St. Luke's Growth Groups

"Growth Groups" are places where Christians gather to study, pray, and engage in respectful, challenging conversation in order to be formed more in the image of Jesus. These are also groups of various sizes and can be on-going, long-term, or short-term.

Registration is not required for Growth Groups unless specifically noted on the descriptions below.

On-going & Long-Term Growth Groups | Short-Term Growth Groups

On-going and Long-Term Growth Groups

Sundays

God-O-Sea: St. Luke's Children's Ministry

Infants and Toddlers (6 weeks to 3 years old) learn and play with our Rock-a-Bye curriculum offered at all of our services (8:00 am, 9:30 am, 11:00 am and 5:30 p.m.) in age specific classrooms. The curriculum is based on the Christian church year. They hear adults talk about God, Jesus, the Bible, and prayer. Each month they experience these faith concepts in ways that are appropriate for infants and toddlers. Learning Bible stories and simple Christian faith concepts literally becomes child's play with the Rock-a-Bye.

Preschool and Elementary aged children will love our new and exciting curriculum this fall called Live B.I.G. Live B.I.G helps children see, hear, and live their Belief In God. Live B.I.G. makes the lesson stick by using the three ways that children learn—hearing, seeing, and then living what they learn. It's more than just a Sunday school lesson. Live B.I.G. reaches your children with cutting-edge teaching tools. The multifaceted lessons help kids grow as children of God and take what they learn from Sunday school into their everyday lives. Dream B.I.G. and bring it to life! Beginning Sept. 6, we offer Live B.I.G. at 9:30 am and 11:00 am. For more details please check our website.

For 5th and 6th graders we offer Merge a growth group that serves as a crossover program from St. Luke's Children's Ministry to NexGen Student Ministry. Merge is designed with fun, purposeful teachings that any 5th and 6th grader can understand and enjoy. Begins Sept. 6. Meeting time is 9:30 am, the Attic, building C.

NexGen: St. Luke's Student Ministry

The goal of these NexGen group opportunities is to help students find their place in the Kingdom of God by speaking directly to the issues they are facing in the world today. These gatherings will serve as a place for community building and conversation.

7th & 8th graders meet at 9:30 am, room C204/206. Begins Sept. 6. Facilitator: Jen McCain
9th-12th graders meet at 9:30 am, room C201/203. Begins Sept. 6. Facilitator: TBA

9th-12th graders Disciple I: An opportunity for students to study the Bible in-depth from Genesis to Revelation and make connections from the scripture to everyday life over the course of 34-weeks. Meeting time is 9:30-11:00 am, room C200/202. Begins Sept. 6. Facilitator: Dale Butterbaugh. Registration is required. Please email Jeremy at jknight@st.lukes.org or via Facebook.

Journey groups: These growth groups happen on Sunday evenings and other times during the week. They are made up of a small number of students and an adult leader in order to provide opportunities for interaction, dialogue and study. For more information please email nexgen@st.lukes.org.

Adults

Pathways: New class beginning Sept. 13th! Formed specifically for those who are interested in a growth group experience but can not commit to attending on a weekly basis. Different topics each week, connected by a common video series will allow you to participate fully whether you are there every Sunday or once a month. Meeting time is 9:30 am, room C208/210. Facilitator: Rick Fite, rickfite@gmail.com. (all ages, couples & singles)

FaithLink: New class beginning Sept. 13th! Have you ever wondered how your faith links with what the Bible says about current events? What does the Bible have to do with racism, global warming, fair trade, war, immigration, movies, greed, etc? Come and find out. A different topic each week and no advance preparation needed. Just bring your Bible, an open mind and be ready for a lively discussion. Meeting time is 11:00 am, room C201/203. Facilitators: Alma Manney, labmanney@aol.com & Bob Cox (all ages, couples & singles)

Connections: Wherever you are on your spiritual journey, this class is a wonderful way to "get connected" more closely with God and others. New study begins on Sept. 13: "The Prodigal God: Recovering the Heart of the Christian Faith." Meeting times are 9:30 & 11:00 am, Special Events Dining Room, building C. Facilitators: Dave & Linda Precht, lindaprecht@gmail.com (9:30 am) and Frank & Marilyn Masi, f.masi@themasigroup.com (11:00 am) (all ages, couples & singles)

Koinonia: This class of dynamic senior adults studies a variety of different topics and supports one another with prayer and care throughout the week. Begins Sept. 13. Will be studying: "Yours Are the Hands of Christ." Meeting time is 9:30 am, room A-112. Facilitators: Dave Walbridge, 407-876-0865, Howard Watson, Mary Ellen Hanson, Jane Woods (65+ couples & singles)

New Directions: A great group of primarily "empty nesters" committed to both study and service. Now studying: "Short-term Disciple Bible Study: Invitation to the Old Testament." Meeting time is 9:30 am, room C205/207. Facilitator: Bob Cox, bob@millennium-electric.com (50+ couples & singles)

United Methodist Men Fellowship Café: Come and join this group of men for meaningful discussion and fellowship. Now studying: "Shine: 5 Empowering Principles For A Rewarding Life." Meeting time is 9:30 am, South Welcome Hall, building C. Facilitator: Gary Dirlam, 407-876-3720 (55+ men)

Disciple I: Becoming Disciples Through Bible Study is divided between Old and New Testaments and takes participants from Genesis through Revelation prompting them along the way to consider where the voice of scripture intersects with daily life. This is a thirty-four week study. Begins Sept. 13. Meeting time is 6:45-8:45 p.m., room C-208/210. Facilitator: Sharon Adelhelm (all ages, couples & singles) Registration is required. Please call Jeanne Gall at 407-876-4991 ext. 268 or sign up on the Disciple page.

Monday

Adults

Disciple I: Becoming Disciples Through Bible Study is divided between Old and New Testaments and takes participants from Genesis through Revelation prompting them along the way to consider where the voice of scripture intersects with daily life. This is a thirty-four week study. Begins Sept. 13. Meeting time is 7:00-9:00 p.m., room C-200/202. Facilitator: Sandra Dillon (all ages, couples & singles) Registration is required. Please call Jeanne Gall at 407-876-4991 ext. 268 or sign up on the Disciple page.

Tuesday

Adults

Women's Bible Study: An engaging growth group which uses both books and DVD resources by Beth Moore. Now studying: "Deeper Still: A Woman's Study to a Closer Walk with God." Meeting time is at noon, C201/203. Facilitator: Andrea Batchelor, 407-876-4607 (all ages)

Plugged-In: A women's group that uses a variety of resources throughout the year that encourages participants to connect with each other and grow in their faith. Will be studying, "Short-term Disciple Bible Study: Invitation to the Old Testament." Begins Sept. 8. Meeting time is 10:00 am-noon, Special Events Dining Room, building C. Facilitator: Kathy Thatcher, dustfari@earthlink.net (all ages)

Disciple II: Into the Word; Into the World is a study which focuses specifically on Genesis, Exodus, Luke and Acts with appropriate connection to other portions of scripture and delves deeper into them. Begins Sept. 8. Meeting time is 6:30-8:30 p.m., room B-215. Facilitator: Judy Arndt. (all ages, couples & singles) Registration is required. Please call Jeanne Gall at 407-876-4991 ext. 268 or sign up on the Disciple page.

Wednesday

God-O-Sea: St. Luke's Children's Ministry

Our weekday spiritual formation opportunities for children whose parents are on the St. Luke's campus. Emphasis on Bible lessons, outside activity time, and unstructured play. Beginning Sept. 9, open Wednesday and Thursday from 9:00 am – 12:00 noon and 6:00 – 9:00 p.m. Sign-up on the Weekday God-O-Sea page.

NexGen: St. Luke's Student Ministry

High School Telos: The weekly worship experience for 9th-12th graders with high energy games, fellowship, musical worship and teaching. Meeting time is 7:00-9:00 p.m., in the Attic, building C.

Adults

Morning Edition: This growth group will use a variety of resources throughout the year to both engage and challenge participants. Will be studying, "The Prodigal God: Recovering the Heart of the Christian Faith." Begins Sept. 16. Meeting time is 7:45-9:00 am, Special Events Dining Room, building C. Facilitator: Joanie Mills, jmills17@cfl.rr.com (all ages, singles & couples)

Discovery Class: A welcoming and supportive women's group gathers weekly for prayer, study and fellowship. Now studying, "Too Busy Not To Pray." Meeting time is 9:30-11:00 am. Facilitator: Joyce Clegg, joyceacleg@aol.com (all ages)

Ambassadors: A women's Bible study grounded in spiritual conversation, connection and care. Will be studying, "Discerning the Voice of God: How to Recognize When God Speaks." Begins Sept. 2. Meeting time is 10:00-noon, C200/202. Facilitator: Carolyn Dannen, 407-876-8427 (all ages)

Disciple I: Becoming Disciples Through Bible Study is divided between Old and New Testaments and takes participants from Genesis through Revelation prompting them along the way to consider where the voice of scripture intersects with daily life. This is a thirty-four week study. Begins Sept. 8. Meeting time is 6:30-8:30 p.m., room B-202. Facilitator: Bill Rushing (all ages, couples & singles) Registration is required. Please call Jeanne Gall at 407-876-4991 ext. 268 or sign up on the Disciple page.
Or
Meeting time is 7:00-9:00 p.m., room C204/206. Facilitator: Ruth McKeefery (all ages, couples & singles) Registration is required. Please call Jeanne Gall at 407-876-4991 ext. 268 or sign up on the Disciple page.

Thursday

God-O-Sea: St. Luke's Children's Ministry

Our weekday spiritual formation opportunities for children whose parents are on the St. Luke's campus. Emphasis on Bible lessons, outside activity time, and unstructured play. Beginning Sept. 9, open Wednesday and Thursday from 9:00 am – 12:00 noon and 6:00 – 9:00 p.m. Sign-up on the Weekday God-O-Sea page.

Thursday at the Sea: Small-group activities, games, and worship focused on Christian living and teaching Bible stories. For elementary-aged children in K-5th grade. Begins Sept. 10. Meeting time is 6:30 – 7:30 p.m., A-201. Sign-up on the Weekday God-O-Sea page.

NexGen: St. Luke's Student Ministry

Middle School Fuel: Weekly worship experience for Middle School students. Come and enjoy hanging out with your friends, games, music and worship. Meeting time is 6:30-8:30 p.m. in the Attic, building C.

Adults

Young Mom's Bible Study: This growth group emphasizes fellowship and study with other mom's. Will be studying: "Queen Mom: A Royal Plan for Restoring Order in Your Home." Begins Sept. 10. Meeting time is 9:15-10:45 am, B205. Facilitator: Tiffany Ryan, tiffanyrose_4@yahoo.com (ages 20-40)

Women's Morning Group: A growth group that uses a variety of resources throughout the year to encourage and support participants on their spiritual journey. Will be studying: "Anointed, Transformed, Redeemed: A Study of David." Begins Sept. 10. Meeting time is 9:30-11:30 am, B214. Facilitator: Beth Witten, bethandben@earthlink.net. (all ages)

Bible Study with Pastor Bill: "Exegesis," a word literally meaning "a leading out," will be a Bible study based on the texts that will be used in worship on the upcoming Sunday. Begins Sept. 10. Meeting time is 6:30-7:30 p.m., Sanctuary. (all ages, couples & singles)

Disciple III: Remember Who You Are: A thirty two week study which concentrates on the Old Testament prophets and letters of Paul. Begins Sept 10. Meeting is 6:30-8:30 p.m., C205/207. Facilitator: Ken Sandon. (all ages, couples & singles) Registration is required. Please call Jeanne Gall at 407-876-4991 ext. 268 or sign up on the Disciple page.

Friday

Men's Discussion Group: A gathering that encourages faith development through lively conversation and the sharing of a variety of different viewpoints. Now studying: "Everything Must Change." Meeting time is 7:00-8:00 a.m., Bay Hill Country Club Lounge. Facilitator: Dave Sargent, sgtbiker53@aol.com (all ages)

Short Term Growth Groups

God-O-Sea: St. Luke's Children's Ministry

Family ADVENTures: Advent program for families focused on Advent traditions and learning the meaning of this special season. For families with elementary-aged children. Thursdays, December 3, 10, and 17. 6:30–7:30 p.m. in A-201. Sign up on the Children's Ministries page under Small Groups & Classes.

Adults

Christianity and World Religions: Wrestling With Questions People Ask: A video based group study that explores four major world religions Hinduism, Buddhism, Islam, and Judaism and compares the beliefs of each with those of Christianity. A time for questions and discussion that will help participants grow in faith, love our neighbor and find positive ways to share the Gospel. Wednesdays, September 16-October 21 in C205/207 from 7:00-8:15 p.m. Facilitator: Beth Farabee-Puckett (all ages, singles and couples) Please register by calling Jeanne Gall at 407-876-4991 ext. 268 or online by clicking here.

The Artist's Way: A Spiritual Path to Higher Creativity: Do you find yourself "blocked" creatively, find you just can't find the time to create, or just think of yourself as "uncreative?" Then join us for this proven life-changing study to jump start your personal creativity. Whether young or old, a writer, painter, musician, gardener, businessperson, parent, or are still looking for a creative outlet, this course will move you to greater fulfillment. Tuesdays, Sept. 8-Nov. 17 from 7:00-9:00 p.m. Office Conference Room , Building C. Facilitators: Heather & Ryan Caserta. Register by calling St. Luke's School of the Arts at 407-876-5226. (all ages, singles & couples)

Journal Writing I: A Tool for Growth and Creativity: Keeping a journal is a powerful process that appears deceptively simple. Journaling helps us develop insight, intuition and contemplative skills and can serve as a medium to relieve stress. Thursdays, Sept. 10 & 17 from 7:00-8:30 p.m. Fellowship Hall, Section A. Facilitator: Alison Issen. Register by calling St. Luke's Counseling Center at 407-876-4991 ext. 250. (all ages, couples & singles)

Journal Writing II: Deepening our Growth and Creativity: In this workshop you will work at using your journal writing to deepen self-awareness through explorations of memories, events and feelings. You will look at ways of studying your life experiences to gain insight and further develop creative capacities. Anyone is welcome to join this workshop, but it is particularly suitable for those who have done the basic Journal Writing I workshop, or who have had journal writing experience on their own. Thursdays, Oct. 8, 15, & 22 from 7:00-8:30 p.m. Fellowship Hall, Section A. Facilitator: Alison Issen. Register by calling St. Luke's Counseling Center at 407-876-4991 ext. 250. (all ages, singles & couples)