We believe that living our lives in Christ and being strengthened in the faith are best done while walking alongside one another. We have various small group offerings to help with that. Check them out below!

 Colossians 2:6-7

So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.

Contact Pastor Meg at meg@fmcsb.org with any questions.

Bible/Book Study

WHAT IS IT?: A Bible/book study is a group that is focused on studying a book of the Bible or an important Christian theme or idea. A Bible/book study might require you to read or take notes before meeting together. Taking part in a Bible study allows you the chance to grow closer to God and study His Word with others. 

HOW MANY PEOPLE?: 8-15 people, depending on the study. 

TIME FRAME?: Most Bible/book studies run from September to December or January to May, while others are year-round. 

WHAT HAPPENS?: You discuss the assigned reading, wrestle with questions that come up, and grow in knowledge and understanding of your faith. You also have time to pray with, celebrate with, struggle with, and live life with your other group members. 


HOW DO I SIGN UP?: Times, leader contact info, and study descriptions can be found below. If you are interested in joining a group please contact the leader. If you have any questions about what group might be a good fit please contact Pastor Meg (meg@fmcsb.org).

Click a Small Group to learn more:


Small Groups

Connecting Families Group

 

Sundays, after the 10:15am service

Ongoing

Meeting in Downstairs preschool area at FMCSB

Contact: Sandy Patterson (sandy@fmcsb.org)

We love our FM kids and families! Each Sunday, after the 10:15am service, families gather at the red picnic tables for some pizza and a great time of just being together while the kids play on the playground. Come down and get connected!

Supper Club for Families (With School-Aged Children)

 

Monthly on Sunday Nights, 4:00-7:00pm (Schedule TBD)

Meeting at Sandy and Don Patterson’s House, 3973 Maricopa Dr, SB 93110

Leader: Sandy Patterson (sandy@fmcsb.org) 949-733-3667

Supper Club is a chance for parents to gather once a month to share life together. The children play in the backyard with babysitters while we open the word and pray together. When the kids come back inside, we enjoy a potluck dinner. All are welcome!

Men's Morning Bible Study

 

Tuesdays, 6:45-7:45 am

Ongoing

Meeting in the Upper Room

Leader: Mark Bates (3.14guy@gmail.com) 805-259-8458

This group is designed for men who want to study the Word of God, talk about their perspectives, and learn from others. There is no homework required, so feel free to jump right in!  We will be studying the book of Acts.

Invitation to a Journey: A Road Map for Spiritual Formation

 

Tuesdays, 6:30-8:00pm (6-8 on evenings with a meal), Starting January 20th

Location: Possibly our home near the mission (we have a cat and dog)

Leaders: Jeff and Carolee Peterson (5sbpetes@gmail.com; jmpeterson5757@gmail.com)

Join Jeff and Carolee on a “road trip”! Together we will: 

• Explore spiritual formation – becoming like Christ and walking in a close relationship with Him – alongside one another.

 • Learn it’s a journey, not a destination. Let’s travel a bit together!

 • Consider our uniqueness and learn (new?) personal habits to grow in our relationship with Jesus. 

• See that the natural fruit of our own spiritual growth is both deeply life-giving to us and to others.

We will enjoy reading this book (and possibly a few extra excerpts), ponder related Scripture, and share a few meals together for the sake of community. This group is not about a book – it’s about asking Jesus to teach us through the book, Scripture, and one another how to become conformed to His likeness for the sake of others.

Men's Bible Study (The book of 1, 2, 3 John)

 

Tuesdays, 7:00-8:15pm, starting January 6th

Meeting in the Upper Room

Leaders: Phil Guenthart (805-705-2819, phil@fmcsb.org) and David Schulte (schulted09@gmail.com)

The goal for our group is for each one of us to draw closer to God and have a better relationship with Him. This is an open Bible study and men are welcome to join us at any time. We are excited to begin this year studying the 3 letters written by the Apostle John: 1st, 2nd & 3rd John. There is so much wisdom and insight contained in these 3 short letters. John addresses young men and older men and provides timeless truths. Our time together often results in rich and meaningful fellowship as we share in studying God's Word together. Everyone is welcome.

Women's Small Group: Fruitfulness of Faith

 

Wednesdays, 2:00-3:30pm, starting January 21st

Meeting in Library at FMCSB

Leaders: Alison Dillemuth (805-296-2771, text or call) and Pastor Colleen Hurley-Bates

We will be studying the book of Amos and then transition into the sermon on the mount! All women are welcome to come and join us as we dive deeper into God’s call for us to live out faith that is alive and active. We hope to encourage one another through study, discussion, prayer, and sharing life together. 

Pondering the Psalms

 

Wednesdays, 6:30-8:00pm, starting February 4th

FMCSB Library

Leaders: Meg Wolfgram (mwolfgram@westmont.edu) and Travis Smelley (tsmelley@westmont.edu)

Come continue this journey with us through the world of the Psalms. We have been given these Psalms as a way to honestly communicate with God. Spanning the full range of human emotions, we want to dive deeper into this portion of Scripture with an openness to God’s movement. This small group will be a creative and collaborative time together, and we look forward to exploring the Psalms with guided devotionals and prayer time together. 

Friday Men's Group

 

Friday mornings, 7:15 am - 8:15 am

Ongoing

Meeting at Ben William’s home (1036 W. Micheltorena Street)

Leader: Mark Bates (805-259-8458, 3.14guy@gmail.com)

Geared toward men ages 20-50 (roughly). We will be looking at spiritual disciplines this Spring. Please join us! 


Grow Groups

WHAT IS IT?: A Grow Group is  smaller and more intentionally focused on growth in your relationship with God and your understanding of the Christian faith. We’ve identified three possible options depending on the stage of your journey: 

1) New Believer: people who have just come to the faith 

2) Firm Foundation: more seasoned believers wanting to build a Firm Foundation

3) Spiritual Life: mature believers desiring to go deeper in their Spiritual Life. 

HOW MANY PEOPLE?: 2-5 people, depending on the track you choose. 

TIME FRAME?: New Believer (12 weeks); Firm Foundation (6-12 months); Spiritual Life (3-6 months)

WHAT HAPPENS? : You will meet on a weekly basis with your group to discuss the resources you have been studying and the practices you have been engaging in throughout the week. Your group provides encouragement and accountability as you take intentional steps to mature in your faith.  

HOW DO I SIGN UP?: Email Pastor Meg at meg@fmcsb.org if you are interested or call her at 805.965.1338 ext. 225.

Screen Shot 2020-08-21 at 9.07.34 AM.png