We LOVE Community @ COF

The TLR Celebration

2010-11-08T15:04:00.000-08:00

What an amazing finish to our TLR Community Group Series! Hundreds of Community Group members came to COF for a time of celebration and encouragement this past Sunday night. This fall many of our members had the opportunity to get connected in community and learn valuable tips on how to manage their finances in a way that honors God.
Check out this video to hear what they had to say.

As we head into the Holiday Season our groups will be taking time off and we will re-open registration in mid January. The new group series will start in mid February and we will be studying a variety of topics. You will not want to miss out on your opportunity to get connected and grow at Community of Faith.

BEFORE THE FALL BEGINS...

2010-08-17T07:03:00.000-07:00

Reminders for hosts...
1.Pray for your group, other group hosts and the staff as we prepare for this fall.

2.If you have not received your Sprout login information from me, please let me know ASAP.

3.You do not have to use the Sprout email function. I would suggest that you set up your own email group in your account.

4.You will start receiving registrant emails this week. Be sure to follow up with your group members and invite them to the Community Group Kick Off on September the 19th at 6:00PM.

5.Make sure that you reserve a place for your group at a local restaurant for the 19th. We will release your group to go spend time together and watch the kids at the church until 10:00PM.

6.Please do not depend on the sign’s alone to fill your group. Start inviting your friends now. Just be sure to enter them into Sprout if they are coming.

7.If you are a current host, don’t forget to clean up your database.

Get Ready For A Great Fall

2010-07-07T14:58:00.000-07:00

We hope that all of you are having an awesome summer! We are starting preparation for the fall and we are super excited about what God has in store for the people of Community of Faith.
God has placed an incredible vision in Mark’s heart for our groups this fall and we need your help!! We are planning to do a small group series that will bring about tremendous life change to those who are involved. We are asking that all of our groups no matter the type do this with us. It will bring an amazing synergy to the church as a whole. Once the series is over your group may go back to its normal schedule if you choose.

If you are a current group host please take a moment and fill out this brief survey for the fall.

If you are interested in hosting a group in your community please fill out this survey for the fall.

We have listed out the schedule below; send all questions to jimmyh@communityoffaith.tv

August 8th – Groups Host Rally at church 6:00PM
September 19th – Community Group Kick off Rally at Church 6:00PM
Week of September 26th – First session in homes
Week of October 3rd – Second week in homes
Week of October 10th – Third week in homes
Week of October 17th – Fourth week in homes
Week of October 24th – Fifth week in homes
Week of October 31st – Sixth week in homes
November 7th – Group conclusion rally 6:00PM at the church

Don't miss the paintball and crawfish night

2010-04-21T13:19:00.000-07:00

To all of the men in our Community Groups,

You will not want to miss this opportunity to have a blast with the guys in your group. On Friday night, May 14th from 6:00-9:00PM, we’ll be peeling and shooting at COF. Invite your friends and come join us for the fun. The cost for the crawfish is $10 per person. The cost for paintball is $30 per person.

If you are planning on playing paintball we need for you to go to the events registration page of our website and sign up as soon as possible. The deadline for signing up for the paintball portion of the event is May 9th. You can pay for the crawfish at the door. Please let us know if you have any questions.
Go to www.communityoffaith.tv to sign up.

Don't Forget the Fun Part Two

2010-04-21T13:17:00.000-07:00

As we approach the summer, it is important for you to make sure and plan an end of the semester gathering. If your group is taking time off for the summer, please remember to plan a couple of gatherings during the summer months. These gatherings are essential for the long term growth of the group.

Here a few more thoughts from Dave Early on the importance of group parties. "Many people have a relational void or hole in their hearts. One reason people come to small groups is to fill that social void in their lives. Don't fight it! Use it to build your group. Every few weeks, plan a social gathering as part of your group's meeting schedule, or on a different night of the week. Such gatherings will increase the "fun quotient" of your group. Parties will add to group excitement, ownership, interest, and involvement. Parties are also very effective evangelistic tools, as non-believers see firsthand that Christians can actually have fun.

Social gatherings provide group members with a new outlet to share even more of their lives together. During a well-planned social gathering, people often discuss things that never seem to come up in a group meeting where everyone in the room is listening to the to the person talk. They get to see each other as "real people."

2010-03-05T13:25:00.000-08:00

Don't Forget the FUN Part One

Our spring group semester is underway and I would like to encourage everyone to be sure and plan some fun activities to do together as a group. These get togethers are essential to the group's health and success over the long haul.

In his article "Never Underestimate the Importance of a Good Party" Dave Earley says,
"In the Bible, God went out of his way to tell his people that he wanted them to have parties on earth. These parties certainly weren't drunken orgies. They were fun gatherings consisting of good food, good friends, and good times (Deut. 14:22–26). God loves parties so much that he commanded his children to take time off work and faithfully enjoy godly parties together. He even ordained that the entire Jewish religious calendar be based on ten national parties, or 'feasts.'
Never underestimate the importance of a good party.
Jesus did his first miracle at a wedding party (John 2:1–10). He was anointed for his burial at a dinner party (Luke 7:36–50). The Bible says that when a sinner repents, heaven throws a party (Luke 15: 5–7, 9–10, 22–24). The Pharisees even criticized Jesus because they thought he was too interested in parties (Luke 7:34). When Jesus spoke of the kingdom of heaven, he called it a banquet party (Luke 14:15–24)."

The group leader needs to be intentional with the calendar. Everyone is busy, so make sure that you plan these events as a group and get everyone involved. This will encourage ownership and create more opportunities for connection.

The Kiddo Challenge

2010-02-03T20:16:00.000-08:00

As the new semester of groups gets underway, one of the challenges that groups face is what to do with the kids. Here are a few things to think about before your first meeting:
1) Be sure to set expectations for childcare at the first meeting.
2) Agree upon what the cost is per couple.
3) Decide whether the kids will stay in a room in the house or at a group members house near by.
4) Will group members take turns watching the kids instead of hiring a babysitter?
5) Who is responsible for hiring and communicating with the babysitter?
6) What type of entertainment will be provided for the kids and who is responsible for bringing it?

These are just a few things to think about. Some group leaders will try to figure all of this out for the group. I would suggest spreading these responsibilities around during the first meeting. This will create buy in and keep you from getting burned out. Have a great semester.

Community Group Registration is Open

2010-01-10T13:28:00.000-08:00

We are excited to announce that Community Group Registration opened up this weekend. We have already had hundreds of people get plugged in. If you would like to sign up for a group, please go to the Community Group page at www.communityoffaith.tv. The groups will begin the week of February 8th!!!

More Pitcures of the Turkey Toss

2009-12-04T12:40:00.001-08:00

Photos of the Turkey Toss Champ

2009-11-24T19:40:00.000-08:00

Top photo:
History in the making as Chris Wyrick tosses the 15 lb. bird 37 ft.
Middle photo:
Pastor Mark declares Chris Wyrick the champ.
Bottom photo:
Jimmy hands over the gift card for Turkey Feast prize donated by Texas Big Events. Stay tuned for more great photos from our Turkey Toss.

TURKEY TOSS

2009-11-23T10:16:00.000-08:00

It’s official. The first annual COF Turkey Toss is in the record books. Thank you to every group that participated. Here are the official results:

1st place went to the Harris Group at 37 ft

2nd place went to the Saunders Group at 35.6 ft

3rd place went to James Turnages’ Group at 29 ft

I would like to give special thanks to Texas Big Events for donating the turkey feast.

Stay tuned for pictures of the toss. Have a great Thanksgiving.

TAILGATE 09

2009-10-20T13:16:00.000-07:00

These are few pictures of Community Groups "doing life together" at the 2009 Texans Tailgate.

The Tailgate Is Upon Us

2009-10-15T04:03:00.000-07:00

Well, it is that time of year again. Our 3rd annual Texans Tailgate is this Sunday. We are super excited about all of the cool opportunities that happen at the COF Tailgate... lots of great BBQ and great rides for the kids. Not to mention, thousands of COFer's hangin out together. This is truly what the event is all about. Many of our Community Groups will be serving or cooking together all night for the BBQ contest. If you have never been to a tailgate at COF, you will not want to miss it!! Pictures will be posted soon.

MESSAGE BASED STUDIES ARE HERE

2009-09-06T19:49:00.000-07:00

We are very excited about our new message based studies. Our teaching pastor, Lance Price, has put together some great studies from our current series called "Answers." We believe that application is the deepest form of learning. The message based studies give our groups an excellent opportunity to discuss how they can apply the teachings each week to their lives. If you would like to access our message based studies and download a copy for your group, simply click HERE

Don't forget that First Saturday is coming up September 12th. We will be going to Waller Assistance Ministries and work on their facility so that they can better serve the community.
If you would like more information, contact Steve at steves@communityoffaith.tv.
Check back here for more Community Group updates and service opportunities this fall.

Jimmy

GROUP SIGN UPS ARE ALMOST HERE!!!

2009-08-12T05:20:00.000-07:00

We are very excited about the upcoming Fall Community Groups Launch. Our sign ups will open the weekend of August 21/22, so mark your calendars and get ready for a great Fall. Here are few changes that will help you find a group that best fits your needs.

LOCATION: We have divided the Cypress area into four Communities. They will be labeled Community 1, Community 2, Community 3, and Community 4. This new layout will make it easy for you to find a group close to you. There will be a map available on the website and during our weekend services to assist you in finding a group.

PRIMARY TOPIC: Have you ever wanted to discuss the life changing principles taught each weekend at Community of Faith with friends? This fall you will have the opportunity to do just that. Each week our COF staff will provide the Community Group leaders and members with a study that takes a deeper look into what was discussed during the weekend. This material will be made available on the website at the end of each weekend.

THURSDAY NIGHTS: Our Thursday Night schedule has changed so that you can be involved in Thursday Nights at COF and Community Groups. We will be meeting every 1st/3rd Thursday at Community of Faith and every 2nd/4th week in Community Groups. The schedule will look like this for the month of September:

September 3rd: Night of Worship and Prayer
Week of Septmeber 6th: First Community Group meeting
September 17th: Women of COF
Week of September 24th: Second Community Group meeting

We will be updating the Blog with important information to help you get plugged in this Fall, so please stay tuned.

Thanks
Community Group Staff

Wheels Up for the Second Time

2009-06-04T12:36:00.000-07:00

Hey Guys,

I heard through the grapevine that the second ride was just as great as the first! This ride took place last Saturday, May 30th. The riders met up at Buccee's at 8:30am and headed off to Yankees Tavern for burgers in Carlos, TX. Like I was saying before, this ride was awesome. Should you want to participate in future rides, please feel free to email Bob Henry. His email address is below. The next ride will happen on the last Saturday in June.

Bob Henry- RHenry429@comcast.net

In Community Together,

Jimmy and Blake

Community Group Serves Houston's Homeless

2009-05-26T19:29:00.000-07:00

A couple of weeks ago, one of our Community Groups studying the "Hope Lives" small group material decided to give back to those who were in need. Jim Hood, a group leader, rounded up his troops and collectively they prepared 23 boxes with everyday essential items that would impact the homeless community. Included were things like: snacks, bottled water, umbrella, tarp, soap, shampoo, and of course- COF pens, etc. By reaching out, they showed God's love to hurting people. This is exactly what Jesus asked of us in Matthew 25:40..."whatever you've done to the least of these, you have also done to me". They're planning on doing this again sometime in the near future, so if you'd like to be involved, please let me know and I can connect you with their group.

Loving God, Loving Others, and Serving the World,

Jimmy and Blake

GONE FISHING!

2009-05-26T16:05:00.000-07:00

Ladies and Gentlemen,

The first fishing outing we had was a great success! I think we all owe Joey Almendarez a HUGE thank you. He put a great deal of time and effort into planning and making this great day happen. We're looking forward to when the next fishing trip is going to happen. We posted some pictures from the trip and if you have some you'd like to post- just let Jimmy or myself know.

Thanks!

Community Group Staff

-Jimmy and Blake

Golf Tournament Update!

2009-05-13T12:00:00.000-07:00

Men of COF,

I hope that all of you men that attended the Golf Tournament last Saturday really enjoyed yourselves. Lance had a great time with you guys and we're looking forward to the next time that we can get some more guys out on the links together. If you'd like more info regarding the next Golf Outing, please contact Lance Price- Lancep@communityoffaith.tv

Thanks!

Community Group Staff

-Jimmy and Blake

Events and Connection for Men of COF

2009-05-08T07:42:00.000-07:00

Hey Guys,

Just wanted to let you know- last night we decided to put the "Thursday Nights @ COF" meetings on hold for the Summer. So we won't be meeting again every Thursday night until September- that way more people can get involved.

However, there are still some events going on for the Men that Jimmy, myself and Lance Price are planning. Here they are:

1. Golf Tournament, May 9th @ Houston Oaks CC...contact Lance Price if you'd like to enter

2. Astros Game, Friday May 22nd vs the Texas Rangers...contact Jimmy Herndon for more info

3. Motorcyle Crusin'- if you like to ride, let Bob Henry know: RHenry429@comcast.net

4. Fishing- We're headed to a stocked pond sometime soon and Joey Alemendarez is heading it up. If you want more info contact him: jalmendarez@farmersagent.com

5. Men's Summer Softball League- starts in June...contact Mark Chavarria: mcmaxout@hotmail.com

6. Oil Changes for Single Moms: Men, if you can change oil, we want you to be a part of helping out our single moms. This is going to be one of our "First Saturday" projects. For more info contact Steve Saunders: sjfishing@sbcglobal.net

Thanks!

Community Group Staff

Jimmy and Blake

Impact Group in action!

2009-05-08T07:18:00.000-07:00

I know that many of you at COF love to serve. Here are some pictures of one of our singles groups serving at the Wies House.

For those that don't know what the Weis House is, I'll give you the Readers Digest version. About 2 years ago, COF came across this awesome lady named Sheri Weis. She and her husband had been working diligently to take in a bunch of special needs children who were bi-products of fetal alcohol syndrome. Her only problem was the house they were living in couldn't support the children's special needs very well. So, the church came together to help her out and reconstruct her entire house kind of like the TV Show "Extreme Home Makeover". Ever since that time, Community of Faith has helped organize the home and serve these special children through our "Weis Warriors". The singles group in the above pictures are serving these awesome kids, just as our Weis Warriors do every week!

Thanks for checking out the Blog!

Community Group Staff

Jimmy and Blake

COF and Motorcycles...

2009-04-29T13:47:00.000-07:00

Community Groups update from COF: motorcycle enthusiasts from all ages (that go to Community of Faith) went on a ride last Saturday, April 25th. It was a huge success! There were almost 20 riders who came out. Let me say a HUGE thanks to Bob Henry who organized this event. Without him, it just would not have been possible. Above are some pictures submitted by Donald Butler, Worship Pastor at COF- big thanks to him as well. Enjoy these pics and if you have some you'd like to submit to the blog, send them my way: blakej@communityoffaith.tv

For those that didn't get to participate, don't worry...there are more rides coming up!

Thanks!

Community Group Staff

Jimmy and Blake

Summer is almost here!

2009-04-09T07:47:00.000-07:00

Well folks,

We're wrapping up another great semester of groups at Community of Faith. Close to seventy groups met this spring and members formed new relationships and experienced spiritual growth. There were group topics for all types of people, in all walks of life. We are looking forward to the future with great anticipation as we develop more opportunities for people to connect to God, connect with each other and grow at COF.

This spring, as "Thursdays at COF" continued we saw hundreds of men and women gather together for these connection opportunities.

As summer rapidly approaches, our groups begin to wind down and take a break. If you are looking for a way to connect this summer, some of our men are putting together some fun events such as a fishing trip, some golf outings and a few motorcycle rides. If you would like more info about how to get involved please contact the following people:

Joey Almendarez- for fishing- jalmendarez@farmersagent.com

Bob Henry- for motorcycle rides- rhenry429@comcast.net

Lance Price- for golf- lancep@communityoffaith.tv

Have a Great summer!

The Community Group Staff

New Community Group Semester is Here!

2009-02-12T12:25:00.000-08:00

Hello all,

We hope that everyone is doing great and doing all that they can to get plugged into a Community Group. This weekend at COF is the last official weekend to sign-up for a group, so please see Jimmy Herndon in the lobby at the sign-up table for more information. There is still room to sign up as we have many new groups meeting this semester that are covering a variety of topics and genres.

Also- if a Community Group is a step you're not ready to take, Community of Faith has weekly meetings every Thursday night at 7pm. Every week a different group of people get together to share some food, conversation and get connected with the people of COF. The first Thursdays- the Men of COF meet, the 2nd Thursdays the Women of COF meet, the 3rd Thursdays- Couples of COF meet and the last Thursdays the Singles of COF. Every 5th Thursday there will be a special marriage group meeting too.

Let us know if we can do anything to help you get connected!

Thanks,

Community Group Staff

Jimmy: jimmyh@communityoffaith.tv

Blake: blakej@communityoffaith.tv

IMPACT Groups at work...

2008-12-11T14:05:00.000-08:00

Hello again,

I hope all of you are having a great week, because we certainly are in the busy world of Community Groups. We wanted to highlight one of our many IMPACT Groups this week and show you first hand, just how these people are influencing our community. The following pictures are of a project that Jerry Roberts' team undertook a couple weeks ago. They took it upon themselves to help a family who desperately needed some home repairs. They all worked together and accomplished something great---way to go guys.

For those unfamiliar with IMPACT groups...these groups consist of people within Community of Faith who meet on a weekly basis, grow together in Christ and have rallied around the cause of social change in the local area. Every IMPACT group that meets selects a project to be apart of. The associations we work with are varied and numerous, but here are a couple we've established partnerships with: Habitat for Humanity and Boys and Girls Country.

Stick around for more coming soon,

-Jimmy and Blake

jimmyh@communityoffaith.tv

blakej@communityoffaith.tv

STORY TIME!

2008-11-21T16:24:00.000-08:00

Check out what they have to say about Community Groups...

Stay Tuned.

-Blake

Here's what they're saying...

2008-11-07T12:37:00.000-08:00

Below are a few quotes from people currently in Community Groups...

"It is the best thing I've done recently...it's helped me come closer to Christ and the impact that its had on me and my family's life (in these short two months) is indescribable"

-Rochelle Rust

"God is working miracles in these groups. He is bringing people from many backgrounds together and working through each member to reveal more about himself. Come with an open mind and heart and you will be forever changed"

-Jason Epps

"I've already had an "AH-HA! Moment" or two. The flow of the material is very natural and I really feel guided by it"

-Laura Burns

Welcome to Our Blog!

2008-11-04T09:53:00.000-08:00

Thanks for visiting the Community Group Blog of Community of Faith. Right now, we're collecting pictures from groups and preparing some video to post. New content will be posted soon, but for info regarding Community Groups, please contact the staff via email: Jimmy Herndon- jimmyh@communityoffaith.tv; Blake Jackson- blakej@communityoffaith.tv or visit our newly updated website- www.communityoffaith.tv.

Thanks!

Jimmy and Blake