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The Church was Jesus’ plan to model community. Someone has said it is to be a colony of heaven on earth – a colony of love. Too often however the Church seems cold and institutional. Love and fellowship seem to be missing but small groups centred on Jesus can be the means God uses to help the Church be the loving, healing, caring community he intended it to be. The Renewal Fellowship Within The Presbyterian Church in Canada believes this is so and using Canadian Presbyterians from local congregations who have worked successfully implementing this plan are holding a day so these experiences can be shared with many others. Small groups take on many forms and workshops and seminars will be held on the following:

  • Creating Worship Leadership Using Small Groups led by Larry Marshall, Adjunct Professor Music and Liturgy at Ontario Theological Seminary and currently music leader at St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, Maple.
  • The Friendship Factor in Youth Ministry: Small Groups for Teens led by John Bannerman, a minister of our Church and a member of the Education for Discipleship Team of our denomination. This is a workshop designed especially for teens and those who work with them.
  • Interest Groups: An Entry Level Experience led by Glen Soderholm, minister at Campbellville and Nassagaweya. Glen says that “Interest groups can be strategic as entry level small groups for those who are curious but suspicious.”
  • How to Lead a Small Group led by Chris Little, minister at Innerkip and Ratho. This will enable people who want to have small groups but lack confidence to learn how to organize so that people will experience the care and love that will change their lives.
  • Small Groups for Women led by Linda Paquette shares this important specialized ministry so that women can encourage one another and build one another up.

St. Enoch Presbyterian Church, Hamilton is the host church but many more sessions and Christians interested in good fellowship and teaching are expected to attend. Phone for a brochure: (416) 233-6581.