Clusters 
| Clusters |
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What is a cluster?A cluster is a group of 20-60 people who hang out together and do mission together on a regular, on-going basis. Clusters provide the opportunity, in a large, growing church like Grace, to build some friendships with like-minded Grace members and to participate in tangible mission events serving the people around them.Clusters are the way Grace provides a sense of belonging for people and through which the mission of Grace throughout the community and world takes place. Clusters are the heart and soul of the ministry of Grace. What does a cluster look like?Clusters are formed in a couple of different ways. Some clusters are formed around a common mission—for example, a cluster may form around a common passion for feeding the hungry or for reaching the business community. Other clusters may form around specific relationships—i.e., a group of young parents may form a cluster or another cluster may form around the desire to hang out in a multi-generational setting.What do clusters do?Clusters meet once a month (or more if the cluster so desires). They meet at various times and at various places determined by the cluster. The usual meeting length is about 75-90 minutes.At it’s simplest—a cluster meeting consists of having a meal or dessert together, hanging out together while eating, sharing something we’re thankful for and then ending by offering prayer requests. The experience is meant to be highly relational, allowing for the building of “extended family” type relationships. It may seem simple, but look at the kind of transformational ministry that happened when Jesus simply hung out at meals! What clusters does Grace currently offer?New Discovery Cluster - Weekday Bible StudyThe New Discovery Cluster- led by Tom and Judy Mikes ( )- is for anyone (no experience necessary) who would enjoy discovering God's Word with others in an interactive social setting. Each evening includes Bible Study, a social time with snacks or desserts, and a time to share prayer requests. Meets the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of the month. Sunday Bible Study Cluster Led by Al & Wanda Schwed ( ). An intergenerational group that gathers monthly to hang out, study God’s Word, and discuss how it affects our lives. Our monthly meetings are on Sundays. Couple's Cluster-Wednesday Evenings - led by Bob and Dianne Parsons ( ) We welcome couples of all ages and at any stage of life. We meet one Wednesday evening a month for dinner, discussion, prayer, community and just plain fun. This year our discussions will explore what it means to follow Jesus in our lives by focusing on the scripture verse from the sermon. Couple’s Cluster-Sunday Evenings- led by Tom and Laurie Graham ( ). Open to all couples, whether newlyweds or long-time married couples. This is a chance to get to share in some good food and enjoy fellowship with other Grace couples. Women's Cluster-Tuesday Mornings - led by Dianne Parsons ( ) We welcome women of any age or stage of life. We meet the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of the month, from 9:30 am to 11:30 am for coffee as we knit our hearts together and celebrate the presence of God in our lives. Our focus is to grow deeper in what it means to live the Jesus creed - Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, with all your strength - and love your neighbor as yourself. We are currently studying the book, The Jesus Creed, by Scot McKnight. Senior Cluster Breakfast - The Senior Cluster is for all seniors (55+) wishing to get to know Grace friends, enjoy Christian fellowship, and have a good time. We meet for a buffet breakfast the fourth Wednesday of the month to enjoy musicians, skits, new church updates, and speakers. For more information contact Ray and Sis Harris ( ), 623-878-3651, Bob and Joan Hawkes ( ), Buzz and Lou Pedroni ( ), Diana Chase, (Activities), dianamchase@ yahoo.com Singles Cluster- led by Sheri Witherspoon ( )- experience a time of food, fun, fellowship and faith. Throughout the year we will participate in different activities such as bowling, hiking, movie night and many more. This cluster meets once a month on Saturday. Meeting dates to be announced. The Raising Arizona Cluster- led by Pastor Brian ( ) is for families of young children (birth through elementary school). We get together once a month to let the kids play and for adults to enjoy some grown up conversation about faith. Men's Breakfast Cluster A monthly gathering of men in which we hang out and talk about what it means to follow Jesus as men. Lead by Pastor Tim ( ). Saturdays, 7:35 am (place to be announced) Sept. 13, Oct. 11, Nov. 8, Dec. 6 Your Money or Your Life Cluster A Biblically-based cluster built around the book, Your Money or Your Life. Helps put Biblical principles behind the concepts in the book and also serves as an encouragement to keep at the process. Led by Pastor Tim ( ). Saturdays, once a month through May, beginning at 9:15, place to be announced Sept. 20, Oct. 18, Nov. 15, Dec - break The Young Adult Cluster is led by J.D. & Alaina Henry ( ).The cluster is for post-high school graduates through young adults in their 20s wanting to have a deeper community throughout the month. The cluster has fun activities and different ways to learn how to follow Jesus seven days a week. |