In July of 1993 the Session and Church Ministry began the process of searching to identify the resources which could help us establish a small group ministry. We looked for a ministry system with a proven track record which was consistent with our theological heritage. And we looked for a small group ministry that placed high priority on trained leadership. We found such a ministry in ChristCare Ministry. The resources of this ministry are biblically grounded and have been developed by Stephen's Ministry of St. Louis with which some of you may well be familiar.

he first equippers received twelve full days of training in St. Louis and Sacramento. Now, and for the past three years trained ChristCare Equippers are busy training ChristCare Leaders. The initial training effort trained seven leaders. The latest training effort produced five new leaders. Each leader receives more than 40 hours of training. Trained leaders meet regularly for support, encouragement, accountablility and additional training. These leaders are prepared to serve First Presbyterian Church as leaders in our Small Group Ministry.

Small groups provide a wonderful way to become "connected" to the Church family. It is through this "connection" that we come to know God, feel loved and accepted, and develop roots within our Church. Through the ChristCare group training materials group members learn important skills such as "Listening as an Act of Love", "Process Oriented Caring", "Responding to Love with Love" and "Communicating Assertively".

If you want a small group of Christian friends who will listen to you, respect you, support and encourage your spiritual growth, then a ChristCare group is a good choice for you. Each group shares some common elements. Every group consists of between five and eleven folks who meet between 90 and 120 minutes every other week. Each meeting includes sharing life experiences, group prayer, time with the scripture, a commitment to service, and special focus chosen by the members of the groups. Group life is marked by confidentiality, mutual respect, and a marked attention to the presence of God in our lives. Each group in the first eight meetings will adopt a covenant drafted by the members of the group so that every person will have a hand in shaping the ChristCare experience.

Newly trained leaders are in the process of forming new ChristCare groups with a focus on their interests. You may want to become a member of a group. If you do, please contact the church office.