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

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

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

Photos of the Turkey Toss Champ

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

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

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