Affinity Groups at First United Methodist Church
Affinity Groups: A Celebration of Lay Ministry
Over the years, here at First United Methodist Church, there have been many active small groups. However, recently there has been renewed interest in establishing other small groups to promote the building of Christian Fellowship, called Affinity Groups.
The format for these groups is informal. The group will meet, usually at a set time and on a regular basis. There is a time of fellowship, as folks gather, before the meeting's activity. The activity has usually been determined beforehand (such as discussing a book or movie or working on a prayer quilt). The lengths of the meetings vary, of course and are based on the activity. Our Affinity Groups offer activities that cover a range of interests.
United Methodist Photographers: Are you interested in photography? If so,
please contact please Tom Rath at Thomas-rath@uiowa.edu. Tom has suggested
the forming of a new affinity group, United Methodist Photographers, for those
whose hobby is (or would like to be) photography. Activities for this group could
include getting together to discuss photography books and techniques along with
the sharing of ideas and pictures. Also, this group could take field trips for outdoor
photography (perhaps participating in activities with the Hiking Affinity Group or the Bicycle Affinity Group,
the BAGGERS). Another suggestion would be to help with photographing special events in the life of our
congregation for publication on our church web page or in the 1st Edition.
Hiking Affinity Group:During summer months, the group will be hiking on the first and third Sundays of the month on different local
walking and hiking trails.
This group hikes the beautiful trails in our area, appreciating the beauty of God's creation and developing friendships
Please contact
Bruce Tarwater (358-2940 or bruce-tarwater@uiowa.edu) for more information.
Flames Softball: Do you love softball? The First United Methodist Flames are comprised of women and men who enjoy fellowship with other Christians through softball and social activities. During the spring and summer, they play softball with teams representing other churches in our area. The Flames also participate in camping, picnics and ice cream socials throughout the season. And, during this past fall and winter, the Flames joined together in a Bible study that was held twice a month. So, if you are interested in playing softball or participating as a fan (and receiving email announcements of game results and activities) please be sure to talk with Jane Driscoll (jdriscol@aol.com or 337-4902).
Senior Friendship & Support Are you interested in meeting with other seniors for fellowship and sharing common interests and concerns? Jeanie and Chuck Swisher along with Roberta and Jim Swanson are helping in organizing a Senior Friendship & Support Group. For more information please talk with Jeanie, Chuck, Roberta or Jim. Or contact Sage River, our Health and Caring Coordinator, sage-river@icfirstchurch.org or 354-5485.
Bicycling Affinity Group Do you like to ride a bicycle? The BAGGERS (the Bicycle Affinity Group) is one of our newest affinity groups. Jan and Jim Down are the facilitators for this group. Anyone who wishes to bicycle is welcome to come with bicycles, helmets, water, snacks and clothes appropriate for the weather. In addition to learning more about biking and having the opportunity to ride, fellowship and fun are key ingredients for this group. . Contact Jan and Jim Down (jjdownic@ia.net or 354-1820)
Bluegrass Do you happen to enjoy Bluegrass music? Pastor John has been the facilitator for a Bluegrass Affinity group that has attended some concerts of local Bluegrass bands. As a service project, this group sponsored the Great Bluegrass Herons for an Mid Winter Bluegrass party at Windmill Manor, an assisted living facility. More Bluegrass fun is being planned for the upcoming months. Contact John Raab (pastor-john@icfirstchurch.org or 338-5075)
Books And Bagels Are you a reader? Books and Bagels is a well established affinity group of our congregation. It has been meeting on a regular basis for about twenty years. Betty and Dick Mitchell along Nancy and Dick Johns facilitate this group. Books and Bagels meet on a monthly basis to discuss the book chosen for the group to read. It is a time of lively discussion and fellowship. Contact Betty Mitchell (354-1225) or Nancy Johns (njohns27@mchsi.com)
Dorcas Group The Dorcas Group is another very well established group of our congregation. Based on the Biblical Dorcas of Acts 9:36, who made shirts and coats for the needy, the Dorcas Group continues that service with their handiwork. They provide lap robes and bibs to care centers as well as quilts and pillows to the the Domestic Violence Intervention Project, Shelter house and Camp Courageous . Also they do sewing for the annual Thanksgiving Ingathering projects that our church participates in each year. The Dorcas Group is a chapter member of the Prayers and Squares Ministry. This is a ministry of creating prayer quilts for those in personal crisis. The quilt is made with heavy thread to take the stitches through the quilt layers; the ends are left free to be tied with a square knot. When the quilt is displayed in the Narthex of our church, all are invited to finish the quilt by tying those knots and, while they do so, to lift a prayer for the person receiving the quilt. Contact Bernie Mulford (337-6680)
Environmental Action Are you concerned about the environment? Mark Madsen has taken the lead in facilitating an Environmental Action Affinity Group. This group is focused on the pressing environmental issues that confront our world. But, besides being informational this is also a proactive group. For example, this group has been working to reduce the energy consumption of our church by installing energy saving light bulbs. Contact Mark Madsen (mark-madsen@uiowa.edu)
Families with Children Examples of their activities include
an Iowa Women's Volley Ball game and a successful All Hollow's Eve party in late October.
Contact Tricia Ross at 351-0823..
Films For Fun ‘N Faith For those who enjoy movies there is the Films For Fun ‘N Faith Affinity group which meets the second Sunday of each month from 7 – 9 PM. The format for this group is that the movie that to be discussed is watched before the next meeting. Similar to Books and Bagel this group offers a time of fellowship and community based discussion of a shared interest. Contact Chuck and Lelia Helms (354-5901 or leliaia@mchsi.com)
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