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11020 Roane Drive | Knoxville, TN 37934 GROW 865-966-6728 Concord United Small Groups Guide ConcordUnited.org Winter/Spring 2023

Why Small Groups? CONNECT ONLINE Jesus called the disciples to follow him. Following Jesus is more than facebook.com/ConcordUnitedKnox something we do, it is a way of being. This way of being includes instagram.com/ConcordUnitedKnox sharing Christ, growing in faith, and serving others. An important means @ConcordUM twitter.com/ConcordUM of following Jesus includes intentional community through small groups. https://www.youtube.com/c/ConcordUnited How to be part of a Small Group at Concord 11020 Roane Drive | Knoxville, TN 37934 The following information includes multiple ways to connect with a small 865-966-6728 group. One way to connect is to call or email the Small Group Facilitator. Another way is to email Brooke Hartman at ConcordUnited.org [email protected]. 30 What are Small Groups at Concord? Small Groups at Concord include Sunday morning small groups that function in the Sunday School format, meeting from 10:00-10:50. There are also weekday small groups that meet at least twice a month on various days, and Wednesday night community groups. Please refer to the small group descriptions in the following pages to find a small group that fits for you. If you have any questions, please contact Brooke Hartman at [email protected]. Other Ways to Fellowship — Other opportunities for building fellowship and community include: • United Methodist Men — The United Methodist Men meet the first Sunday of the month in the Fellowship Hall at 7:30 for breakfast and program. For more information, check out concordunited.org/adults. • United Women in Faith — Concord has several United Methodist Women Circles that meet monthly. Contact Brooke Hartman for a current listing of Circles. For more information, check out concordunited.org/adults. 1

PASTORAL TEAM Types of Small Groups Larry Trotter Sunday Morning Small Groups - Meet 10:00-10:50 each Sunday Senior Pastor featuring different formats, class sizes, and study topics. All groups are [email protected] open to anyone. Wil Cantrell Weekday Small Groups - Small groups that meet during the week and Senior Associate Pastor feature varying formats, class sizes, and study topics. [email protected] The descriptions that follow are provided by each group. The most Brooke Hartman up-to-date information on classes can be found on the church website, Pastor of Discipleship or by calling the church office (865) 966-6728, or contacting Brooke [email protected] Hartman, Pastor of Discipleship, who is eager to help you find a class that fits you. ([email protected]) Mike Stallings Worship Arts Pastor All groups are open to anyone and the ages or life stages listed for each [email protected] group should be considered simply as a starting point and not exclusive. To find the best fit, Church members and guests alike are Sabine Collins encouraged to visit several classes to find the one that best matches Administrative Coordinator their interests, learning style, age, or stage of life. [email protected] PRAYER If you find yourself with a specifc prayer request, please let us know. The church has a team ready and willing to pray for you, no matter the situation. Go to https://concordunited.org/pray/ and submit a public prayer request to the church family and pastoral team, or submit a private prayer request for only the pastors. 29 2

Sunday Small Groups CAMPUS MAP CONNECT TO CONCORD WEST BUILDING Connect to Concord is a four-week group focused an introduction to GROUND LEVEL Concord United for those new to the church or those wanting to know more about the church. The group is an introduction of key principles MUSIC WING OVER PRESCHOOL and practices at Concord, our mission and vision, our ministries and our history. Join Pastor Wil, Pastor Brooke, Pastor Larry and other staff members as we lead these discussions. Sign up at ConcordUnited.com/Events UPCOMING DATES: • April 23, April 30, May 7, May 14 WHERE: Fellowship Hall FACILITATORS: Pastors – Wil Cantrell, Larry Trotter & Brooke Hartman Questions contact Brooke Hartman [email protected] (865) 254-8021 LOWER LEVEL PRESCHOOL/NURSERY ROOMS (UNDER SANCTUARY) 3 28

CAMPUS MAP Sunday Small Groups EAST BUILDING READING THROUGH THE BIBLE GROUND LEVEL This small group has focused on the churchwide Read through the Bible Plan. The group welcomes newcomers and includes ages that range UPPER LEVEL from late twenties to post-retirement, with couples and singles. We enjoy studying the Bible together and discussing how to apply it to our lives as followers of Christ. The upcoming study will focus on The Epic of Eden: Understanding the Old Testament for twelve weeks, from January 15 through April 2, with a January 8 introduction. In half-hour videos, Dr. Sandra Richter, a learned scholar and passionate teacher, provides insight into the depth of Old Testament connections to Jesus Christ and God's plan for rela- tionship with us through the centuries. New participants from young adults to senior adults are warmly invited. For more information, email [email protected], or simply show up, and get your Old Testament \"closet\" organized this new year. WHEN: Sundays, 10:00 AM WHERE: Room 155 FACILITATOR: Laura McNeil Laura Young [email protected] [email protected] (865) 256-6417 (865) 235-4372 27 4

Sunday Small Groups QUICK ROOM REFERENCE - WEEKDAY THE PATH 155 All Recovery Menʼs (Wednesday) The Path is a 6-week group that is the next step in integration into 196 Good Grief: Support for Healing (Wednesday) Concord United through in-depth discussion of core principles and practices of sharing Christ, serving others, and growing in faith. Our goal 196 Soul Sisters (Thursday morning) is that following Jesus isnʼt just something else we do, rather is a part of who we are. This group focuses are creating this way of life. Whether 196 Moms Group (Friday morning) you are new to Christianity or want to refresh your practices of following Jesus daily, this group is for you. Roxanna Jones leads this 6 week 145 Oasis (Tuesday) group in conjunction with Pastor Brooke Hartman. 145 Aging Faithfully (Wednesday) Sign up at ConcordUnited.com/Events 145 Faithful Friends (Thursday) WHEN: Sundays, February 26 – April 2 10:00 AM 145 Joyful (Thursday) WHERE: Fellowship Hall 147 Caregiver Support Group (Wednesday) FACILITATORS: Roxanna Jones & Brooke Hartman 147 Fun & Faithful (Tuesday) [email protected] (865) 254-8021 242 Moms Group (Thursday evening) Sanctuary Parenting Workshops (Wednesday) Worship Center Community Care Night (Wednesday) Worship Center Classroom Tuesday Study Group (Tuesday) COFFEE WITH DALE (ZOOM) This group is an open and relaxed discussion group that meets via Zoom. The group uses video-based Bible studies to grow in faith. WHEN: Sundays, 10:00 AM WHERE: Online via Zoom. Contact Sabine Collins to receive the link. FACILITATORS: Dale Davis Sabine Collins [email protected] [email protected] (865) 300-4965 (865) 230-1536 26 5

QUICK ROOM REFERENCE - SUNDAY Sunday Small Groups 50 Biblical Insights 52 Parenting With Faith BIBLICAL INSIGHTS 54 Commitments This group meets solely to increase Biblical understanding of Scripture as related to content, context and culture and its applicability to life today. 55 Parents of Young Children The class is intergenerational and all are welcome! Topics for Winter/Spring are three 6-7 week studies, including the book of Daniel, 56 Faithful Disciples the life and message of the Apostle Paul, and the book of Hebrews. 155 Reading Through The Bible 153 New Visions WHEN: Sundays, 10:00 AM 174 Women Seeking Wisdom 190 Foundations WHERE: Room 50 (Under Sanctuary) 196 Friendship FACILITATORS: Melissa Tyrell Rev. Glenna Manning [email protected] 145 Searchers [email protected] (865) 771-2216 (865) 679-3763 147 Pathfinders 226 Parents of Youth Fellowship Hall Connect to Concord FOUNDATIONS Fellowship Hall The Path This group meets weekly with topics including Bible studies, currents events and our responses as Christians. In order to offer a variety of Fellowship Hall Menʼs Group subject matter, the class does not have one teacher but various group members volunteer to be responsible for arranging groups lessons and/or The Studio Young Adults speakers. New members welcome! WHEN: Sundays at 10:00 AM WHERE: Room 190 (2nd floor over Preschool in Music/West wing) FACILITATORS: Lloyd Collins Diane Hensley (865) 966-7526 [email protected] (865) 919-6266 (865) 414-5156 25 6

Sunday Small Groups COMMUNITY CARE NIGHT NEW VISIONS All Recovery Menʼs Group We have both a menʼs and a womenʼs All Recovery group that is a safe place New Visions is a multi-generational discussion group including couples to share our experience, strength and hope related to our own addictions, our and singles ranging in age from their 40s to their 80s. We alternate loved oneʼs addiction, our codependency, and our losses. between studying the Bible and studying contemporary topics. WHERE: We will be studying Bonnie Thurstonʼs Women in the New Testament: • All Recovery Menʼs group meets in Room 155. Questions and Commentary and passages about women in the gospels, Acts, and Paulʼs letters. For more information: Brooke Hartman [email protected] (865) 254-8021 For more information, email Jack Wilson, who has a Ph. D. in New Testament studies and will be leading the discussion. Please drop by or email [email protected] for information so that you can join us on Zoom. WHEN: Sundays at 10:00 AM WHERE: Room 153 (CADES Hallway) & Zoom FACILITATORS: Jack Wilson Bob Brantley [email protected] [email protected] (865) 317-8017 (407) 963-1808 Stephen Coppock stevecoppock26@gmail (502) 418-7994 77 24

COMMUNITY CARE NIGHT Sunday Small Groups Community Care Night is a coming together to eat, fellowship, worship, and PATHFINDERS share. The evening includes a free meal, worship, community small groups, and children and student activities. This group is the longest ongoing class at Concord, made up of multi- generational singles and couples. The group covers various Bible and There are multiple ways to engage in small groups Wednesday evenings. topical studies, with a series of guest speakers or group volunteers This fall we are adding these opportunities prior to our free meal and worship. leading the group. WHEN: Wednesdays WHEN: Sundays at 10:00 AM Meal: 5:45 - 6:30 PM Worship: 6:30 - 7:00 PM WHERE: Room 147 (1st Floor of Worship Center) Small Groups: 7:00 - 7:45 PM FACILITATORS: WHERE: Worship Center Delores Hummel [email protected] 4:30 PM Community Care Night Small Groups (865) 679-5499 Aging Faithfully Our faith accompanies us through all stages of life. Join us as we learn, share, and support each other through the years of our life that occur in retirement, and/or as parents of adult children. WHERE: Room 145 7:00 PM Community Care Night Small Groups Good Grief: Support for Healing Weekly peer-facilitated meeting to share our experience, strength, and hope during grief and loss. This group encompasses all forms of grief and loss in- cluding but not at all limited to death, divorce, health diagnoses, infertility, job loss, life stage transitions, and more. FACILITATOR: Kathryn Mosby [email protected] (229) 339-0936 WHERE: Room 196 23 8

Sunday Small Groups PARENTING WITH FAITH WORKSHOP SERIES WOMEN SEEKING WISDOM First Wednesdays of the Month, During Community Care Nights Women Seeking Wisdom is a class for women of all ages seeking a 7:00-8:00 PM stronger relationship with God and the Bible. Whether you are single or married, we welcome you to join us for discussion and Join us as we engage in important conversations about parenting in 2023. Experts fellowship. Group will use a video-driven format with optional texts in multiple areas will lead us in our conversations. Hosted by Concord United. that coordinate with the church-wide Bible reading plan. Join us for a free meal at 5:45 and/or for a brief worship service at 6:30, prior to the WHEN: Sundays, 10:00 AM workshops. WHERE: Room 174 WHERE: Sanctuary FACILITATORS: Glenda Ramsey Spring Workshops Kay Harper [email protected] [email protected] (865) 850-3982 April 5, 2023 (865) 693-6908 Parenting with Faith This workshop focuses on acknowledging the challenges we encounter parenting PARENTS OF YOUTH related to our own faith and nurturing our children and youth in their faith. Chil- drenʼs Ministry Director, Victoria Shackelford, Student Ministry Director, Daniel This group is made up of parents who are navigating the teen years. Doubleday, and Pastor of Discipleship, Rev. Brooke Hartman, lead this session. Topics discussed vary yet are discussed through the perspective of parent- The session includes practical ways to nurture our own and our kidsʼ and youthʼs ing youth. spiritual formation. We will also answer those questions you are afraid to ask about parenting with faith. WHEN: Sundays, 10:00 AM For more information, contact Pastor Brooke Hartman [email protected] WHERE: Room 246 T FACILITATORS: a Kristen Hicks c (423)329-8901 W W 9 22

Weekday Small Groups: THURSDAY Sunday Small Groups MOMS GROUP PARENTS OF YOUNG CHILDREN Moms of all ages, with children of all ages, come together to talk about This group is for parents of toddlers, younger children, and tweens all life at whatever season. As a group we encourage, comfort, and listen learning as we go, raising our kids in Christ-centered families, and creating while growing deeper in our journey of faith. Supporting each other in community with other parents who understand and share in the joys and strengthening our relationship with God and relying on his guidance challenges of parenting little ones. while navigating life. WHEN: Sundays, 10:00 AM WHEN: There are two options for Momʼs group – Thursday evenings and Friday mornings WHERE: Room 55 (Under Sanctuary) • Thursday evenings FACILITATORS: 6:30-8:00 PM Nick & Jenny Gergely 1st and 3rd Thursdays of the month [email protected] (509) 222-0378 • Friday mornings 10:30 AM-12:00 PM PARENTING WITH FAITH Not meeting Friday Dec. 23, Dec. 30 or Jan. 6 during the KCS Winter Break. Will resume January 13, and will follow This group is for parents ranging in age from 30s-50s, trying to navigate KCS calendar. Childcare provided. a Biblical view of the world and how to instill Biblical principles in our children. WHERE: • Thursday evenings in Room 242, “The Coffee House” • Friday mornings Room 196 (2nd floor over Preschool in Music/West wing) FACILITATORS: WHEN: Sundays, 10:00 AM Becca Means (Thursday evenings) [email protected] WHERE: Room 52 (Under Sanctuary) (865) 712-8145 Leighanna Colgrove (Friday mornings) Jenny Gergely (Friday mornings) FACILITATORS: Julie Ezold Ben Stolt [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] (865) 254-0977 (423) 774-3607 21 10

Sunday Small Groups Weekday Small Groups: THURSDAY COMMITMENTS SOUL SISTERS This group is made up of couples who are becoming empty-nesters. A group for women that like to grow in their discipleship and make new We are rediscovering our spouses and marriages. We focus on friends. We will begin a new study for Soul Sisters on February 2 using current Christian studies using books and video series. Max Lucadoʼs Help is Here. This is a great time for new ladies to join the group. WHEN: Sundays, 10:00 AM WHEN: Thursdays, 10:00-11:30 AM WHERE: Room 54 (Under Sanctuary) WHERE: Room 196 FACILITATORS: Stacey St. Pierre Jennifer Anderson [email protected] FACILITATOR: [email protected] (865) 705-5720 Joan De Tar (865) 691-3960 [email protected] (865) 966-6728 FRIENDSHIP FAITHFUL FRIENDS This group is made up of couples and singles 55+. The group studies The group is made up of couples or individuals who fit in the “Baby Boomer” a variety of topics taught by different teachers. demographic. We consider ourselves a faith-based, life support group who pro- vide support and encouragement through the various stages of adult life. We WHEN: Sundays, 10:00 AM share experiences and lift each other through lifeʼs transitions including becoming empty nesters, loss of parents/siblings, health concerns, growing WHERE: Room 196 (2nd floor over Preschool in Music/West wing) families (kids and grandkids) and adjusting to retirement. FACILITATORS: Norma Smith We rotate leading the meetings and usually have a “point to ponder” that we Lynda Newton [email protected] use as the focus of discussions. [email protected] WHEN: 1st and 3rd Thursdays, 6:30 PM Tom Warnick WHERE: Room 145 [email protected] FACILITATORS: Gary Kuhn Robin Manning [email protected] [email protected] (865) 621-9099 (865) 670-0540 11 20

Weekday Small Groups: THURSDAY Sunday Small Groups THURSDAY COFFEE TALK FAITHFUL DISCIPLES Small Group of varying ages meets weekly to discuss Bible readings This is a shared facilitator-led group that studies a variety of Christian and other topics. Group will be reading and discussing Cost of literature and topics. Typical series study lasts 4-6 weeks and are led Discipleship by Dietrich Bonhoeffer this fall. by volunteers from the class. Couples and singles 50+. WHEN: Thursdays, 8:30-9:30 AM Studies may include books of the Bible; books and short-studies by contemporary Christian authors such as Adam Hamilton, Max Lucado, WHERE: Empty Cup, Center 9111, Executive Park Drive Phillip Yancey, and Will Willimon; and review of Christian history and theology. The class has used video series available through Right Now FACILITATOR: Media which provides access to many Christian lecturers and leaders. Terry Pearson [email protected] WHEN: Sundays, 10:00 AM (931)698-5831 WHERE: Room 56 (Under Sanctuary) FACILITATORS: Julia Wood Chuck Parmele JOYFUL [email protected] [email protected] (865) 216-6139 (865) 414-4463 This group includes women 45+ sharing life and Christ through YOUNG ADULTS fellowship, study and prayer. We share a meal and life with love and laughter and work to grow closer to God and each other. Currently following the Grow with the Bible study. WHEN: 2nd and 4th Thursdays 6:00-8:00 PM This group is made up of young adults who are seeking to grow in faith and connect with others of similar age. The group meets weekly WHERE: Room 145 following the 11:00 services for lunch and conversation. FACILITATORS: WHEN: Sundays, 12:00 PM Laura Gac [email protected] Judy Johnson WHERE: The Studio (703) 615-6401 [email protected] (865) 223-1120 FACILITATORS: Daniel Doubleday [email protected] Becca Means [email protected] 19 (865) 712-8145 12

Sunday Small Groups Weekday Small Groups: TUESDAY SEARCHERS FUN & FAITHFUL The Searchers group is composed of retired active adults. A curriculum Fun and Faithful – We are a small group made up of couples ranging committee determines various courses of study for each year. We from 50 to retirees. We usually choose a book or topic that goes along always welcome new people into our midst. We use both outside with the sermon series. speakers as well as class members as teachers. This is a class that enjoys discussion and appreciates a variety of points of view on any WHEN: 2nd and 4th Tuesdays, 6:00 PM given topic. This small group is participating in the Read Through the Bible Plan. Each week, the discussion centers around the readings of WHERE: Room 147 this plan. Reading the plan is not required to attend. WHEN: Sundays at 10:00 AM FACILITATORS: Virginia Helmendach Delmas Franklin [email protected] WHERE: Room 145 (Across from Worship Center) [email protected] (865) 254-9518 (706) 266-9580 FACILITATORS: Janie Wendelken WELCOMING WOMEN Jack Taylor [email protected] [email protected] (865) 680-2124 Group of Christian women who consider our faith to be central to our (865) 216-0692 lives. The group reads books that give an opportunity to see a broader world view. Discussion time includes books as well as MEN’S GROUP discussing our lives outside of group. This group values \"a safe place\" for all members and sharing leadership responsibilities. The Men's Group is comprised of men of all ages seeking connection and community rooted in God. Each gathering WHEN: Tuesdays, every two weeks 4:00-6:00 PM includes time as a large group as well as small group discussion groups. Group is currently using curriculum created by Pastor Wil. WHERE: Individual homes WHEN: 1st & 3rd Sundays, 5:00 PM FACILITATOR: Glenna Manning WHERE: Fellowship Hall [email protected] (865) 679-3763 FACILITATOR: Chas Means 18 [email protected] (865) 237-6422 13

Weekday Small Groups: TUESDAY Weekday Small Groups TUESDAY STUDY GROUP Weekday Small Groups meet during the week and feature different formats, class sizes, and study topics. Holy Spirit The descriptions that follow are provided by each group. The most Christians refer to God as the triune God – Father, Son and Holy Spirit. The work of up-to-date information on classes can be found on the church website, the Spirit is often thought of as “individually inspirational,” but itʼs so much more. or by calling the church office (865) 966-6728, or contacting Brooke Join in a four-week study dedicated to helping us better understand the Holy Spirit Hartman, Pastor of Discipleship, who is eager to help you find a group as the Comforter, the Advocate, and the Breath of the church within its walls and that fits you. ([email protected]) into the world. All groups are open to anyone and age or stage should be considered simply as a starting point and not a limiting criteria. The study is facilitated by Glenna Manning and will meet on Tuesdays, January 10 – 31 from 1:00 – 2:30 in the Worship Center classroom. Weekday Small Groups: MONDAY Sign up at ConcordUnited.com/Events ZOOMING ADULTS No text is required for the class. Busy adults who want to have a small group but getting together in person is too much. Seeing and Believing: A Study of the book of John WHEN: Every other Monday, 7:00 PM Join us for an in-depth study of the book of John for Lent. This study includes Bible WHERE: Online via Zoom reading strategies, understanding of Johnʼs gospel in the context of scripture and the FACILITATOR: gospels, and discuss about the significance of seeing and believing in the book of Megan Fields John and what that means for us today. This study is facilitated by Brooke Hartman [email protected] meets Tuesday, February 21 – April 11 from 1:00-2:30. Only book needed is a Bible. (865) 384-5425 Sign up at ConcordUnited.com/Events 14 or email [email protected] WHEN: January 10, 17, 24, 31, 1:00 - 2:30 PM February 21, 28, March 7, 14, 21, 28 April 4, 11, 1:00 - 2:30 PM WHERE: Worship Center Classroom FACILITATORS: Brooke Hartman Glenna Manning [email protected] [email protected] (865) 254-8021 (865) 679-3763 17

Weekday Small Groups: MONDAY Weekday Small Groups: TUESDAY SCRIPTURE TALK OASIS This group meets via Zoom and is based on the Read Through the Bible We are sisters in Christ who enjoy meals and fellowship together, plan. discuss spiritual topics, and support/pray for each other through lifeʼs WHEN: Mondays 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM joys and struggles. For the first part of 2023, weʼll be studying the book WHERE: Online via Zoom, Meeting ID: 848 7973 4910 about the Holy Spirit by Max Lucado. Passcode - John3:16 FACILITATOR: WHEN: 2nd & 4th Tuesdays, 6:00 PM Sabrina Holbrook [email protected] WHERE: Room 145 MORNING GLORIES FACILITATORS: Wanda Trent Debbie Pea [email protected] This small group is women 60+ that meets twice monthly to connect and [email protected] (423) 384-9475 serve together. (952) 426-5788 WHEN: 2nd and 4th Mondays 9:00-11:00 AM WHERE: Individual homes FACILITATOR: Cynthia Hudson [email protected] 15 16