FIRST ASSEMBLY CONNECT GROUPS

Connect Groups are First Assembly's expression of what many churches call "small group" or "cell group" gatherings.   The pre-eminent value of our Connect Groups is to be missional in nature.  These missional communities aspire to make our city better, to reach others with the love and care of Jesus; to reach the broken, the least, the last and the lost.  We're not trying to be super heroes - really, who wants to wear tights?  We just want to help make a difference.

We believe that God has given every believer, regular folks like us, desires and passions for everyday life; hobbies, interests and a unique gift mix that define our personalities.  Rather than making us into "cookie cutter" clones of the faith, we desire to celebrate those special differences and foster them in informal settings with others who share the same passions.  In these social clusters we easily find a sense of commonality and, ultimately, feelings of mutual acceptance and belonging.  These interests and gifts can become strategic access points where we share our lives and our faith with others - points of connection and commonality that a sense of community is built around.

In Connect Groups we want these natural points of connection to foster that sense of community where the unchurched aren't "preached at", but simply become closer friends who can be loved, encouraged, helped and served.  In this journey, as relationship develops, we believe that faith can be shared and folks can be introduced to the wonderful possibility of becoming followers of Jesus.

Some Connect Groups meet weekly, others meet every other week, monthly or even around special events.  If you would like to become a part of a Connect Group please consider the existing options below.  If you have a special interest, hobby or passion we'd like to journey with you to consider how to use your gifts to help and serve others.  Or if you have a heart for a particular segment of society, we'd love to assist you in formulating a strategy to serve the needs of others and make our city a better place!

We launched 20 new Connect Groups on Oct. 20th, training a new team of leaders that evening.  You haven't missed your chance.  It's never too late to start something.  If you have ANY kind of idea for initiating a new Connect Group we'd be delighted to chat with you and help you get things rolling. Please contact Pastor Mark or Pastor Sydney if you are interested in starting a Connect Group.  

ConnectWorks: Connect Groups Leader Training!

Connectworks happens in the Chapel at First Assembly Main Campus [6031 Elbow Drive SW] once a month, Thursdays at 6:30pm. Please RSVP your attendance to Mark Griffin at mgriffin@fachurch.com. Upcoming ConnectWorks leader training dates are: February 2nd, March 15th or 22nd, April 26th, and May 24th.

___________________________________________________________________________________________

FOR WOMEN

Sisters 

If you are looking for a place to connect with other women, some older and some younger - join us at Sisters. Women here for one another, loving each other, praying together and pressing into the heart of God as one. Come and study from Genesis to Revelation and find out what your Father has in store for you!  Sisters meets every Wednesday morning at 10am in the Chapel.  Prayer time at 9:00 am, coffee from 9:30 to 10:00am. Child care is available. During Converge semesters we also meet on Wednesday evenings at 6:30pm. All are welcome! Join us, we'd love to have you! Click here to find out more about Sisters or call Sydney at 403.695.1099

Scrappy-Doos

The Scrappy-Doos is a scrapbooking group for women of all ages. We meet the first and third Saturday evening of each month to work on crafts, scrapbooks, cards, photobooks, and anything else you can think of! Come join with us as we share stories about family and faith, and complete fun projects! Plus there's always great baked goodies to enjoy! Check out our facebook group for all the dates and details. Click here to email Ariel or call her at 403.444.7399

Small Group For Single Moms

Christine is starting up a new small group this fall for single moms! If you are a single mom and you are looking for support, laughs, and friendship this is a group for you! We meet on Saturdays from 4-7pm. Please contact Christine for all of the details at 403.225.0740

From One Widow to Another
Betty Ruth Reimer is a dearly loved friend of First Assembly.  In the autumn of 2009, Betty Ruth found herself grieving the loss of her husband, Harvey, a great man to whom she had been married for 48 years.  On the 2nd and 4th Monday morning of every month, Betty Ruth will share her journey and encourage others as she leads a study through the book "From One Widow to Another" offering conversation, a cup of tea and God's word for our source of strength.  If you would like to be a part of this group, please click here to email Betty or call her at 403.201.9688 for more information.

TLF Ladies
Our group is mainly composed of South Asian women and we meet once a month in NorthEast Calgary. We also organize intermittent evangelistic meetings for ladies by ladies. These meetings are a chance for you to bring unsaved woman friends and loved ones in order to introduce them to Jesus Christ. We have a great passion for intercessory prayer and we will pray as group for your individual needs. If you are a South Asian woman or know of a woman who needs a touch from the Lord, please tell them about us. For further information and dates and locations of meeting times, please contact Susan Samuel at 403 975 6497 or click here to email.

Turkey Soup for the Soul

________________________________________________________________________________________

FOR MEN 

Men@First 

Men@First gives men of all ages opportunities to serve, reach others and be active in our city. This small group will not be meeting formally over the summer, but stay tuned for those impromptu BB'Q's, hikes or any other events. Click here to contact Dan Keys by email   or click here to go to the Men@First hompage and find out more about us.

Tool Time
Jarrett Holmes (who is not "on Homes") is an accomplished renovations guy.  He has owned and operated his own "handyman" business for several years.  This Connect Group will meet quarterly to discuss renovations, learn about tools and materials needed to accomplish basic jobs and then actually participate in some renovation projects.  If you are an entry level or intermediate renovator or even a "wanna be", this is the group for you to meet friends, bring friends and enjoy some "guy" time!  No chick flicks allowed.  This group will start in early 2012.  Please click here to email Jarrett for more information.

________________________________________________________________________________________

FOR YOUNG ADULTS

Bruce and Coda Prochnavy

 Contact them at 403.613.9846 

New small group starting October 4th!

Central Calgary  - Meeting Tuesdays 6:30 PM

Evan and Candice Jones 

Contact them at 403.999.9962

SW Crowchild Trail  –  Meeting Sundays 6:00 PM

Skyler and Terren Swaim

Contact them at 403.238.5019

South Fish Creek  - Meeting Saturdays 6:30 PM

Clay Rans  

Contact Clay at 403.695.1113

New group for post-grads !

South Calgary Chinook - Meeting Sundays 6 PM

For more information on any of the small groups listed above for young adults, email Clay Rans at crans@fachurch.com.

FOR SENIORS AND FAMILIES

Marriage, Parenting and Finances
God loves us! Marriage is one of God’s key expressions of showing us His enormous love. Dr Leo Godzich said “ We spend a fortune on the wedding but hardly a dime on the marriage”. If we invest time and energy in our marriage – we will divorce-proof it! People that value their sports careers pursue every opportunity to be the best they can be. We welcome you to an environment where you can have the best marriage possible and soar to new heights pursuing God’s awesome vision for marriage, parenting, and finances. Call 403.226.4847 for further info or click here to email the Pringles.   

Rainbows

January through April and September through December are the session dates for this twelve week peer support group. Offered to individuals and families who have or are experiencing grief and pain of loss due to death, divorce, separation or abandonment.  Rainbows meets at First Assembly on Tuesday evenings at 6:00pm. “Bring-a-dish” lunches and dinners and various other outings will be announced in advance. Contact Dennis & Irene Sanders at 403.289.8555

Spirit Life Hour

 Join us every Tuesday Morning for prayer and praise! We welcome a number of guest speakers over the next few months who will share their love and commitment to the Lord. All are welcome.   

Click here to connect with Pastor Ron or contact him at 403.695.1098

The Smart Step Family
Come join us as we support and encourage each other through lifes highs and lows in stepfamily dynamics.  We will be studing the Smart Step-Family book by Ron Deal.  This study gives you some good tools on how to blend families and stay sane!!! If this sounds like a group for you please click here to email Russ and Brenda or call 403-478-4229. 

PEEPS [Parent's Encouraged & Empowered through Prayer and Support]

 This is a group that will help parents with teenagers that have addiction and behaviour problems. We as parents will pray and learn together by study in the bible, books and information sessions to encourage and empower us to communicate and support our teenagers to help them  make positive life decisions. We will meet once month to start and Dads and Moms are both welcome! The first meeting will be March 13, 2012. Contact Kim here for more information. 

CULTURAL CONNECT GROUPS

A Taste of the World
Interested in trying ethnic restaurants, yet not sure where to begin? Have an adventurous palate or willing to try something new?  Bring a friend along! Reach out and connect with others as we experience some wonderful food. Allow me to share some gems in the city as we gather once a month at a different restaurant. Dates will generally be every third Friday of the month starting at 6pm unless otherwise announced. List of ethnicity and venue name to be announced on a monthly basis. RSVPs are needed for reservation purposes. Should you be interested, click here to contact Cheryl Guyong by email or call 403.889.9441.

En Español! Spanish Bible Study Home Group 

Speak Spanish? Learning Spanish? Come and join us as we study the word of God Español? Make new friends and grow in your relationship with God.  Please click here to contact Sal and Lucy Caceres for more information, or call them at 403.862.5670

Joshua Generation - Life Group 

Would you like to attend bible studies and join a life group with fellow Filipino believers? We offer Youth, Adult and general Bible Study. Please contact us for more information how to get involved. Click here to email Koli and Anthony Agbing, or call them at 403.453.9176 

Loving Our Muslim Neighbours
Today, with the world at our doorstep, we are blessed with a multi-cultural and international flavour all around us. Even in the workplace, itʼs not unusual to work with people from other religions -- for example, Muslims. Trying to understand Islam can be difficult. Their culture, customs and beliefs can leave us feeling intimidated about even having a simple conversation. [How could anyone ever expect me to talk to a Muslim?]
This connect group will discuss, encourage and pray into existence real relationships with Muslims in our day-to-day lives.  The group will share experiences and focus on being real with people who are different from us, while at the same time exploring our similarities; how to befriend and love our Muslim neighbours. The group is led by a facilitator who spent almost 15 years living in the Muslim world with an extensive background in Islamic studies.  This group will challenge individuals to explore how they can share Jesus' kindness with Muslims in our community. For more information, click here.  

________________________________________________________________________________________

SPORTS CONNECT GROUPS

NFL Fantasy Football
If you love NFL Football, why not join this Fantasy Football League?  It's partly about the game, the stats and friendly competition, but it's also a great chance to hang out the guys and enjoy some food and friendship. Gavin MacLean is a veteran football fan who has opened his "man-cave" to the boys on most Sunday afternoon's from November to January.  You'll love both his football passion and his heart.  Grab a buddy and your favorite bag of chips and dip and jump in!  Click here to contact Gavin to let him know you're in and get directions to his home. Game Dates are:  November 20th @ 2:15 pm - January 8th @ 2:15 pm - January 15th @ 2:15 pm. Then the SuperBowl Bash will be February 5th, details to follow.

The Ladies Upstairs
If you've read the previous group's details (NFL Fantasy Football) then you'll figure out what this group is all about.  This is for the ladies of the  gent's who are watching the football game in the "man-cave."  Ladies you're invited to join Sydney MacLean upstairs in the comfort of the Living Room for some girl chat and refreshments.  The dates and times are the same: November 20th @ 2:15 pm - January 8th @ 2:15 pm - January 15th @ 2:15 pm. Click here to contact Sydney if you'd like to join us.

Group Tennis Lessons / Free Play
This Group is for those who wish to learn, laugh, get a little exercise and connect with their community. Whether you are a beginner, intermediate or advanced player, in this group the Instructor will work with you at your entrance level, as well as help match you with other players of your level, who would like to play for additional recreation if desired. Both men and women are welcome to participate. This group lesson will take place on Sunday evenings from 6:00pm to 7:00pm at an indoor Tennis Club in Calgary for a duration of 10 consecutive weeks, beginning on October 16th and ending on December 18th. If you would like to be part of this group, please click here to contact Rachel Pambrun or call 403.804.8053.

Pick-up Basketball
Do you love to play basketball?  Are you looking for a way to get connected with people from church and the community?  We’re looking for people of varying skill levels to come out and have some fun.  This group is for ages high school to “experienced veteran” to come out and play.  We’ve got the church gym from 6 – 8pm on Thursday evenings (please note we do not have the gym on the last Thursday of the month).  If you’d like to come or want some more info, please click here to connect with Jon Nickerson or call him at 403.608.4637.  Please note that a waiver MUST be signed before playing, so minors must be accompanied by a consenting parent or guardian if you just “show up”.

Pneuma
Pneuma is an ancient greek word meaning spirit, wind or breath (of God).  When you are outdoors, you feel wind around you, affecting things but you can’t see it.  This is similar to how God works in our lives.  Pneuma is an Outdoor Ministry interested in how God can change lives through experiencing adventure and community in God’s wild creation.  This inter-church, inter-denominational group exists to have people invite their friends, ideally, those who might never step into a church, to the events and activities: backpacking, canoeing, rock climbing, cross country skiing, ice climbing, back country skiing and mountain biking. For more information please click here to contact Kimberly.

________________________________________________________________________________________

MORE CONNECT GROUPS

Calgary Marketplace Ministry
Marketplace Ministry exists to provide you with an anchor to God’s Kingdom where you work.  We facilitate networking with like minded Christ followers, to enable you to live out God’s story within the context of your career, and to help you focus on the Lord during your day.  If you are interested in connecting with other Christians in your chosen career or organization, please click here to contact us or call James Bruyn at 403.620.8216. 

I've Got The Music In Me!
Do you love music but are afraid to express yourself; to let that inner passion out?  We would love to be the encouragement you and your friends need to help you move from spectator to performer. We meet once a month at various locations around the city to musically express ourselves.  We welcome everyone who wants to sing, dance, play an instrument or simply hang out with like-minded friends – NO PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE OR ABILITY REQUIRED! – If you are ready to jump in with both feet we have a place for you. If you’re too shy to take the plunge on your first visit, that’s cool too. We want to create a pressure-free environment for participants to have fun. Some of the activities we are lining up include: Karaoke, Drum Circles, Dancing and Festivals. Our start-up is Friday, October 14, 2011. Future dates and venues to be announced as events are confirmed. Click here to email Pamela and find out more about “I’ve Got the Music in Me” or call her at 403.454.6965. Or check us out on Facebook!

Justice Acts
This connect group is for those that want to get serious about justice.  Because we have opened our hearts to the injustice of modern sex slavery, there is only one response: take action.  As long as one person remains in slavery, we are committed to fight it.  We refuse to turn a blind eye to this injustice and will not allow it to continue on our watch.  This connect group will be working together to pray, spread awareness, and act on behalf of those oppressed by sex trafficking and prostitution, locally and globally.  Justice Acts will begin in November.  For more infomation please click here to contact Sara Curdie or phone her at 403-695-1100.

Serve The City
David Harder is a man with a bit of a rough story (ask him for details) but with a powerful redemptive twist.  His work history includes a social services backround; he is presently on staff at the Calgary Dream Centre where, as a certified counsellor, he is helping transform lives on a daily basis.  David also encourages others through life coaching.  This Connect Group involves a heart for helping others in practical ways.  A focal point of the group will surround a year-end celebration motorcycle tour.  If you don't love riding and still want to serve -- you'll still fit.  For more info, please click here to contact David Harder by email or call him at 403-923-3327.

The Inklings
Named after the writer's group C.S.Lewis and J.R.R.Tolkien belonged to - is a writer's group starting in January. Our aim is to transform our world through the written word. We will meet together to offer encouragement and helpful critiques of each other's work and to discuss the life as a writer. If you are interested, please click here to contact Natasha Ruhwald.

________________________________________________________________________________________