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 Nikki at nikki@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 Nikki (nikki@fmcsb.org; or text 949-241-7851)
Click a Small Group to learn more:
Summer 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!
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 continuing our study of the Gospel of Luke.
Pilgrims in the Park: Small Group with our Houseless Neighbors
Wednesdays, 5:30pm Starting June 11th and ending August 13th
Meeting at Pershing Park
Leaders: Kate Overton-Smith and Nikki Ramage
We had such an amazing experience spending Maundy Thursday with our neighbors at Pershing Park that we wanted to host a small group with them. Kate Overton-Smith and Pastor Nikki will be co-leading this group focused on Ignatian spiritual formation. We want to experience God through our hearts, minds, imagination, emotions, and five senses. We will take inspiration from spiritual exercises the church has practiced through the ages. We also want to be formed by connecting with our neighbors without homes. We are confident that we will find mutual encouragement through seeking God together. Come at 5:30pm and join in for dinner (there will be enough food) and then at 5:45pm we will start our study and it will end around 6:30pm.
What should I bring? 1. Bring a chair or towel to sit on 2. Writing utensil 3. Hard surface to write on 4. Sunglasses/hat
For any questions or if you are interested in joining the group please contact Pastor Nikki (nikki@fmcsb.org); 949-241-7851
Growing in Childlike Faith
Thursdays, 6:00-8:00pm, Beginning June 26th
At a home on the Mesa
Leaders: Pastor Colleen and Mary Woodyard
This summer, we are going to offer a unique time to gather and read books about God for kids. Each week, we will read a children's book together and then talk about the story it tells. Along the way, we will talk about spiritual formation, the role a community plays in raising up children, and what various people in the field say about it. If you want to enjoy some good books with others, think through how to talk to the kids in your life about Jesus, or if you want to rediscover a childlike faith, please come and join us! Dinner is provided!
If you have questions or want to sign up, please contact Mary Woodyard at woodyard.marylinda@gmail.com
Friday Men's Group
Friday mornings, 7:15 am - 8:15 am
Ongoing
Meeting at Ben William’s home
Leader: Mark Bates (3.14guy@gmail.com) 805-259-8458
Geared toward men ages 20-50 (roughly). We work on memorizing a psalm together, discuss a small portion of scripture, and pray for one another over coffee.
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?: Grow groups will be starting up at the end of September (they will start up on an as needed basis throughout the year as well). Email Pastor Nikki at nikki@fmcsb.org or call (949) 241-7851.