What is a Care Group?
A Care Group is a home fellowship
made up of 10-16 people who meet weekly to share with, study with and
support one another. A trained leader and host couple lead each
group. A normal meeting lasts for an hour and a half, followed by
light refreshments.
How important are Care Groups?
Here at Sevenoaks Alliance
Church, we consider Care Groups an essential part of our vision.
They're the place where the real ministry of the church takes place as
we study God's Word, support and share our lives with one another.
We believe that meeting together on a regular basis is time well spent.
When and where do
they meet?
Care Groups meet on various
nights of the week in homes throughout Abbotsford and beyond. They
begin the week of September 21st and then break for Christmas on
December 14th - January 4th. They resume again January 11th and
continue until the last week of May.
How long do they
last?
There are some groups who
covenant to meet together for a specific period of time. At the
end of the stated time, participants have the choice of staying in the
same group, trying a new group or even taking a break. Most groups
however, stay together throughout the entire year. Care Groups do
not meet June through August.
What is the
required commitment?
Joining a Care Group requires
a commitment of regular attendance to agreed upon meeting times.
Obviously, allowances are made for sickness, vacation, work conflicts
and other special events, but not much more. This commitment is
the key to a strong Care Group.
What does it cost?
Few things in life are free
and Care Groups are no exception! The cost of Care Groups is the
cost of commitment. During the first meeting, each group
will take time to discuss the parameters of the group. This helps
each group discuss their goals and their commitment. Part of that
commitment is the promise to regularly attend the group.
When you join a Care Group, you're promising to attend each week.
It's this commitment that makes Care Groups work. We realize it's
a big commitment, September - December and January - May, but is
essential to the development of healthy relationships. At the end
of December and May, you have the choice of recommitting for another
period of time, trying a new group, or taking a break from Care Groups
altogether.
How do I sign up
for a Care Group?
There are two opportunities.
There will be a church-wide emphasis each fall and winter during which
information forms will be available for you to fill out and hand in.
There will also be an opportunity during life-stage gatherings to sign
up for Care Groups.
