Life Group Leaders

 

 

 

Dear Life Group Leaders (and a few other friends);

 

I read a quote from John Ortberg again just this morning, “The story of the Bible isn’t primarily about the desire of people to be with God: it’s the desire of God to be with people.”  This quote was followed by a few questions to consider:

 

“It’s one thing for us to talk about how much we want to experience God, but how much do you think God wants to be with us?  In what ways do you know God desires a close relationship with you?” 

 

If you’ve taken your group through the study, God is Closer Than You Think, by Ortberg, then you are likely familiar with this line of question.

 

How often during the day do you sense your walk with God…or sense His closeness to you?  Of course, we’ve learned even as children that God is ALWAYS with us; but as adults, something often happens to impede our sensory perceptions, right? We don’t FEEL His closeness – or we say things like “God is far away” or “I never hear God speak to me.” But if we truly believe as children, that God is all around us, and we just don’t realize it…what is missing exactly?

 

My challenge to you is to begin again to see that God is in pursuit of YOU. Remember that it’s HIS desire to be with us instead of our own desire to pursue Him that brings our relationship closer.  Ortberg would ask us to consider how this perspective changes your perception of your relationship with God and to understand what practical difference this perspective can make in your day to day.

 

As you lead your groups; consider reminding your members to pursue what God is already pursuing – look for and become part of what you see God actively doing in your neighborhood, local coffee shop, restaurant, QFC, Safeway. Elementary school, OCC, etc.  There are opportunities everywhere to meet and serve your neighbor and when you find that opportunity, I certain you’ll find that God is there, much closer than you think!

 

 

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 Sometimes you need to read the basics one more time for a fresh look at your life group.  If you’ve not attended a recent training or need a fast fact peruse the contents of this BASIC TRAINING guide for help and resources.  

  

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  I’ve listed some upcoming events for fun & opportunities to serve together: 

   

• 8/4   Life Group RE-Launch Summer Party  6pm OCC Chapel:

A light and FUN gathering for new and experienced leaders.  Pizza dinner, meet & greet, preview of new training clips on the web, and advance view of recommended curriculum for Fall.  This is an opportunity to share what’s working well in your group as well as a chance to hear about new ideas.  You’ll also get to know our new life group data base.  It’s easy and fun.  You are going to love it!!

 

• 8/21  OCC Serve Day  on the Eastside

In 2009 OCC participate in Community SERVE Day, a multi-church volunteer outreach on the Eastside. 1000+ volunteers from churches expressed God’s love to the community in a personal way. Classrooms were readied for the new school year, school landscapes were spruced up and overgrown yards were transformed. We are now looking for volunteers to be Project Coordinators for this year's Community SERVE Day on August 21.  You would be helping coordinate volunteer teams at a site you would oversee with one other Project Coordinator, helping create a fun and productive environment for all who participate.

This is a GREAT summer opportunity for your own life group!  If you're interested in being a part this year, join us for our first Project Coordinators Meeting on April 13 at 7pm in the Executive Conference Room (in the office area in the back of the church).  Please email Silas Schaufler, who is coordinating our leadership efforts, at to let us know if you will be able to make this meeting.

• 9/23  LET’S CONNECT 7PM OCC Student Room

An opportunity for leaders and groups to meet with those who want to join a life group. In the last few years we’ve found this to be one of the MOST effective ways to connect those seeking to join a group.  The success of this evening depends on YOU the leader, showing up. I know!  Simple, right? Yes, it’s that easy.  You show up, maybe with a few others from your group – have some normal, easy conversation, meet a few new people and by the end of the night you’ve grown your group! Leaders show up at 6:30PM in the Student Room to choose their living room setting.  We dim the lights, put on the music, make the coffee and light the candles – and viola!  A nice living room is created with great atmosphere. 

•  9/2010 BRAND NEW: BIBLE for Dummies Class

We want YOU to be among the first to know that we are crafting this course.  There is high interest in learning Bible basics and we are working hard to create a first rate group opportunity for people to learn (or re-learn).  If you are interested in participating this summer as we get this group/course going, I’d LOVE to hear from you.  Bible for Dummies will be a handy way to help those new to ‘church’, new to the Bible or new to faith. 

 

I look forward to joining and serving with you at some of these events! 

Leaders Click Here for More

Be blessed in your day.     

 

Elaine Morse
Director of Life Groups @ Overlake Christian Church
425-895-2427