ADULT MINISTRY AT THIRD
Small Groups | 
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| Adult Sunday School |
In Ephesians 4:13 the apostle Paul voices God's desire that "we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ." We take this to mean that we must not only nurture children and youth in the way of discipleship, but also adults! The purpose of our adult ministry programming is to encourage and equip every adult to become a fully devoted follower of Jesus Christ; in other words, a person committed to Growing, Gathering, Helping, and Nurturing.
Small Groups
Small Groups, ordinarily consisting of 6 to 12 persons, provide an ideal format for mutual growth and encouragement. A number of small groups have been established and meet at various times through the week -- some during the Sunday morning Christian Formation Hour, others early on weekday mornings, others at noon hours or in the evening. For information about our Small Groups ministry or to inquire about joining a group, contact the church office (269-343-2400).
Wednesday Evening ("Community Night")
Our Community Night program, which runs from September to May, offers a variety of growth opportunities for children, youth, and adults. For adults we offer a weeknight Coffee Break class for women (see under our Ministry of Outreach), a Friendship Class for persons who are mentally and physically handicapped (see under Outreach), plus a variety of Christian Growth classes on various topics throughout the season. Scheduled classes will always appear in our online Calendar.
Sunday Adult Education Classes
A variety of classes are offered during the Christian Formation Hour (11 a.m. to noon from September through May) to encourage and enable adults to mature in their faith as followers of Christ. Throughout the season we balance periods of multiple classes with periods of single classes. During our January Winterim session we offer intergenerational classes where adults and high schoolers learn and grow together.
Coffee Break
Coffee Break is a community Bible Study for women that meets in small groups of 8-10. Women of all faiths are welcome.
In a relaxed and informal setting, women will enjoy:
Refreshments
Warm fellowship
Asking questions and sharing concerns
Learning to relate the Bible to everyday life
Coffee Break is a community ministry that brings women together for fellowship, Bible study, and discipleship.
On Wednesday evening, Coffee Break meets from 7:00 pm to 8:15 pm.
On Thursday morning, Coffee Break begins at 9:30 am. and dismisses at 11:00 am. There is a Story Hour for children ages 3-5 featuring Bible stories, singing, and crafts. A loving nursery is provided for infants and children through age 2.
No previous experience is required. All activities and materials are free. For more information, call the church office or phone Joyce, 373-6783 or Nancy, 349-7379.
ALPHA
ALPHA is a ten-week opportunity to explore the validity and relevence of the Christian faith for our lives today. It is a practical introduction to the basics of Christianity with loads of opportunity for debate and discussion. The style of ALPHA is informal friendly and non-pressured. Each week we meet together for a meal prepared and hosted by members of Third Church. After there is a time for small group interaction. A retreat is offered midway through the course. This focuses on the person and work of the Holy Spirit. The retreat has been a key part of the ALPHA Course and a great success in helping people get to know one another. ALPHA is offered in the fall and spring. The Fall '08 session begins with a Celebration Dinner on September 25. All classes are on Thursday evenings and begin with supper at 6:00 pm. Nursery provided.
For further information contact Meg Jenista (megjenista@gmail.com) or click ALPHA for the web site.
