Groups
Are you new to Mountainside?
Try Step One
Following Jesus is a journey and it’s all about taking the Next Step. If you are new to our church community and you want to get plugged in, or if you are exploring faith and what it means for you, come out to Step One.
Step one is a simple, relaxed gathering (where we will keep social distance) where you will get to know some other new people at Mountainside, and you will hear about what’s going on at our church and next steps you could take on the journey with us.
Ready for the next step?
Try Step Two
Step 2 is a 6 week introduction to some of the basic practices of discipleship. After taking Step 2 you will be able to answer these two questions:
- How do I personally hear God’s voice and respond to what he is saying?
- How do I shape my relationships like Jesus did?
In Step 2 you will meet some new people, and grow together on your walk with Christ. If you want to take the next step after Step 2 you should join a huddle.
Looking for a group to help explore faith in Christ?
Try Alpha
What is Alpha?
Alpha is a series of sessions exploring the Christian faith.
How does it work?
Alpha Online runs every Sunday night for 10 weeks. Each Alpha night will run from 8:00 to 9:15 pm sharp. You don’t have to commit to being at every Alpha night. And if you don’t like it you can just stop participating. Alpha Online will use Zoom, and after you sign on we will watch a video together and then share some discussion in breakout rooms. Everyone is welcome!
- Video Talk: The talks are designed to engage and inspire conversation. Each talk is around thirty minutes long and played as a video. They explore the big issues around faith and unpack the basics of Christianity, addressing questions like What is my life about? Who is Jesus? Does Faith Make Rational Sense? Why pray? and How does God guide us?
- Discussion: One of the most important parts of any Alpha: the chance to share thoughts and ideas on the topic, and discuss in a small group, via zoom. There’s no obligation to say anything and there’s nothing you can’t say (seriously). It’s an opportunity to hear from others and contribute your own perspective in an honest, friendly and open environment.
Looking for community?
Join a
Community Group
Community Groups meet together every week or two. They catch up with each other, engage some spiritual content, and discuss what they are learning together. Some community groups also serve together once a month out in the community. During the pandemic, some groups meet online and some in person. To connect with a community group sign up below.
Looking to stay connected to our church family during Covid-19?
Join a
Micro Group
Micro-Groups are our way of providing a communal worship experience for everyone, every Sunday during the Covid-19 Pandemic. Groups of 2 to 6 families meet together in homes, participate in the live-stream worship service together, and then discuss what they are learning afterwards. Most micro groups meet together on Sunday morning, but some meet at other times during the week. Some groups eat a meal as a part of their worship worship experience. Every micro group is automatically signed up to participate in Sunday Morning worship at the church building once a month – of course attendance is optional. Worship the other three Sundays a month is just with the microgroup.
Click here to join a microgroup:
Want to invest in your marriage?
Join
The Marriage Course
The Marriage Course is for couples who are married or in a long-term relationship seeking practical support to strengthen their relationship, keep the spark alive and stay connected. Over seven sessions, the course covers:
- Strengthening Connection
- The Art of Communication
- Resolving Conflict
- The Power of Forgiveness
- The Impact of Family, Good Sex and Love in Action.
For more info contact: Ron 519-671-4512 or Margareth Carrothers 519-441-8500.
Want to join a group that helps you grow as a disciple and a leader?
Being a Christian means we follow Jesus. Jesus said, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross, and follow me. If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake and for the sake of the Good News, you will save it.” (Mark 8:34-35)
Jesus invites us to give up on a life lived for ourselves, and instead live for him, his way. That’s asking a lot isn’t it? It is, but here’s the truth – the life Jesus has dreamed up for you is way better than the life you can dream up for you. And furthermore, Jesus doesn’t expect us to follow alone. Jesus gives us leaders who represent him, and who teach us to follow. We are followers who are following other Jesus followers.
At Mountainside we recognize that serious Jesus followers need a high level of both encouragement and challenge if they are to succeed at following Jesus. Our leader groups provide this high level of intentional relationship so you can grow quickly and be clear how you are following Christ ‘on the ground’ in your life.
Try Step Two
Step 2 is a 6 week introduction to some of the basic practices of discipleship. After taking Step 2 you will be able to answer these two questions:
- How do I personally hear God’s voice and respond to what he is saying?
- How do I shape my relationships like Jesus did?
In Step 2 you will meet some new people, and grow together on your walk with Christ. If you want to take the next step after Step 2 you should join a huddle.
Join a Huddle
Huddles are leadership development groups for people who want to be intentional about shaping their life like Jesus. Each huddle has 3-8 people, and is lead by a trained huddle leader. Huddles will give you answers to these questions:
- How do I personally hear God’s voice and respond to what he is saying?
- How do I shape my relationships like Jesus did?
- How can I root my identity in Christ?
- What are my spiritual gifts and how can I use them?
- How can I live in a sustainable rhythm of work and rest?
- How can I disciple my family?
- How can I take the next step of becoming a strong leader
- How can I make new leaders?
Join The Journey
The Journey is a leadership development group that explores these big questions of faith: Who is God? Who am I? What does God desire to do through me?
Here is how The Journey Works:
- The Journey group (about 6–12 people) often meets weekly, guided by a trained facilitator. It is a commitment and the rewards can be significant.
- Small group gatherings (two hours a week) meeting together for six to eight months
- Regular study, reflection, Bible reading, and prayer (two to four hours a week)
- A spiritual mentoring relationship (twice a month)
The Journey Starts once a year in the fall and has a limited capacity. The Journey 2020 is full, but if you would like to join the next Journey Group in 2021 click here:
Want to work through some Hurts, Habits and Hang-ups?
Join Celebrate Recovery
Celebrate Recovery is a 12-step program for those who are ready to embark on a journey of real and lasting change. We offer safe and confidential community for those struggling with hurts, habits and hang-ups. During the Covid-19 Pandemic, some of our groups meet in person, and some may meet online.
Celebrate Recovery is open to newcomers when we start new groups in the fall and in the new year. No matter how healthy or broken you are, if you are interested in greater freedom we welcome you to check out Celebrate Recovery.
To check out CR either Call Pastor Matthew at 250-430-1250 or click below so a CR leader can contact you:
Wanting to join a team that serves together?
The groups that grow the closest, have the most fun and see God move the most tend to be groups that serve together. Some of the teams that serve together at Mountainside are:
- Worship team
- Hospitality team (serving coffee and food)
- Sunday morning Greeting team
- Live Stream Team (Sunday morning cameras, lights, sound)
- Youth Group Leader team
- Jr Youth Leader team
- Sunday School teachers
- Alpha Leader team
- The Marriage Course Leader team
- Small Group Leaders
- Celebrate Recovery Leaders
- Stephen’s Ministry Leaders (Crisis Care)