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.

 

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.

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. <

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.

The other way to join a group is you can look at our list of open Groups and Classes and contact a leader to see if it would be a good fit for you. Look forward to helping you connect.

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    Sunday Morning
     

    The Minglers - SSG 1

    Sundays, 9:00 am
    Room 7, Loretto 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.

    Singles 30s/40s Group - SSG2

    Sundays, 9:00 am, September 15th— November 24th
    Room 6, Loretto Road Campus
    Contact: Kathryn Leech (kat4533@hotmail.com)

    Are you single and in your 30’s or 40’s? We are a group of men and women who meet together for a topical Bible study and also for fellowship events. We would love for you to join us!

    Sunday Bible Study Group (50’s-60’s) - SSG 3

    Sundays, 9:00 am biweekly
    Room 136, Mandarin Road Campus
    Contact: Ernie Jennings (jollybeggar@gmail.com)

    This group meets for Bible study, prayer and fellowship. We would love for you to join us to grow in the Lord. Group members are empty nest, working and retired.

    Upper Room (working and retired) - SSG 6

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

    Upper Room is a caring class of couples and singles, working and retired, who enjoy peer-led discussions every week of book and DVD series, of both topical studies and Bible studies. We love fellowship and praying for one another. Please join us. Everyone welcome.

    Pathfinders Class (55’s+) - SSG 7

    Sundays, 10:30 am
    Room 8, Loretto Road Campus
    Contact: Randy and Margie Dalton (rodalton@bellsouth.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 (30’s –40’s) - SSG 8

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

    We enjoy fellowship, Bible study, and sharing prayer requests. All are welcome! Members have kids (birth-elementary).

    Active Duty Military Fellowship & Bible Study - SSG9

    Sundays, 10:30 am
    Location: TBD
    Contact: George Currie (ghcurrie@aol.com) or (904) 716-2286

    Active duty military couples and singles meet weekly for fellowship, Bible study and mutual support. Gatherings for men and women also take place at various times and locations in Jacksonville and Fleming Island during the week. Contact the MPC Ministry to Military Coordinator (George Currie) for more information.

    Seekers Class (50+) - SSG 10

    Sundays, 10:30 am
    Room 9, Loretto Road Campus
    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
     

    Couples with Kids (birth– elementary ) - SGM11

    1st Sunday of the month, 4:00pm
    Room 136, Mandarin Road Campus
    Contact: Ted Pratchios (Theodore.pratchios@gmail.com)

    Discussion, study, fellowship and share prayer requests for parents with kids ages preschool -elementary age.

    Childcare Provided- RSVP to kidrsvp@mandarinpres.com

    Young Adult Couples Small Group - SGM 12

    Sundays, 4:00 pm biweekly starting August 18th
    Room 137/138, Mandarin Road Campus
    Contact: Jessica Konker (jkonker@mandarinpres.com)

    Come join us as we enjoy fellowship and a study together that will strengthen our faith in Christ. We would love for you to join us! With or without kids (birth-4).

    Childcare Provided- RSVP to kidrsvp@mandarinpres.com

    Home School Families Group - SGM13

    1st and 3rd Friday evenings in homes
    Contact: Al Watson (alwatsonjax@gmail.com)

    This is a small group for parents of families who all homeschool their kids. The group meets for bible study, fellowship and prayer. Members have children elementary to college.

    Couples Small Group 55+ - SGM14

    2nd & 4th Tuesdays, 7:00 pm starting September 10th
    Quad 2, Loretto Road Campus
    Contact: David Stull (glfngnts@gmail.com)

    This Couples group meets Thursday evenings biweekly for Bible study, fellowship and prayer. All are welcome to join! Most members are retired.

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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 - SG 24

    Wednesdays, 6:30 pm
    Quad 1, Loretto Road Campus
    Contact: Diana Hoelle (dshoelle@yahoo.com)

    This is a group for women with kids preschool to young adult. We will spend time doing a Bible study, sharing prayer requests and fellowship. Hope you can join us.

    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 Discipleship Group - SG 29

    Our world moves so fast and often we don’t prioritize our relationship with God and others. An MPC Discipleship group seeks to provide community and encouragement in your walk with God. Through working through studies that will help develop a mature disciple. Groups will be equipped to “love people to love Jesus” by connecting, equipping, serving and inviting. Our hope for groups is that this will be a rich experience of sharing life together while pursuing intentional spiritual growth in Christ. Groups will begin to form in fall and will pick what time works best for them to meet. They will meet September– May. Let us know if you are interested in joining a group.

    Contact: Chris Konker (ckonker@mandarinpres.com)

    Men’s Fellowship Lunch - SG 30

    2nd and 4th Wednesdays, 12:00 pm
    Golden Corral—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.

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    Small Groups - Classes

    The Christian Year - CLASS 1

    Thursdays, 10:45 am, October 3rd —June 25th
    Quad 2, Loretto Road Campus
    Facilitator: Chris Konker (ckonker@mandarinpres.com)

    Poverty, race, sports, love, science, humor, politics, consumerism, technology…what a world! The Christian Year is a group of 11-12 folks who read, teach, and learn from one another through the year. We will engage the dynamics of our world from a foundation in Christ and the seasons of the Christian year. This group is for all ages, high school seniors and older. Please contact Chris with questions.

    Grief Share - CLASS 2

    Thursdays, 5:00—6:30 pm, February —November 21
    Quad 1, Loretto Road Campus
    Contact: Ann Pace Sutton 705-5055, Vic Halbach 631-6415

    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—6:30 pm, starts February 24th, 2021
    Via Zoom
    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.

    SHAPE: Finding and Fulfilling your Unique Purpose - CLASS 4

    Contact: Greg Cruice, (gregcruice@att.net)
    Time/Date: TBD

    God made you marvelously unique for a reason. Tap into that reason and into the secrets of your own deeply personal makeup—the remarkable ensemble of passions, talents, experiences, temperament, and spiritual gifts that work together to make you who you are—and you’ll discover the path to a life of unimagined purpose, impact, and fulfillment. In this eye-opening, empowering, and liberating book, Rees shows you how to uncover God’s most powerful and effective means of advancing his kingdom on earth: your own irreplaceable, richly detailed personal design.

    Contact Greg Cruice if interested.

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    Small Groups - Activity Groups

    Salvation Army - ACT 1

    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 - ACT 2

    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.

    Childcare Provided - RSVP to kidrsvp@mandarinpres.com

    MUGS (Men Under God’s Service) Group - ACT 3

    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 have a separate team made up of MUGS team members for a Hurricane Response Team designed to check on the seniors and single moms in our congregation for safety in case of a major storm and to help with emergency repairs if needed.

    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.

    Ambassadors - ACT 10

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

    Observe what goes on outside of the sanctuary during a Sunday morning worship service; greet those arriving late, be a presence in the lobby during worship and walk the perimeter of the property. Two volunteers serve each time, so one can be inside and one outside. You will be provided with a neon vest and a nametag. Join us and serve as the face of the church on Sunday mornings.

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    Small Groups - Fellowship Groups

    JOY Group - FL 1

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

    JOY is for all senior adults 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

    College Age Group - FL2

    Contact: Dan Dodge (2samuel14.14@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.

    SOCRATIC Group - FL 3

    Time and Date to be determined
    Contact: Chris Konker (ckonker@mandarinpres.com)

    Do you experience doubt and questions about the Christian faith? At a certain point, I came to feel that doubts and questions weren’t necessarily obstacles to faith. Instead, I found them to be stepping stones. My faith grew as I wrestled with them instead of avoiding them. This group will be a good fit for folks who experience ambiguity with regard to the Christian faith—who just aren’t sure about a whole lot, and have a lot of questions. This group will also be a good fit for folks who experience alienation with regard to the Christian faith—they feel pushed away, and like outsiders for one reason or another. Socrates was a Greek thinker who was curious and asked good questions. He didn’t avoid careful thinking out of concerns for what was perceived to be taboo or sacrilegious. This group will aspire to be that sort of place, where all sorts of conversation about religion can take place.

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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.

    Young Adult Small Groups

    We have a variety of young adult small groups that study, pray, and serve together. This is probably the best way to get connected! Check them out…

    Young Women’s Small Group (20’s and 30’s)

    Location Time and Schedule: We will meet Tuesday nights at 7pm at church.
    We do a variety of Bible studies, pray, fellowship and serve together. All are welcome to join us!
    Childcare is available with e-mail to kidrsvp@mandarinpres.com
    Contact: email Jessica Konker

    Young Women Wednesday Night Group

    Meets Wednesday night from 7-8 pm on the Sanctuary Campus.
    It will be a great place to learn, connect, share life, prayer requests, and grow.
    Contact: email Jessica Konker

    Young Men’s Small Group (20’s and 30’s)

    Facilitated by: Chris Konker
    Location Time and Schedule:Tuesdays at 7 pm in room 103 on the west campus.
    Contact: email Chris Konker

    Description: This is a group for young men seeking to deepen their walk with God through prayer, fellowship, and study. We will be doing a 10 week study on Francis Chan’s book Crazy love. Learning to respond to God’s love with a selfless, Christlike life!

    Women in the Word Small Group (20’s and 30’s)

    This is a new group starting for women 20’s- 30’s.
    We will meet Tuesday nights at 7:00 pm in room 8 on the West Campus starting August 26th.

    It will be a great place to learn, connect, share life, prayer requests, and grow. We will be starting with a Bible study called from Creation to Christ. All are welcome to join!

    Childcare is provided by RSVP.
    Contact: Jessica Konker by email.

    Explorers (20’s-40’s) Life Group

    Starts September 20 meets Sundays at 9:00 am in Room 5 on the West Campus.

    We will be studying “I am Second” a video curriculum that features story after story of notable people throughout culture who have had a radical, life-changing encounter with Jesus Christ. Hear their stories and discover the powerful message of their journeys. This study also features six lessons focused on Scripture passages, topics with which every person can relate, such as relationships, struggles, and success, and questions that will equip group members to put what they’ve learned into practice. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EN5KXKVR1MY

    Contact: Barbara Frye by email

    Young Adult Couples Small Group

    Meets every other Sunday from 5:00—6:30 pm in Room 137/138, East Campus.

    Come join us as we enjoy fellowship and a study together that will strengthen our faith in Christ. We will also spend time serving together in the community. We would love for you to join us!

    Childcare is provided with class RSVP.
    Contact: email Jessica Konker

    Young Adult Facebook® page

    Want to follow along with others involved in the Young Adult ministry here at MPC?

    Join our Facebook group!