The notion that growth and development are best fostered in the company of others is a profound and insightful one.

Just look at the example of Jesus and his disciples - the Master intentionally recruited a small group of 12 followers, not to merely preach at them from a distance, but to intimately train, teach, and ultimately send them out into the world. Together, this close-knit band shared meals, engaged in deep conversations, and journeyed side-by-side, living life in true community. There was an invaluable richness and depth that came from this shared experience that could never have been achieved through solitary study or detached instruction. The disciples were able to learn, process, and apply Jesus' teachings in real-time, with the support and accountability of their peers. And even beyond the profound spiritual growth, there was an undeniable value in the camaraderie, the mutual encouragement, and the simple joy of fellowship.

The same rings true for women today -

while there is certainly a time and place for solitary reflection and individual growth, there is something uniquely powerful about gathering together, sharing a meal, swapping stories, and walking through life's ups and downs side-by-side. Whether it's a small Bible study group, a monthly book club, or just a regular girls' night, the opportunity to connect, encourage, and spur one another on is a gift not to be taken lightly. For it is in these sacred spaces of vulnerability and trust that the most meaningful and transformative growth can truly take root and flourish. 

When the people of God come together in small,

intimate groups, a profound sense of unity

and growth can emerge.

These close-knit communities provide a space for believers to connect on a deeper level, fostering meaningful relationships and a shared journey of faith. It is within these groups that individuals can find the encouragement, support, and accountability needed to navigate the challenges of life from a Christ-centered perspective. By gathering regularly to study the Word, pray together, and share their experiences, participants are able to build a strong foundation of trust and genuine fellowship. The richness of these small group dynamics allows for authentic vulnerability, honest discussions, and the mutual edification that comes from believers walking alongside one another. It is our sincere hope that by offering such opportunities for women to connect with like-minded sisters in Christ, a vibrant and close-knit community can take root and flourish. Through the power of the Holy Spirit working in and through these gatherings, lives can be transformed, faith can be strengthened, and the kingdom of God can advance as believers spur one another on toward love and good deeds. The potential for unity, growth, and impact is immense when the people of God choose to gather in these intimate settings, where iron can sharpen iron and the love of Christ can bind hearts together.


 
 

RSVP

It is time again...

5th Annual Period Packs Project

Packing Party

Saturday morning November 2

It's heartwarming to see programs like this one stepping up to support women and girls in need. It's unfortunate that some struggle to access essential sanitary products, hindering their ability to comfortably navigate their menstrual cycle. By providing support, we are uplifting these individuals, ensuring they can pursue their education and work without facing unnecessary barriers. Serving 260 women and girls is truly a testament to the positive impact such efforts can have on the community. It's inspiring to see kindness and compassion making a difference in the lives of those who need it most.

We are requesting specific products to better accommodate the needs of our mission partners:

  • Regular Size Sanitary Pads – 22 or 28 count
  • Regular Size Tampons – 16 or 18 count
  • Flushable Wipes
  • Hand Sanitizer – 2oz

 Full List of Supplies or to Volunteer, click the link below

Sign Up TODAY to Help or Donate!

If you're having trouble locating these items, or simply don't have the time to go shopping for them, no worries!

We welcome cash donations!

Each PACK costs ~$30

Drop off products

Now thru October 20 

Drop off areas are in designated bins in the Atrium or
at the church office between 9am to 2pm on M/T/Th

(FYI: Incontinence products are NOT included in this effort.)

We will gift ALL Packs to our mission partners: John P. Parker School, Heritage Hill Elementary School, and Madisonville Education Assistance Center (MEAC).

To assist with collections or to ask a question, contact Shelley or Jan Rogers


The walk to Emmaus is an experience of Christian spiritual renewal and formation that begins with a three-day short course in Christianity. It is an opportunity to meet Jesus Christ in a new way as God’s grace and love is revealed to you through other believers.

The Walk to Emmaus experience begins with the prayerful discernment and invitation from a sponsor. After one accepts this invitation they complete an application. The Emmaus leaders prayerfully consider each applicant and in God’s time, the person is invited to attend a three-day experience of New Testament Christianity as a lifestyle.

Following the three-day experience, participants are joined in small groups to support each other in their ongoing walk with Christ.

 

Women’s Walk 

November 14 - 17

Registration is open now!

Where:
 
St. Paul Community United Methodist Church
8221 Miami Ave
Madeira, OH 45243

 

For more information about the Walk to Emmaus, please feel free to browse the Upper Room’s Website or Contact Them for more information.


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Began September 18

Still time to share in an evening of study

Both Men and Women are welcome!

Wednesdays Night 
in the Armstrong Room
at 7:00 pm
Led by Kent Smith
 

Disciple: Becoming Disciples Through Bible Study,

is a thirty-four week overview of the entire Bible. 
The study covers the entire Bible following the biblical story from Creation to the New Jerusalem.
 
The study gives the Old and New Testaments equal time, emphasizing the wholeness of the Bible as a revelation of God. Disciple draws upon the work of scholars, the personal Bible reading and study of the participant (about 30 minutes a day), and dynamic group discussion to aid understanding of the Bible.
 
If you have questions about the Disciple program, please reach out to Kent or the office!
 
Register Here 

Women United is a Ministry of Armstrong Chapel that provides a nurturing and supportive environment for women to come together in faith, inspiration, and fellowship. At the heart of this group is a shared desire to deepen their spiritual connection and find encouragement through the study of God's word. Each one of the meetings is a sacred space where women can openly share their joys, struggles, and insights, knowing they are surrounded by a community of like-minded individuals who will listen without judgment and offer empathy and wisdom. The discussions are led with a gentle, thoughtful approach, allowing participants to explore the scriptures at their own pace and gain new perspectives from the diverse backgrounds and life experiences represented in the group. Beyond the intellectual pursuit of biblical understanding, Women United also fosters genuine camaraderie, as members build meaningful relationships and find solace in the mutual understanding that comes from walking together on the spiritual journey. Whether it's celebrating triumphs, mourning losses, or simply checking in on one another's wellbeing, this small group offers an invaluable sense of belonging that nourishes the souls of the women who attend. Through their time spent in fellowship, study, and prayer, the members of Women United are empowered to face the challenges of daily life with greater faith, resilience, and joy.

Fall Study Small Groups...

Hearing My Prayer

by Liz Ditty
This six-week study will lead you to a deeper understanding of God’s character and a closer walk with Him.
Began September 16
 

Does it matter if we pray?

What we believe about prayer reflects what we believe about God. Maybe you believe God is all-powerful and wise, but not attentive to your little corner of the world? The Bible tells us a different story. Over and over again, we are reminded that God is both great and good, and that we are cared for and fully known by him. So God welcomes all our prayers and invites us to pray about everything—to entrust him with all things both big and small, joyful and enraging, and to pray fervently.

 

Whether you consider yourself a prayer warrior or prayer newbie (and maybe even a prayer skeptic), you are invited to join this six-week Bible study experience. Liz Ditty, an experienced spiritual director and retreat leader, invites groups and individuals to borrow prayers from Jesus, Elijah, and countless others to experience dozens of ways to pray alone and together. As she engages the story of Elijah and his encounters with God, she guides us toward less awkward, more authentic prayer. 

 
This Bible study offers you a fresh opportunity to engage with Scripture. Each study includes:
 
  • weekly sessions 
  • access to weekly teaching videos
  • five days of individual study and reflection each week
The refreshing, accessible, and insightful content from trusted Liz Ditty will encourage you in your faith!

The armor of god

by priscilla shirer
Share in an evening of inspiration with this 13-week Small Group Study
Began September 9
 
OVERVIEW:

As a believer in the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, you are in an invisible war every day. It's unseen and unheard, but it affects your life and everything that matters to you: your heart, your mind, your marriage, your children, your relationships, your resilience, your dreams, your destiny. God has not left you unarmed. The enemy will always fail when he meets a woman dressed for success. The Armor of God, more than merely a biblical description of the believer's spiritual inventory, is an action plan for putting on the full armor, piece by piece, and developing a personalized strategy to secure victory.

 
BENEFITS:
  • Equip women to get serious, specific, and strategic in their discipline of prayer.
  • Turn challenges and discouragement into opportunities for prayer.
  • Grow spiritually as you dig deeper into Scripture and expand your understanding of prayer.
  • Understand how the Holy Spirit works in you.
  • Develop and implement practical, purposeful prayer strategies.
 

SHARE IN 13 NIGHTS OF INSPIRATION AND ENCOURAGEMENT

As we put on The Armor of God!

To get your book and video access, please contact the office.


ABIDE, a study of the letters of 1, 2, 3 John

by Jen Wilkin

Began September 10

How can we hold onto assurance of our faith?
How can we discern the truth from a lie?
How can we know God loves us?
 

In this 10-session study of 1, 2, and 3 John, Jen Wilkin will help you discover how 2,000 years later, the apostle John's words call to Christians in similar challenges to recall a great salvation and to abide in the truth. He reminds an early church facing division, deception, and doubt to hold fast to what they know and to live like they believe it. And he reminds us as well. 

This Bible study plus all videos accessible by a unique redemption code printed inside the book.
Each video is 35-45 minutes. 10 teaching videos.
Contact the office for inquiries and Julie's information.

Gain a thorough understanding of Jesus's longest recorded message

Study the Sermon on the Mount as a complete unit rather than in fragments 

Learn how a disciple of Jesus thinks, speaks, and acts 


 

Thursday Morning Ladies will continue

a study of the Gospel of Matthew

William Barclay’s study guide

6:30 am

in the Armstrong room
 

You can share in this study at any time!

Though we find the Gospel of Matthew first in the New Testament, many scholars believe that the Gospel of Mark is older. Matthew then is often seen as an expansion of Mark, incorporating most of the content of Mark while also adding sections that contain the teachings of Jesus, such as the Sermon on the Mount, and stories about the birth and infancy of Jesus. The Gospel of Matthew presents Jesus as "God with us" even until the end of time.

This study lends itself to “jumping in” at any time.  In this study, we get a “scholarly immersion in the biblical texts on the one hand, and on the other his (Barclay’s) acute concern with addressing the questions important to ordinary Christian believers as they try to connect the ideas of the Bible with the realities of everyday life. “ 

The study books are easily available on Amazon.