Menlo Park
Meet - Connect - Grow
At MPPC, we are committed to pursuing our big (God-sized!) challenge: To lead our generation into a transforming relationship with Jesus and authentic community with each other so that everyone in the Bay Area can flourish. One of the ways we are living into our vision is examining how to strengthen our community. Specifically, how can our big church be a place where every person is meaningfully connected and, through those relationships, is encouraged to grow in his or her relationship with Jesus?
This past fall, we tried something new at the Menlo Park and Cafe campuses called "Launch Groups." These are short-term (6-8 weeks), medium-sized groups (20-40 people) created around a topic of interest. They are meant to be a welcome place for newcomers and those who are not connected to easily find a place of welcome and connection. We affirm the truth of scripture—that it is when we are connected as one body, one community, that our church is a reflection of the love of Jesus Christ.
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OPEN LAUNCH GROUPS
Registration is still open for the following groups:
SUNDAYS
Palo Alto Family Dojo: Building Assets as a Faith Community* REGISTER
9:15 to 10:30 am, Glenwood building (550 Glenwood Ave - 0.8 miles from Menlo Park campus)
Jan 29, Feb 12, 26, Mar 11, 25 (5 sessions)
Decades of research by the Search Institute identified 40 building blocks (developmental assets) that are critical in promoting young people’s healthy development. The research also linked early spirituality and religious participation with later adolescent well-being. We will examine ways that we, as a Christian community in Palo Alto, can nurture faith and build assets in our youth, families and communities in order to create an environment where all young people feel valued and thrive.
Facilitators: Kristen Andersen, Kristin Feitzinger and Charley Scandlyn
Family Dojo (all ages)* REGISTER
10:45 am to 12:00 pm, D-11
Feb 5, 19, Mar 4, 18, 25 (5 sessions)
A dojo is a Japanese term which means "place of the way" and where students gather to learn. Join us as we come together and learn how to lead our families in the way of Jesus. We will examine ways to practice the Christian faith within our families and develop ideas for spiritual growth in our homes.
This 5 session launch group is a great way to get a taste of community life at MPPC, exploring a topic in a mid-size group. No matter where you are in your journey of faith, this group is designed to point you to what we all need - a deeper understanding of Jesus. This group is for parents only.
Facilitator: Charley Scandlyn
Crazy "Christian" Beliefs We Tell Ourselves* REGISTER
11:00 am to 12:15 pm, Garden Court
Feb 5 - Mar 11 (6 weeks - please note new start date)
It’s easy to make assumptions about what a Christian is “supposed” to believe that actually turn out to be the last thing God had in mind! We will use the book, 12 “Christian” Beliefs That Can Drive You Crazy by Henry Cloud and John Townsend as background for our discussion along with small group interaction to create great opportunity for connection and getting to know others in our church.
Facilitators: Susan Dau and Joanie Tankersley
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*For parents: Our Children's Ministry welcomes children 3 mo - PreK to stay for a second hour, and children K through 5th grade can participate in the 2nd Hour Club. The registration forms for each of our Sunday morning Launch Groups includes a place where you can let us know if your child will be staying for a second hour. Additionally, Middle School students are welcome to attend worship with Middle School staff following Rock, and High School Second City meets at 11:00 am in Fellowship Hall.
MONDAYS
Exploring Prayer for God's Healing REGISTER
7 to 8:30 pm, D-10
Feb 13 - Mar 26 (6 sessions - no meeting on Feb 20)
Learn with us as we study God’s perspective on healing and prayer through the scriptures and as we practice interpersonal prayer and healing prayer methods. As we get to know each other we will share stories of healing prayer ministries and stories of their impact. Childcare available for children 3 months-5th grade.
Facilitators: Beth Seabolt and David Bunker
THURSDAYS
Relational Evangelism REGISTER
7 to 8:30 pm, D-1
Feb 2 - Mar 22 (8 weeks)
A fun experiential 8-week introduction on how-to do “relationship evangelism.” Explore ways to gently invite non-believing family, friends and acquaintances to consider Christianity in a non-threatening and laid back way. Each week we will enjoy snacks, presentations, discussions, and apply “relationship evangelism” principles to our lives. The “Express Version” of the Alpha course’s DVDs will be used to learn ways to answer the tough questions that non-Christians ask. There is a $10 materials fee. Childcare available for children 3 months-5th grade.
Facilitator: Jake Kim
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CLOSED LAUNCH GROUPS
The Marriage Journey* REGISTRATION CLOSED - GROUP IS FULL
9:30 to 10:30 am, D-11
Feb 12 - Mar 18 (6 weeks)
Couples, please join us as we learn about ways we can tune-up our marriages as we journey together in life. How does our own spiritual understanding and commitment affect our marriage? Where are the break-downs occurring in our communication? What good maintenance habits do we need to employ? Are we navigating our differences with a healthy sense of love, acceptance, and respect? We will have an opportunity to meet and hear from other couples, as well as work on understanding our own mate.
Facilitator: Mary Campbell
FamilyServe: Changing the World with your Children* REGISTRATION CLOSED
11:00 am to 12:00 pm, D-1
Jan 29, Feb 5, Mar 4, 25 and 4 Saturday family serving opportunities: Feb 11, 25, Mar 10, 17 (8 sessions total) (note: These are revised dates.)
Have you ever thought about volunteering in the community with your children, but didn’t because you weren’t sure of how, when, or where to start? Children, like adults, can become world changers by following Christ’s example through serving. This Launch Group will bring together mission-minded families, whose desire is for parents to serve alongside their children and to experience “Christ’s love in action” as a family unit. Families are encouraged to bring your children (all ages) to participate in all aspects of the group; however, very young children have the option of attending Children's Ministry classes during our Sunday meeting times.
Facilitators: Linda Lee and Jain Yum
Extreme Poverty REGISTRATION CLOSED - GROUP IS FULL
7 to 8:30 pm, Cafe Too (704 Santa Cruz Ave, behind Ace Hardware)
Jan 30 - Mar 5 (6 weeks)
"Extreme Poverty," defined as those living on less that $1.25 a day, is a problem that many Christians believe we can END in our lifetime. Our launch group seeks to engage with the issue of poverty as a multi-dimensional problem, that includes the lack of adequate income & savings, education, heath, and clean water and sanitation. Join us as we discuss and dialog together each week on a subject close to Christ’s heart. Our discussions will include scripture, readings, handouts, videos and speakers.
Facilitators: Debbie Hall and Hardwin Mead, Kari Hanson, Nathan Chan, Jessica Howard
Healthy Bonding and Boundaries REGISTRATION CLOSED
7 to 8:30 pm, C-20
Feb 7 - Mar 27 (8 weeks)
The Bible states that we are created “in the image of God,” but often we find ourselves falling short of this amazing vision. Why? During this 8-week series, we will explore the relationship barriers that can hinder us from living life to the full as God intends for us (John 10:10). Within a safe and confidential environment, we will – together - explore material from “Changes That Heal" by Henry Cloud (Chapters 1-10), with the idea of learning how an appropriate balance of “truth and grace” can positively change our view of ourselves and others. As a group, we will share our personal experiences of healing and transformation and how they have impacted our spiritual and emotional growth. We will also make time to consider next steps in our personal growth.
Facilitators: Katie Bond and Leslie Lorish
Navigating Family Challenges REGISTRATION CLOSED
6:45 to 8:15 pm, A-25
Feb 9 - Mar 29 (8 weeks)
Is your family going through tough times? Could you be facing separation, divorce, a family member with special needs, a serious illness, disability, or other difficult family dynamics? Join us and gain some new strategies and new support for you and your children. We will use content from the Confident Kids Program “Changes” module. Change is a part of life but it can feel threatening and scary to kids and overwhelming to parents. Change creates losses that must be grieved and upsets our sense of security and makes us adapt to new ways of living. This launch group is an opportunity for you to connect with other parents as we learn new coping skills and how to model and teach these skills to your child. We will provide a booklet of fun activities and simple projects to do with your child at home each week. There is a $10 materials fee. Childcare available for children 3 months-5th grade.
Facilitator: Janada Clark
Lord Teach Us to Pray REGISTRATION CLOSED
7 to 8:30 pm, Glenwood building (550 Glenwood Ave - 0.8 miles from Menlo Park campus)
Feb 9 - Mar 22 (7 sessions)
The aim of this 7-week group is to provide learning, fellowship, prayer time and homework that will help launch us each into a deeper relationship with God through The Lord's Prayer . We will spend time discussing prayer and personal worship through the Bible with content from Precepts Ministries International, learning how to pray scripturally, and sharing application of what we have learned each week. There will be time for small group prayer each week. At the last class we will learn about various prayer ministries at MPPC and in the community as possible next steps for our continued growth. Spending time with Jesus in prayer is a secret power source.
Facilitators: Betsy Bowersox and Linda Hawkins
Dads' Base Camp REGISTRATION CLOSED
7 to 8:15 am, Cafe too (704 Santa Cruz Ave, behind Ace Hardware)
Feb 3, 17, Mar 2, 16 (4 sessions)
Join with other fathers in a casual setting for four meetings. This is a chance for dads of all ages to connect with each other, consider what it means to grow in faith while helping lead your family and dive deeper into what prevents us from connecting to God. It’s gonna be mantastic. : )
Facilitators: Mark Reynolds, Jim Candy and Charley Scandlyn
Soul of the Leader REGISTRATION CLOSED - GROUP IS FULL
7:30 to 8:45 am, E-building (note: This is revised location.)
Feb 10, 24, Mar 9, 23 (4 sessions)
The challenges of ministry and non-profit leadership are unique. For the bay area to flourish, investing in these leaders so that they can face those challenges must be one of the church's highest priorities. MPPC would like to invite Ministry and Non-Profit leaders to attend a 4 session "Soul of the Leader" Launch Group designed to support, develop and build into the core of you special individuals who are leading efforts that are "for the good of the world"! Join other directors, coordinators, board members and social entrepreneurs as we dig deep into the topics of the Soul Identity, Soul Mission, Soul Community and Soul Practices of the Leader. Each participant will be equipped with a set of books and resources to help support you beyond the group as we invite you into a more connected partnership with MPPC. Limit 40 participants who can attend all four sessions.
Facilitators: Jen Durden, Heather Fitzgerald and Charley Scandlyn
Questions? Contact: Sue Kim-Ahn, Minister of Community Life, 650.329.7455
Topics during our Fall 2011 Launch Groups included: The Family Dojo: Creating a Place to Learn the Way of Jesus; Pursuing Changes that Heal; Living Life in the Flow of the (Holy) Spirit; First Steps; Early Church: Journeys and Letters; Lord Teach us to Pray; Human Trafficking Launch Group & Film Series; Marketplaced: Work as a Calling
