GROWTH GROUPS
It is our vision at Ephrata Community Church that everyone would be saved, rooted, and grounded in Jesus Christ. We also understand that none of us drift toward spiritual growth. It doesn’t just happen automatically for any of us. Therefore, our Growth Groups are intentionally designed as a tool for you to grow as a follower of Jesus Christ.
The Growth Groups run throughout the year in three semesters—winter, spring and fall—covering a variety of topics. We invite you to take a step and commit to a Growth Group that will further equip you to live a victorious and fruitful Christian life.
MONDAY EVENINGS
APOLOGETICS: SCIENCE & THEISM
DOES SCIENCE POINT TOWARDS OR AWAY FROM GOD?
Many people believe that Science and Religion are at war, and science leads one away from Christ, away from Christianity, away from the Bible, away from theism, and away from any religion at all. The truth is quite the opposite.
This 6-week course will teach how science supports theism by covering the following topics:
- The design characteristics of the Universe and the Earth result from a designer.
- The information content for first life requires an author.
- Darwinian evolution does not explain very much; Intelligent Design does.
- Science and Faith interact. You can defend theism if you know how to present it.
- How did we get into this controversy and how do we get out of it?
Commitment: 6 weeks
Date: Monday evenings from September 11–October 16
Time: 6:30–8:30 p.m.
Location: ECC Conference Rooms
Facilitator: Mark Lamontia
THE ART OF NEIGHBORING
This four-week group, based on the book The Art of Neighboring, will help you focus on the people where you live, work, learn, and play and learn what it means to love and engage your neighbor with the gospel.
Commitment: 4 weeks
Date: Monday evenings from October 9–October 30
Time: 7:00–8:15 p.m.
Location: ECC Conference Rooms
Facilitator: Dan Gulnac
THURSDAY EVENINGS
GRIEFSHARE
GriefShare is a friendly, caring group of people who will walk alongside you through one of life’s most difficult experiences. You don’t have to go through the grieving process alone.
This support group will help you people process the grief of losing a spouse, child, or family member. Each session shares a video and provides time for group discussion.
Commitment: 10 weeks
Date: Thursday evenings from September 14–November 30 (not meeting November 2 or 23)
Time: 6:30–8:30 p.m.
Location: ECC Conference Rooms
Facilitator: Aleesa Groff
FREEDOM
It is for freedom that Christ set us free. That’s what Paul wrote in Galatians 5:1, and Jesus Himself said that He came to the earth so that we may have life and have it to the full (John 10:10). Just imagine that—life abundant—not barely surviving but living in the freedom God designed for you to have. No matter what you are facing in life, freedom is possible in Christ, and this group will help you experience it.
Commitment: 6 weeks
Date: Thursday evenings from September 14–October 19
Time: 7:00–8:30 p.m.
Location: ECC Conference Rooms
Facilitators: Annette Gehman
BIBLICAL FOUNDATIONS FOR PROPHECY
The Group offers a comprehensive exploration of the biblical teachings on prophecy, encompassing both Old and New Testament perspectives. you will acquire fresh perspectives on the importance of this gift, along with an understanding of its practical applications in the Christian faith and within the local church.
Commitment: 4 weeks
Date: Thursday evenings from September 14–October 5
Time: 7:00–8:15 p.m.
Location: ECC Conference Rooms
Facilitators: Matt Swords