For 40 weeks of the year GCC runs a Sunday morning program called Foundations. We’re going beyond the traditional idea of “Sunday School” during this hour (9:15 to 10:15am) each week. We work hard to actually model Discipleship through Relationship in the classes themselves. We consider three areas in order to do this.
First, we consider the Regular Rhythm of the hour. We pack a lot into one hour in order to invite you to engage right then with the content being presented. There are several elements in order to appeal to different personalities and learning styles: an opening presentation, Q & A, small group conversation, and a brief wrap up at the end. We consider a large topic over four weeks breaking it down into digestible conversations each week. This first four weeks we are considering “How is the Church Relevant in the Midst of Our Changing Culture?” Last week we considered that Our Message is Unique. This week we will look at how Our Worship is Formative. We’re getting into the regular rhythm of asking and answering big questions together.
Second, we consider the Solid Content of Discipleship. Scripture is the basis of every topic and talk. It is the building block of all our content each time Foundations meets. For example, last week’s content “Our Message Is Unique” was based on Mark 4:35-41. Good discipleship helps us see how real life is lived in light of God’s word and how God’s word is relevant to real life. We arrange our topics based on your needs and feedback we get from you keeping in mind the larger biblical story of creation, fall, redemption, and the consummation of all things in Christ.
Finally, we like to think of Foundations as an On-Ramp to Relationship here in our church. Small group discussion is the way we create this. It’s an invitation for you to get your toes in the water and get to know the community at GCC. You might meet someone new. You might get to know someone better that you’ve already met. We hope Foundations will be a good next step beyond merely attending worship. We want it to be a place where you can connect.
So what does that mean for you? Here are 5 ways you can get the most out of Foundations.
1. Make It a Priority to Participate
Where else in your week do you get encouraged with solid biblical content and step toward relationships in the body of Christ? This isn’t just a way for you to go deeper it’s a way for our whole church to connect together.
2. Come early and mingle
We try to have coffee and some refreshments available before, during, and after our time. Come and an enjoy. If you have children, get them to their class and then take a little break as the adults gather together.
3. Ask your question
Your questions are important to us. But we’re not clairvoyant. I love it when people risk asking something that is on their mind during our time. Don’t be afraid. Go ahead and speak up.
[Note: We use the YouVersion app to post our discussion questions each week. You can find our live event by typing our zip code (22911) or by typing cvillegrace. You can also tweet your question with the hashtag #gccpca and we’ll get it.]
These last two are an invitation to serve. Serving is always the best way to get the most out of something.
4. Volunteer to bring refreshments
Each week we’ll put out a sign-up sheet for those who enjoy bringing a treat to share. If you like to bake or make or buy then feel free to bless us with your hospitality. Donna Morgan and Candy Rowley help coordinate these snacks. Your help is greatly appreciated.
5. Volunteer to facilitate a discussion group
When we break into groups we have some designated discussion facilitators that help herd us together. If you can wear a green lanyard, pull 6 to 8 people together in a noisy room, and ask a few questions that you get in advance then we could use you! If you’re interested in receiving the three discussion questions early in the week and being a point person for discussion once a month or so then please contact Sean Shanks.
Foundations is a place at Grace for you. How have you benefitted from it? What’s your next step to keep benefitting from it? Maybe it’s to join us for the first time. I hope to see you there!
In Him,
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