Small Group Ministry

Would you like to study and discuss the Bible in a small group setting and how it relates to your life today?

Are you interested in getting together with others who share your same enthusiasm for a particular hobby or special interest?

Bible Studies:  Called “In the Word”:  Several small groups (5-15 people) get together in homes,
at coffee shops, and in retirement homes to study specific Bible study materials and discuss and relate it to everyday lives.

   In the Word—3100 Grand Group,  at 10:00 pm at 3100 Grand.  First and third Mondays of the month. Using Companions in Christ materials. Facilitator:  Gretchen Lindsey.  

   In the Word—Early Group, Mondays to be decided by group. 6:30pm at the Early's.  Facilitator:  Richard & Jennifer Early.  June 23, 30.  July 7, 14, 21 and 28.

   In the Word—Marker Group,  Meets on the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays at 7:00 pm. Using No Experience Necessary, finishing Book 2.   Facilitator:  Delaine Marker. Group will NOT meet for the remainder of the summer.

In the Word -Saturday AM Bible Study,  at Caribou Coffee on Ingersoll.  This group is meetings on Saturdays.  June  28.  Facilitator:  Jim Swanstrom. Group will NOT meet in July.

   In the Word - Megan's Group, (women in their 20's through 40's) This group will meet the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays. Contact Megan Clausen at 243.7691 if you have questions.

Tuesday AM Bible Study, each Tuesday morning at 10:00am in room 8.
June  24. July 1, 8, 15, 22, 29

Couples Club:  Meets monthly for a social activity.  Date varies with activity.   Also gives support to Connection Café (a free lunch program for those in need) Leaders: Mary and Ed Slattery .

Digital Photography:  Meets the 4^th Sunday of the month at 10:00 am in Neumann at church to discuss photography and digital cameras.  Usually have a topic to take pictures of that month and show a couple of pictures in that category.  Occasionally will plan other events (speakers, photo sessions, etc.)  Facilitators:  Jacque Warming, and Rod Snavely.

EAGLES:  An active retirees group that usually meets the 2^nd week of each month for tours to various places in Des Moines and Iowa or just to go out to lunch.

Gardening:  Meets once a month—usually 2^nd Tuesday or Wednesday of the month from spring to fall to tour gardens or nurseries, listen to speakers, learn and share. Thursday July 17, 6:30 pm at at the Master Gardeners' Demonstration  Garden in Ubandale. Tuesday, July 29 at 6:30 pm for the great Treehouse Adventure and Garden tour of Jack Barnhart.  Liaison:  Darla Stiles

Horizons: Social group for singles and couples in their 40’s and 50’s.
Facilitator:  Susie Rissman.

Lunch Bunch:
 Lunch Bunch I:  Meets the 3^rd Thursday of the month at 11:30 am at various restaurants.
 Facilitator:  Margaret Roby .  July 17.

    Lunch Bunch II:  Meets the 3^rd Wednesday of the month at 11:30 am at various restaurants.
    Facilitator:  Janet Figg, 279-6326.  July 16.

Prayer Shawl Ministry:  Meets to knit or crochet shawls, bless them, and give to those going
    through a difficult time.  There are two groups that meet; some also knit or crochet at home and bring
    them   to St. John’s to be blessed.  The shawls can be designated for a certain person or given to
    St. John’s to be gifted as they see a need.

    Prayer Shawl—Monday Afternoon Group, Meets the first and third Monday of the month at
   1:00 pm in the Fireside Lounge.  Liaison:  Jean McKinney. 

    Prayer Shawl—Tuesday Evening Group, Will be meeting 4 times a year at  7:00 pm in the
    evening in the Fireside Lounge.   Liaison:  Darla Stiles .

Reading Groups:  St. John’s has three book discussion groups meeting at various dates and times:

    Recreational Reading: will be meeting at Caribou Coffee on Ingersoll at 5:30 pm August 27 to select
 books for the year. Anyone is welcome!
 St. John’s Book Club: Facilitator:  Rod Snavely 

Restaurant Visitation (Christian Involvement) -Jazz in July, Christian Involvement mInistry team  invites anyone in the congregation to join them on Sunday July 27th at the Blank Park Zoo, Pavilion Plaza, to enjoy fellowship as we also enjoy a Metro Arts Jazz in July event. classic jazz featuring vocals by Judi Brown begins at 5:30pm Freestyle will start at 6:30 pm. This event is free. Bring your lawn chair and beverage (if you desire ) and look for St. John's folks!

Scrapbooking:  Usually meets the 4th Saturday of the month at church in Room 8 from 9 am to 3pm (or any part of that time that suits their schedules).  Each brings own pictures and materials and the
 group shares ideas and suggestions. Liaison:  Darla Stiles.  

Stretch & Pray:  Meetings TBA. Facilitator: Joyce Hanson.

3D:  Diet, Discipline & Discipleship:  A Christ centered program and support for eating healthy,
devotions, discussion and spiritual enlightenment.  Have one group that meets on Wednesday mornings at 10 am that is full.  We hope to start a new 3D group if there is enough interest.  Call Darla if interested in joining a group.  Staff Liaison:  Darla Stiles, or phone: 243.7691.
10:00am Wednesday group:  TBA.

Wine Tasting:   Group gets together approximately every other month for a wine-tasting experience.  Planned by the members.