoo.com)

    Welcome folks at the door of the church. This is one of the ways we make MPC a friendly place that visitors and members want to call their church. Contact Alisa for more information.

    Information Center Team - ACT 9

    Sunday mornings
    Contact: Rosa Heard (rheard@mandarinpres.com)

    Work at the lobby Information Center before and after one service on a Sunday. Help people with directions to classes, sign up questions or any general information; you will be sent current information each time you are scheduled to work. Volunteers serve once about every 5 months.

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    Small Groups - Fellowship Groups

    JOY (Just Older Youth) Group

    2nd Thursday of the month
    Fellowship Hall, Mandarin Road Campus
    Contact: Brenda Haye (bhaye@mandarinpres.com)

    JOY is for all senior adults (ages 55 and older) who meet for a time of fellowship once a month, usually on the second Thursday. The group sometimes meets at the church for lunch and a program (cost $7) or they often attend events around the city and in the local

    Epic College Ministry

    Contact: Dan Dodge (epiccollegeministry@gmail.com)

    Are you college age and looking for a place to connect? We have several intervarsity groups that meet at local college campuses for fellowship, bible study and prayer. Would love for you to join us.

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    Small Groups - Young Adults

    Young Adult Ministry at MPC

    Our goal at MPC is to help CONNECT young adults to provide FELLOWSHIP opportunities and opportunities to SERVE in order that young men and women in their 20’s and 30’s would grow closer to Christ. Check out our events and groups below. Email Jessica Konker with questions or to get connected.