Over the 34 years of being together, we have always been engaged in small groups within the church.  We actually can’t imagine how it would feel if we had not done this.  We are confident we would not be as close to Christ today or have experienced as much spiritual growth were it not for our different small groups.  We have lived in five different states (away from our immediate family), and in each place the church has truly been our family because of these small group experiences.

As we explore the mission of God in the book of Jonah, we have asked some lay leaders from the Ridder Leadership Initiative to share their reflections. They were each given two questions to consider: Where do you see God present and at work around you? And how are you joining in on God's mission?

Below are reflections from Diane Becker, a recent Care Leadership Elder, a designer and a lover of people:

As we explore the mission of God in the book of Jonah, we have asked some lay leaders from the Ridder Leadership Initiative to share their reflections. They were each given two questions to consider: Where do you see God present and at work around you? And how are you joining in on God's mission?

Below are reflections from Patrick Cisler who teaches Sunday School, together with his wife Elyse, reads almost as much as Pastor Brian and pursues service and mission with great passion:

As we explore the mission of God in the book of Jonah, we have asked some lay leaders from the Ridder Leadership Initiative to share their reflections. They were each given two questions to consider: Where do you see God present and at work around you? And how are you joining in on God's mission?

As we explore the mission of God in the book of Jonah, we have asked some lay leaders from the Ridder Leadership Initiative to share their reflections. They were each given two questions to consider: Where do you see God present and at work around you? And how are you joining in on God's mission?

Below are reflections from Kelly Slager, a Care Leadership Elder, new mom and faithful servant:

The Mark Challenge and the Lenten Journey have impacted each of us in different ways. Together we have waded into the depths of the Gospel according to Mark and encountered the incarnate Jesus, born of human flesh and living a life of mission and redemption, calling others to "come and follow." As we draw near to the cross and nearer to the resurrection, these are precious moments in which to reflect on the Spirit's work in each of our lives - molding, transforming and equippping us to join Jesus in his mission to establish the Kingdom of God on earth.

Scott Patchin holds many titles - husband, father of four, independent business person, leader of the "Pastoral Search Team," etc. - and chief among them is "child of God." Here, he reflects on his experience of listening and living into the Gospel, accompanied by the power of the Spirit. His words are honest and unedited. I pray that you will find his insights compelling and even encouraging as you continue your own journey in developing as a faithful follower of Jesus.

A couple months ago I showed up to my office on Monday morning and found this voicemail waiting for me. “Pastor Brian, this is Ivan Lootens. You said in your sermon yesterday that you wanted to hear any stories we have about experiencing God’s hand in our lives. I have a story I’d like to share with you when you have time.”