Small Groups, ordinarily consisting of 6 to 12 persons, provide an ideal format for mutual growth and encouragement.  A number of small groups have been established and meet at various times through the week -- some during the Sunday morning Christian Formation Hour, others early on weekday mornings, others at noon hours or in the evening.  For information about our Small Groups ministry or to inquire about joining a group, contact  the church office (269-343-2400).

Our Wednesday "Community Night" program, which runs from September to May, offers a variety of growth opportunities for children, youth, and adults.  For adults we offer a weeknight Coffee Break class for women (see under our Ministry of Outreach), a Friendship Class for persons who are mentally and physically handicapped (see under Outreach), plus a variety of Christian Growth classes on various topics throughout the season.  Scheduled classes will always appear in our online Calendar. 

Our Thursday @ Third program offers several adult opportunities too!  Beginning with supper at 6:00 pm we will have fellowship and then break out to specific programs:  ALPHA, the marriage course, Small Group.

A variety of classes are offered during the Christian Formation Hour (11 a.m. to noon from September through May) to encourage and enable adults to mature in their faith as followers of Christ.  Throughout the season we balance periods of multiple classes with periods of single classes.  During our January Winterim session we offer intergenerational classes where adults and high schoolers learn and grow together.

Kids Hope USA

Kids Hope USA gives church members an opportunity to model the love of Christ by building a relationship with an elementary school-age child.  The relationship affirms the child while helping him/her learn to develop academic skills.  A prayer partner is identified for each relationship.  We enjoy a Kids Hope partnership with Winchell Elementary School, directly across the street from the church.  This season over twenty volunteer mentors spent one hour each week with a Grade 1 through Grade 5 child at Winchell School.  A Kids Hope USA mentor reads with one child, one hour, per week. 

For more information contact our Kids Hope Director, Cyndee Viel, or click on Kids Hope.

Friendship Program

The Friendship Program is an outreach to the mentally and physically handicapped in our community.  Each student has his/her own teacher and together they sing, study Bible stories, do crafts, and enjoy the warm fellowship of the group.  Friendship is part of our Community Night program that is held on Wednesday evenings from 7:00 to 8:00 from October to May.

For further information contact the church office or click on Friendship.

Coffee Break is a community Bible Study for women that meets in small groups of 8-10.  Women of all faiths are welcome.

In a relaxed and informal setting, women will enjoy:

Refreshments

Warm fellowship

Asking questions and sharing concerns

Learning to relate the Bible to everyday life

Coffee Break is a community ministry that brings women together for fellowship, Bible study, and discipleship.

On Wednesday evening, Coffee Break meets from 7:00 pm to 8:15 pm. 

On Thursday morning, Coffee Break begins at 9:30 am. and dismisses at 11:00 am.  There is a Story Hour for children ages 3-5 featuring Bible stories, singing, and crafts.  A loving nursery is provided for infants and children through age 2.

No previous experience is required.  All activities and materials are free.  For more information, call the church office or phone Joyce, 373-6783 or Nancy, 349-7379.

ALPHA is a ten-week opportunity to explore the validity and relevence of the Christian faith for our lives today.  It is a practical introduction to the basics of Christianity with loads of opportunity for debate and discussion.  The style of ALPHA is informal, friendly, and non-pressured.  Each week we meet together for a meal prepared and hosted by members of Third Church.  After, there is a time for small group interaction.  A retreat is offered midway through the course.  This focuses on the person and work of the Holy Spirit.  The retreat has been a key part of the ALPHA Course and a great success in helping people get to know one another.  ALPHA is offered in the fall.  The Winter 2011 session begins with a Celebration Dinner on February 3.  All classes are on Thursday evenings and being with supper at 6:00 pm.  Nursery provided.

On Thursday evenings Third Church will also offer Parenting with Love and Logic.  Whether we've got it all figured out or we know that we don't, raising responsible, mature and empathetic children deserves all the extra attention we can give.  Using a nationally recognized curriculum, join our trained facilitators for discussion and practical solutions.  Cost for the seven-week course is $15 (scholarships available).

For further information contact Meg Jenista (megjenista@gmail.com) or click ALPHA for the web site.