Small groups at Saint Matthew allow us to work more effectively as the body of Christ as we experience the impact of community in spiritual growth, relationships, care, and outreach. Together we can learn to apply God’s word in living the life He has called us to. Join with others. Find a mentor. Be a mentor. Let’s learn from each other and with each other. Let’s pray together. Let’s serve together.

There are currently many small groups covering a variety of topics in a variety of locations.  We offer groups specifically for women, men, retirees, as well as groups open to everyone. Small groups meet from 6-10 weeks and enable us to:

Here is an overview of groups. More groups will be forming this Fall:

Men and Women

Women

Men

Sundays

Mission Partner Class (Men and Women)

What does it mean to become a partner in the vision and mission of Saint Matthew? What are our values and basic beliefs? How do I begin or continue to grow spiritually? How do I become a part of this community? Where should I be involved?

Please join us for a 2 session class that will answer these questions and more. Get to know others in this community of faith. If you are new to Saint Matthew or have been here awhile but never made a commitment, please join us, then decide if you want to become a partner in this mission of faith.

Sundays, October 19 and 26
11:00 a.m. in the Music Room for brunch

Advent Study (Men and Women) Four week study

Be intentional about your spiritual preparation for Christmas. Take time for reflection, study and discussion. Take a closer look at Advent scripture in a new way. Enjoy relaxed fellowship with others with treats and coffee, too.

Sundays November 30, Dec 6, Dec 13, Dec. 20
9:30-10:45 a.m. in Fellowship Hall
Leaders: Craig and Susan Pynn

Finding Your Niche in Ministry (Men and Women):
Spiritual Gifts Inventory and Ministry Coaching

Available some Sundays during worship services. You can make an appointment at the Welcome Center or indicate your interest on the registration form in this booklet. You will be able to discuss your interests and gifts and explore possibilities for ministry involvement or development.

Sunday mornings—in groups or individually
Leaders: Nancy Pierce, Amy Schmidt

Moms with Care (Children Away Receiving Education)

This group is for moms with kids away at college, at DVC or other local colleges, or kids in the military. Moms meet monthly for prayer, study, and a chance to pack goodie boxes to be sent or delivered. If you would like to be involved, register here or send an email to Marsha Harris at mahshawrite@comcast.net.

Sunday evenings (starting date and time to be announced)
Leaders: Marsha Harris and Pam Thiemann

Space is limited for small groups and classes on Sunday mornings until we can occupy the new buildings, so we will have fewer Sunday morning classes and groups (until November.) Watch for parenting groups and much more.

Register for groups by using the registration form at the Welcome Center or by emailing Nancyp@saintmatthew.org. All efforts will be made to place you in the group of your choice.

Mondays

Alpha (Men and Women)

Looking for a way to gain a better understanding of the Christian faith? What are basic Christian beliefs?

What does it mean to be a Christian? How does the Bible answer some of the hard questions of life:

You don’t have to be a brand new Christian to seek the answers to these questions. If you are interested in visiting or re-visiting some of these issues, the Alpha course provides a safe, non-threatening atmosphere to explore. Alpha is a 10 week course (split into two parts) and consists of video presentation by Nicki Gumble (an amazing speaker) and followed up by small group discussion. Sign up and invite your friends.

Mondays 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Two 5 wk sessions (plan to attend both)
Part One: Oct 27-November 24, Part Two: January 5—February 9 (no meeting January 19)
Leaders: Stacey Okimoto and Dave Pierce, Childcare: Available upon reservation

Finding Balance (Women)

Different shapes can be used as visual reminders of what our walk with Jesus should look like. The triangle represents “balance”; balance in our relationship with Jesus, our relationship with family and friends and outreach to others in the community. How do we achieve this balance and what happens to us, our faith, our stress levels, our peace when we are out of sync? We’ll focus on several Lifeshapes but concentrate on the triangle as it is at the heart of our Christian life. We’ll look at what scripture has to say as we examine our own lives. We’ll identify our personal challenges, pray about courses of action, and provide each other support, prayers and accountability.

Every other Monday beginning Sept 22
5:00-6:30 p.m. at the Pierce’s, 2345 La Salle Drive, WC
Leader: Nancy Pierce

C.S. Lewis (Men and Women)

Read one of CS Lewis’ greatest works, The Great Divorce, a work of fantasy that portrays Christian perceptions of life after death, allegorically, specifically one individual's journey from hell ("the grey town") to heaven and salvation. Join in these great discussions and fellowship. Many in this group have an interest in serving in some capacity in the Monument Corridor and ideas in that regard will also be pursued.

Mondays 7:00-8:30 p.m. beginning September 15
Home of Robin and Paul Strange, 5375 Fernbank Dr., Concord (Crystyl Ranch)
Leaders: Lin and Dennis Ashlock

Lectio Divina Prayer (Women)

Learn how to listen for God as you read and reflect on a passage of scripture. No previous experience necessary, just a desire to learn to pray and make scripture become real for your life.

7:30 p.m. beginning Sept. 15, every other Monday
Home of Erikka Reisinger, 550 Ellesmere Dr., WC
Leader: Jenny Hammond

Steppin’ Up (Men)

This group is an outgrowth of discussion on the men’s raft trip this summer, but all men are encouraged to come. What does it mean to be a Christian man-How do we accept the challenge and do what is necessary? This will be a great group with the ability to meet men exactly where they are on their faith walk.

Mondays 7:00 p.m. beginning September 15, Location to be determined
Leaders: Hunter Miley and Roger Dill

Tuesdays

The Holy Spirit and You (Women)

We’ll meet at the Naegeli home for a ten-week series on the Holy Spirit, taking Bible passages from Genesis to Revelation, to accumulate evidence of the Spirit’s work and relationship to us. What are we really saying when we acknowledge that the Holy Spirit indwells the Christian believer? If you have felt there must be “something more” to the Christian life than what you are experiencing, please bring your questions and curiosity to this lively and encouraging group.

Tuesday mornings, 6:30 to 7:45 a.m., September 16 through November 18
Leader: Rev. Mary Naegeli, 535 Wimbledon Road, Walnut Creek

Grandmother’s group (Women)

Jesus used many methods of teaching, like his storytelling and use of parables to compare some aspect of daily life with some reality of the kingdom of God. His parables communicate insight about God, his kingdom and the response expected from those who hear. Join the grandmothers in this continued study and discussion. This group is also involved in the layette ministry and literacy.

Tuesdays at 9:30 a.m. in Stenman, beginning October 21
Leader: Barbara Groenveld

Wine, Women & the Word (women)

We all long for close relationships —bonds so secure that we can be completely honest and vulnerable. But often, we keep our relationships at a safe, and shallow, level. We avoid the risk of revealing all that’s in our hearts. If you're ready to experience the joy of true, deep community, this study will help you move beyond your fears into the realm of knowing others and being known by them. 6 week session

Tuesdays at 6:30 p.m. at the home of Ann Farrow, 2153 La Salle Dr., WC, begins September 15

Making the Most of Your Marriage: (Couples)

What does a strong marriage look like? What are marriage builders and killers? What is a marriage built on faith? Get to know some other young couples and work on a stronger marriage. 4 week session

Tuesdays at 7:00-8:30 p.m. at Uchacz’s home, 1564 Nuala St., Concord, Nov 13, 20, Dec 2, 9
Leaders; Tiffany and Mike Uchacz

Book Discussion (Women)

The purpose of this monthly group is to take a closer look at cultural influences on Christianity. Enjoy selected books - Christian non-fiction and fiction, participate in lively discussions on Christian values and their application.

Meets monthly—First Tuesday of the month starting October 7. Location TBA
Book Selection: The Shack, Leaders: Christine Anderson and Larissa Gallagher

Wednesdays

Early Risers: (Women)

Study of Book of Acts, join any time.

Wednesdays at 6:30 a.m. in Stenman
Leader: Marlene Ciminera

Men’s Bible Study group

Examine the scripture passages each week. Fellowship and hearty food early in the morning. Join any time.

Wednesdays at 7:00 a.m., at Black Bear Diner on Bancroft
Leader: Duane Ludwig

Pilgrimage of Faith: (Men and Women)

Exploring the Bible in 30 weeks (a longer commitment than our usual small group, but well worth it). Join other men and women for an overview of the entire Bible. What makes this particular study unique is the tie-in to the liturgical year; so, for example, we will be studying Old Testament prophecy and Christ’s coming during Advent. By the end of the school year, we will have read sample passages from Genesis to Revelation to explore the major genres, themes, events, and lessons of the Bible. Let’s connect the dots and see how all those Sunday School Bible lessons fit together to direct us to Jesus Christ. No previous Bible knowledge is required or expected.

Wednesday evenings, 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. at Naegeli’s home, 535 Wimbledon Rd., WC
30 Weeks, mid-September through end of May (some weeks off, dates TBA)
Leaders: Mary and Andy Naegeli

A Biblical View of Christian Ethics and Sexuality

Explore what the Bible says about marriage, our creation as sexual beings, and the proper ways in which our sexuality can be expressed with God’s plan and purpose for our lives. The basis for this class will be prayer, discussing the Biblical text (there will be homework) and discerning the Lord’s voice through the Bible and our prayerful discussions.

7:00 p.m. beginning Wednesday, September 17 until October 22
Worship Center
Leaders: Pastoral staff

Dads of Teens (and all other Dads too)

Join other men in this relaxed backyard indoor/outdoor “manroom” for a chance to relate to other men on a variety of levels. It’s a social time, discussion time and a chance to be real. This fall, the men will be looking at childhood and adult pain in their lives that might influence interaction with their own children. How do we move ahead and incorporate our experiences into the larger plan God has for us? This is a place where men can be challenged and encouraged in their spiritual journey. Bring your friends.

Wednesdays beginning September 10
6:30 p.m. social time, 7:00-8:30 p.m. study and discussion
Smit’s “Man-room”, 2024 Quiet Place Drive, WC

Thursdays

Thursday Morning Women

This fun, intergenerational group is following the Sunday sermon series on Acts. Lots of great discussion, deep study, prayer, and caring. Join any time.

Thursdays at 9:30 a.m. in Stenman
Leader: Jan Richards

Lectio Divina Prayer group (Women)

Lectio is a form of prayer and scripture study that personalizes scripture in a way that makes it come alive for us. Find out for yourself. No prayer experience necessary.

Thursdays at 5:30 p.m. beginning Thursday, September 25 at Phelan’s, 630 Quail Quest Drive, WC
Leaders: Ruth Niemi and Norma Phelan

Thurs Night Women (20’s- 30’s Women)
Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World

Life today has similar choices to those of Mary and Martha in the New Testament. The choice is to sit at the Lord’s feet (but what about daily demands?) or lovingly serve (what about weariness, resentment and feelings of inadequacy?). How do we draw closer to the Lord, doing both with less stress and greater joy?

Thursday nights at 7:30 p.m. beginning September 11 at Chapman’s home, 2249 Lomond Lane, WC
Leader: Barbara Chapman

Bible and Brew (Men)

This is a non-threatening group for men. Come and enjoy the company of other guys as you explore different aspects of faith of some of our most famous musicians. What are some of the ways faith is expressed? What can we learn from this?

Thursdays at 7:00-8:30 p.m. beginning October 2 at Uchacz’s home, 1564 Nuala St., Concord
Leaders: Mike Uchacz and Jason Bendickson

Fridays

Friday men—Come for breakfast and discussion of Oswald Chambers: My Utmost for His Highest.

Join any time.

7:00 a.m. at Hubcaps Restaurant in downtown Walnut Creek
Leader: Jerry Hanson

Prayer (Men & Women)

Join with others to explore the dynamics of prayer. Why are we praying? How do we grow in this area? How do we become better listeners? What are our experiences with answered prayer? How can we be more aware? This is a great way to expand our prayer horizons as we develop deeper friendships.

Fridays at 7:00-8:30 p.m. at the Thiemann’s, 3575 Tupelo Dr., Walnut Creek
Leaders: Pam & Jeff Thiemann

Saturdays

Saturday morning (Men)

Join this bunch committed to Jesus and to serving as they look at Acts. Join any time.

Saturdays 7;00-8:30 a.m. in Stenman
Leader: Jim Solaris

Many people make the mistake of thinking all they need to grow spiritually is God’s Word and prayer. But the truth is, we need people to help us grow. Christ-like character is built through relationships, not in isolation. There are many things God wants us to learn about life that we’ll only learn in community.

Paul advised, “Join with others in following my example, brothers, and take note of those who live according to the pattern we gave you.” (Philippians 3:17). To grow, we need to see principles in practice. We need to see what beliefs look like when they are translated as behavior in everyday situations.

Being connected to a small group is crucial to spiritual growth. It’s a regular opportunity to learn from each other. People don’t expect you to be perfect—they already know you aren’t. What they want you to be is honest! So let them see your struggles, not just your successes. We usually grow as much from others’ weaknesses as we do from their strengths.

It’s time to grow.

Nancy

Ministry Opportunities to Explore

Below is a list of some possibilities for ministry at Saint Matthew and in the community.

If you would like to explore any of these areas or find out more about them, email nancyp@saintmatthew.org.

Welcome Team

__Greeter __Welcome Center __Usher

__Coffee Fellowship __Parking __Visitor Caller

__Name Tags __Brochures

Hospitality

__Visitor activities __New Moms

__Special events __Celebrations

__Church-wide events __Baking

__Meals for conferences, events

__Ministry of Construction

Mission Partner

__New Family follow-up __Mentoring

__Receptions __Baptism follow up

Worship Ministry

__Lay Reader __Communion Assistant __Projection

__Video __Holiday decorations __Chancel ministry

__Dance __Choirs __Handbell Choir __ Drama

__Special music

Children’s Ministry

__Promiseland Preschool __Music/Choir

__Promiseland (K-5) __Nursery

__JYC (3rd-5th grade) __VBS (summer)

__Camp MATT (summer)

Teen Ministry

__Impact (Sunday mornings) __Wildside (6th-8th grade)

__ABS (high school) __Transportation

__Special events

Prayer Ministry

__Prayer team __ Email prayer support

__ Prayer group leader __ Ministry prayer team support

__Sunday prayer station __Prayer partner

Adult Ministry

__Small group co-leader/Bible Study __Childcare

__Alpha-leader, helper __Spiritual workshops

__Marriage groups/activities __Young Couples

__ Nesters __Young@Heart __Brunches

__ Dinners __Family camping __Baseball

__Farmer’s Market __Thanksgiving Pie Fest

__Easter Brunch __Lenten soup lunches

__Special events __Golf Tournament

Women’s Ministry

__Women’s Small group leader __Prayer partner

__Event planning __Retreats __Mom’s groups

__Activity leader __Adventure group

__Prayer group __ Layette program

__Piecemaker quilters __Advent event

__Spiritual day retreats __Circles

Men’s Ministry

__Small group/Bible study leader

__Event planning __Men’s prayer support

__Dad’s groups/events __Retreat planning

__Service Projects-church and community

__Sports __Outdoor adventure/trips

Congregational Care

__Hospital visitation __Grief support

__TLC (Tender Loving Care) - meals, driving

__Memorial service receptions

Office

__Special projects

Facilities

__Kitchen manager __Kitchen supply __Landscaping

__Special repairs/ projects __Work days

__Pew cleaners

These are some general categories. There are many more ways to serve in the congregation.

Discover your niche.

Serving in the Community

The ways we can serve in the community are endless. Below are some of the places Saint Matthew is involved. If you would like to be involved with any of these areas, email nancyp@saintmatthew.org and get connected with the ministry coordinator for that area.

Community Ministry Involvement:

Here are a few areas in which you can partner with Saint Matthew in community involvement:

Some Service Opportunities for Fall

Watch the bulletin and newsletter for more. Join individually or as a small group.

There will be sign ups at the Welcome Center as we approach the event dates.

If you would like to find a new area of community outreach or have ideas you would like to develop, email Ralph Supper at ralphs@saintmatthew.org..