What is a Small Group at Arcola Church?

“Small Group: A group of people who come together on a regular basis for a common purpose and are lead by an identified leader who is assisting them in their progress toward full devotion to Christ by intentionally providing an environment, for connection, community, and spiritual formation.”

Our Vision: Our vision, simply stated, is that everyone at Arcola must personally experience on-going Christian community, fellowship and connection as part of a small group in which relationships are established and strengthened with others and with God through prayer, worship, and study.

Our Core Values:
* Everyone at Arcola UMC will be connected, nurtured spiritually, and cared for in a community of fellowship.
* Identifying and supporting small group leaders is vital.
* There must be an ongoing strategy for "growing" small groups.
* Prayer, caring, sharing, and celebration are fundamental elements of every small group.

What are the ways every member at Arcola can be connected to a Small Group?

  1. Long or Short-term Learning Groups (e.g., Bible Study or Book Study)
  2. Assimilation Groups (e.g., New Member Classes)
  3. Support Groups (e.g., Mom’s Group, Health Ministry Team, Relay For Life, Grief Support Group)
  4. Service Groups (e.g., Women's Group, Local Missions, Global Missions, Events Team) 
  5. Worship Support (e.g., Choir, Bandette, A/V, Greeters, Ushers, "Surge" capability for special events)
  6. Youth Groups and Children’s Groups 
  7. Adult Sunday School
  8. Administrative Support Groups (e.g., Trustees, Staff Parish, Administration)
  9. “Affinity” Groups (e.g.,  Creative Group, Women's Group)
  10. Leadership groups (e.g., Church Council, Small Groups Leadership Team)

What are small group members saying about their group?

“Being a part of a small group has become a fixture in my life.”

“In the group, you can always share whatever is on your mind, big or small.” 

“I found friends I trust with my thoughts, my life experiences, my worries and everything in between.”  

“A church that had just been a place to worship became something more when I joined a small group.”  

“Being a part of a small group has given me a circle of friends that I can count on when things are bad.”  

“My small group has become as much a part of my family as my relatives.”

Small Group Leadership Team:
Heather Gaulding, Director of Learning
Barbara Ladany
Bill Miller
Bonnie Miller
Pete Jones
Linda Turnau
Ron Bowman