Lectionary Bible Study

To be announced soon.  Thank you for your patience while we organize this new Community Group.

Lectio Devina

NEW GROUP FORMING

The Rev. Janet Schisser has begun the process of designing a new Lectio Devina group.  She has been in touch with the Rev. Susie Skinner of St. Louis to talk about the materials Susie uses for the two groups she leads through the Center for Spirituality in the Diocese of Missouri.  Janet will be talking with lay leaders of our congregation to determine the weekly meeting date and the meeting time of the new group.  There is a possibility the group will meet in downtown Columbia, to be close to the work-places of parishioners who work the central part of our city.  More information will be forthcoming as Janet convenes the first session in September.

Newcomers’ Simple DInners

SIMPLE DINNERS FOR NEWCOMERS - Once a Month, from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m., Each month’s date is announced at Sunday worship (10:30 a.m. at church).

“Simple Dinners” are hosted in the Pastor’s or Deacon’s home every month, to welcome our newcomers into our community of faith.  These dinners are very simple, because people who feel so inclined bring a little bit of food to share with the community: a vegetable, a salad, a casserole, some bread, etc.  People who do not wish to bring food may come and simply enjoy the dinner provided by others, as well as some great fellowship!  We trust that God will provide enough food for all, because we see in the scriptures how Jesus feeds multitudes of people beginning with just a tiny amount of fish and bread - and baskets of food remain, after the feast is over!

Godly Play

GODLY PLAY AFTER-SCHOOL OUTREACH - Every Wednesday, 4:15 - 5:45 p.m. at Columbia Hope
Fun, creative teaching of core Bible stories, using the Godly Play method (which is based on the Montessori method of education).  Children are invited to respond to each story through wondering, art, crafts, and play.  The Spirit of God within each child is honored, respected and encouraged to blossom in our intentional, sacred space of our Godly Play room.  For children aged 3 through 12.  Every Wednesday from 4:15 - 5:45 p.m. at Columbia Hope Church.  After-school snacks provided.

PARENTS’ TEA-TIME BIBLE STUDY: Every Wednesday 4:15 - 5:45 p.m. at Columbia Hope
Parents are invited to share a cup of tea and cookies, while studying the same biblical passage the children are learning.  They will use the Gospel Based Discipleship method of bible study, which honors and respects each individual participant’s truth.  They will see how the story of scripture comes alive, as they relate it to their everyday lives.  This relevant, useful, inspiring study will enrich the adults and allow them to share each week’s story with their children at home.

Oasis

OASIS - MEETS ON EVERY 4th SATURDAY, 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m., AT COLUMBIA HOPE

Oasis Missouri is a program to provide congregational education programs and to offer resources and support to gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people, their families and friends, and the congregations in which they worship. Our goal is to offer Christ-like hospitality and a radical welcome to all people.  Columbia Hope is delighted to be able to be an Oasis congregation from the very beginning of our existence as a Mission in the Diocese of Missouri.  We signed our Affirmation of Welcome and became officially recognized as an Oasis Congregation on June 13, 2010.  That same day, we took leadership in creating the first outdoor, interfaith worship service at Mid-MO PrideFest 2010 at 2:00 p.m. in Peace Park. Our congregation’s OASIS group is led by a leadership team of three: a Convener, an Apprentice and a Host.  Byron is currently serving as the Convener and may be contacted by emailing .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).  The monthly meetings are open to all, and they take place at Columbia Hope on the 4th Saturday of each month from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m.  Please join us!

 

Journey Companions

JOURNEY COMPANIONS - MEETS EVERY THURSDAY, 9:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. AT COLUMBIA HOPE (Extra Fellowship Time at 9:00 a.m. and until 11:00 a.m.)

This spirituality, study and prayer circle for women meets weekly to share books, stories and our own personal journey with God.  As we connect with one another, we find support and companionship from God, through one another, on the spiritual journey of our life.  Within this community of faith, we are able to increase our awareness of God’s loving presence in our lives and in the lives of our families.  We share refreshments, prayer, and conversation about a spiritual book of our choice.  An example of the type of books we have read is Scarred by Struggle, Transformed by Hope.  The group is facilitated by a leadership team of three people: a Convener, an Apprentice and a Host.  The current Convener is Julia.  Currently the group is meeting every Thursday morning from 9:30 AM to 10:30 AM; there is an optional gathering time with refreshments and conversation from 9:00 AM to 9:30 AM.  Although the study officially ends at 10:30 a.m., the participants often share fellowship until 11:00 a.m.  Please feel free to bring your infants, toddlers and children.  Childcare is provided from 9:15 a.m. until 10:45 a.m.

MEET JULIA, CONVENER OF JOURNEY COMPANIONS

 

Community Groups

Community Groups provide an experience of Christian community: the acceptance and warmth that comes from radical hospitality.  Our groups provide an opportunity to meet new people, to socialize, to discover our neighbors, to create deep friendships, to allow intimacy to flourish.  All this contributes to our spiritual growth and well-being.  In every group we begin and end with prayer, check in with other members of the group, and have an opportunity for spiritual growth.  Each year, each group does at least one project outside of themselves to serve others.  The groups are led by teams of volunteers that serve as Lay Pastor, Lay Pastor Apprentice and Host on a rotating basis.  Community Groups can come into existence for any number of purposes, and each group defines its own purpose and abides by a covenant and basic ground rules.  The leaders of the Community Groups meet regularly with the pastor and meet together quarterly for support.