February 2025 - Missions Month

Missions Month Newsletter for Small Group Leaders

Greetings Group Leaders,

February is an exciting time here at Cooper city Church of God because it is Missions month! This is a wonderful opportunity to focus on the vital work of missions and inspire our small groups to participate in God's global mission.

Don’t miss Missions Week; February 26 to March 2! What is Missions Week? It is a special time of connection and celebration, as we highlight the incredible work of missionaries around the world. Before and after each service, you’ll have the opportunity to meet our missionaries, hear their inspiring stories, and witness their passion for spreading the Gospel. Be encouraged by powerful messages from our guest speakers and take part in supporting global missions

 One of the highlights is the opportunity to host a missionary in your home. This unique experience allows you to hear firsthand stories of God's work around the world and to build meaningful connections with those who have dedicated their lives to missions. If you are interested in hosting a missionary, please see the link below for more information:

 https://subspla.sh/yqqg7n2

Additionally, let's not forget the call to “multiply your talents.” Pray and ask God to give you creative ideas to multiply what was given to you so you can give back to missions. Place all of your increase in the offering envelope provided and return it on March 2 during the Missions Week Sunday service.

In case you missed it, here are some ideas from the pastor’s sermon:

Creative Ways to Multiply Your Money:

1. Bake cookies or brownies and sell them.

2. Buy soap and wax and wash cars.

3. Use coupons for your next grocery purchase and add the savings to your talent.

4. Buy gas for your vehicle and transport someone to an appointment for a small fee.

5. Pool your money together with another family or group and work on a fundraising project to gain an increase.

6. Offer to go shopping for someone who is too busy or a shut-in who can’t get out.

7. Buy a share of stock that you expect to go up in the next 30 days.

8. Put your money on deposit to earn interest.
   Cut off your cable TV for 30 days and add the savings to your talent.

9. Skip a meal you would ordinarily eat out and add the savings to your talent.

10. Purchase something valuable at a garage sale or flea market and sell it for a profit.

11. Have a garage/yard sale to get rid of things you don’t need or use and add the profit to your talent.

12. Purchase paint and go around the neighborhood painting house numbers on curbs for a small fee.

13. Make something with your hands and sell it.
    

As small group leaders, you have the power to ignite a passion for missions within your groups. Here are some practical ways to get your groups involved:

1. Prayer: Cultivate a culture of prayer, dedicate time in your meetings to pray for missionaries and mission projects. Encourage group members to adopt a missionary or mission organization to pray for regularly.

2. Education: Share stories and testimonies of individuals and groups involved in mission work. Connect with a missionary and write letters of encouragement on a regular basis.
   Local Outreach: Identify local needs and organize outreach activities. Simple acts of service can make a significant impact and demonstrate God's love to those around us.

3. Mission Projects: Plan a mission project that your group can undertake together. Whether it's supporting a local shelter, organizing a community clean-up, or sending care packages to missionaries, these projects can make a tangible difference.
   

Devotional: Embracing the Great Commission

> "19 Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit," - Matthew 28:19 (NKJV)

In Matthew 28:19, we find one of the most profound and challenging commands given by Jesus to His followers: it is known as the Great Commission. This mandate calls us to go into all the world and make disciples of all nations. It is a powerful reminder of our responsibility to share the Gospel and extend the reach of God's love and grace.

The Great Commission is not just an instruction for a select few; it is a calling for every believer. Jesus' words remind us that the mission field is vast and diverse, encompassing every nation and culture. We are called to step out of our comfort zones and engage with people from all walks of life, sharing the transformative message of Jesus Christ.

As we reflect on the Great Commission, let's consider the following principles:

1. Obedience to God's Call: Jesus' command to go and make disciples, requires us to be obedient to His will. This means being willing to follow wherever He leads, whether it is to our next-door neighbor or to a distant land.

2. Inclusivity and Diversity: The call to make disciples of all nations emphasizes the importance of inclusivity. We are to reach out to people of every race, ethnicity, and background, recognizing that the Gospel is for everyone.

3. Empowered by the Holy Spirit: Jesus promised to be with us always, and we are empowered by the Holy Spirit to fulfill this mission. We do not go alone; we go with the presence and power of God.
   

Applying These Principles in Our Lives:

1. Local Outreach: Start by reaching out to those in your local community who may not yet know Jesus. This can include neighbors, coworkers, or people you encounter in your daily life. Share the love of Christ through acts of kindness, genuine conversations, and invitations to church events.

2. Global Missions: Consider supporting global missions by praying for missionaries, contributing financially, or even participating in a mission trip. Learn about different cultures and seek to understand their unique needs and challenges.

3. Disciple-Making: Focus on building meaningful relationships with those you disciple. Teach and mentor them in the ways of Christ, encouraging them to grow in their faith and to disciple others in turn.
   

May this Missions Month be a time of renewed commitment to spreading the Gospel and serving others. Let's inspire our small groups to embrace the call to missions with enthusiasm and dedication.

January 2025 - Starting the Year Right

Starting the Year Right: Setting Goals for Your Group and Personal Life

As we step into a new year, it’s the perfect time to reflect on where we’ve been and where we’re headed. For small group leaders, this season offers a chance to set new goals, both for your group and your personal spiritual journey. Here’s how you can start the year right and make meaningful progress together.

Goal Setting for Your Group

1. Reflect on Last Year: Begin by looking back at the previous year. What worked well? What challenges did you face? Take note of the highs and lows to better understand where to focus your efforts.

2. Set Clear Objectives: Establish specific, measurable goals for your group. This could include increasing attendance, fostering deeper relationships, or embarking on a new service project. 

3. Encourage Participation: Involve group members in the goal-setting process. This creates a sense of ownership and commitment to the goals.

4. Plan Activities and Studies: Outline a plan for the year with Bible studies, social gatherings, and outreach activities. Having a structured plan can keep your group engaged and growing.

5. Pray Together: Cover your goals and plans in prayer, seeking God’s guidance and blessing on your efforts.

Personal Goals for Spiritual Growth

1. Daily Devotions: Commit to a daily time of prayer and Bible reading. This personal time with God is foundational to your spiritual health.

2. Accountability: Find a trusted friend or fellow leader to share your goals with and hold each other accountable.

3. Serve Others: Look for ways to serve both within and outside your small group. Serving is a powerful way to grow in Christlikeness.

4. Continue Learning: Invest in your own growth by reading Christian books, attending workshops, or listening to sermons and podcasts.

To ground our goals in Scripture, let’s look at Proverbs 16:3:

"Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans." - Proverbs 16:3 (NIV)

As we journey through life, we often find ourselves setting goals, making plans, and striving to achieve them. It's natural to want to map out our future and work towards our aspirations. However, as Christians, we are called to a higher way of planning and decision-making—one that involves placing our trust in God.

Proverbs 16:3 reminds us of the importance of committing our endeavors to the Lord. This verse speaks to the essence of surrender and trust. It encourages us to not just seek God's blessing on our plans but to fully entrust our plans to Him. When we align our goals with God's will and seek His guidance, we can be assured that He will establish our steps.

Commit to the Lord: Committing our plans to God means more than just a quick prayer before we start something new. It requires that we:

• Surrender: The Hebrew word for "commit" is "galal," which means to roll or to roll away. it suggests a deliberate action of transferring one's burdens, plans, or works onto the Lord. This act of commitment is not passive but requires an active decision to trust God with the outcomes of our endeavors. Historically, this reflects the ancient practice of rolling heavy burdens onto beasts of burden, symbolizing the transfer of weight and responsibility. Spiritually, it calls believers to a deep trust in God's sovereignty and faithfulness. (Berean Study Bible)

• Trust: Believe that God knows what is best for you, even when things don't the way you expected.

• Obey: Be willing to follow God's direction, even when it leads you down an unfamiliar or challenging path. Don’t run from difficulty, embrace what God Led you to do and push forward.

Establish Your Plans: When we commit our plans to the Lord, we can trust that He will establish them. This doesn't mean that everything will be easy or that we will always get what we want. Rather, it means that God will guide us, provide for us, and use our efforts for His glory. It means our plans will be rooted in His purpose and will bear fruit in His timing.

• Pray: Begin each day by dedicating your tasks and goals to God. Ask for His wisdom and guidance.

• Seek His Word: Let Scripture shape your decisions and plans. Spend time in the Bible to understand God's principles and promises.

• Be Open: Be willing to adjust your plans according to God's leading. Sometimes, God may close a door to open a better one.

May this new year be a time of growth, unity, and deepening faith for you and your small group. Let’s embark on this journey with a heart full of hope and expectation, trusting that God will do amazing things in and through us.

August 2024 Newsletter: Building a Strong Team

Dear Small Group Leaders,

As we step into August and in preparation for our upcoming semester, our focus this month turns to the crucial role of teamwork in leadership. This month's topic, "Building a Strong Team," draws inspiration from the example of Nehemiah and the Israelites rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem. Leadership of any kind (including Small Groups) can often feel overwhelming, but even the greatest leaders in the Bible understood the necessity of fostering a collaborative environment and encouraging their teams.

In Nehemiah 3, we see a detailed account of how Nehemiah organized the people to rebuild the wall of Jerusalem. Each family and group took responsibility for repairing a specific section of the wall, working side by side. Nehemiah 4:13-23 further emphasizes the importance of teamwork as the people worked with one hand and held a weapon with the other, staying vigilant against potential threats. Nehemiah's leadership and the people's willingness to work together made the seemingly impossible task of rebuilding the wall a reality. This story illustrates the importance of unity, shared responsibility, and perseverance in achieving a common goal.

3 Lessons for Building a Strong Team

Nehemiah's approach to leadership highlights three key elements of building a strong team through encouragement that you too can follow. First, he inspired confidence and determination in the people, motivating them to work despite the challenges. Second, he fostered a sense of community and shared purpose, which united the people in their efforts. Third, he recognized and celebrated the contributions of each group, which boosted morale and commitment.

1. Inspire Confidence: Throughout this semester, encourage your group members by recognizing their strengths and expressing faith in their abilities. Your confidence in them can motivate them to strive for excellence, overcome obstacles and encourage their faith. The Apostle Paul wrote in 1 Thessalonians 5:11, "Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing." YOU have within you the ability to change someone’s perception and day!

1. Foster Community: Create an environment, within your group, where everyone feels valued and connected. Promote a sense of belonging and shared purpose, reminding your team that they are working together towards a common goal. David wrote in Psalm 133:1, "How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!"

1. Celebrate Contributions: During your small group session, acknowledge and celebrate the efforts and achievements of those in your group. Showing appreciation boosts morale and reinforces the value of each person's contribution to the team. Tip: Take 5-10 minutes each meeting to celebrate the wins in your group.

As you prepare to lead your small groups this upcoming semester, remember that effective teamwork is a reflection of the body of Christ working together in unity. Just as Nehemiah was able to accomplish more by building a strong team through encouragement and support, you too can achieve greater impact by fostering an environment of faith and connectivity. 

Blessings,

Pastors Kurtis and Daisy Allen

July Newsletter 2024: Leading by Serving Others

Dear Small Group Leaders,

As we embark on this journey of leadership development together, our focus for July is on the profound concept of leading by serving others. There is no greater example of this than Jesus Christ, who consistently demonstrated what it means to lead through service and humility.

In John 13:1-17, we find a powerful narrative that epitomizes servant leadership. Jesus, knowing that His time had come to leave this world, chose to spend His final moments with His disciples in a most extraordinary way. He took on the role of a servant, washing the feet of His disciples. This act was not only a demonstration of love and humility but also a profound lesson in leadership. By washing their feet, Jesus showed that true leadership is not about wielding authority or demanding respect but about serving others selflessly. This radical act of servanthood shattered the conventional views of leadership in His time and continues to challenge us today.

As small group leaders, we are called to emulate this example in our interactions with those we lead. Leading by serving means putting the needs of others before our own, listening actively, and offering support and encouragement. It means being willing to do the humble tasks, just as Jesus did, to show our commitment to the well-being and growth of our group members. Whether it's reaching out to someone in need, offering a listening ear, or providing practical help, our actions can profoundly impact those we lead.

In this journey of leading by serving, let us draw inspiration from Jesus' example and the Scripture reference in John 13:1-17. Reflect on how you can incorporate acts of service into your leadership style. Consider ways to uplift and support your group members, creating an environment where they feel valued and cared for. Remember, it's through these small acts of kindness and service that we truly exemplify the heart of Jesus.

3 Lessons on Servant Leadership

In John 13:1-17, Jesus washing the feet of His disciples provides profound lessons on servant leadership and challenges us to love, serve, and care for others with humility and compassion.

1. Humility and Servant Leadership: Jesus, the Master and Teacher, took on the role of a servant by washing the feet of His disciples, a task typically reserved for the lowest servants. This act of humility teaches that true leadership involves serving others selflessly. Jesus' example emphasizes that no task is too menial for a leader who seeks to serve others with humility.

1. Love and Sacrifice: Jesus’ action demonstrates His deep love for His disciples. By washing their feet, He shows that love is not merely a feeling but is demonstrated through humble, sacrificial actions. This act prefigures His ultimate sacrifice on the cross and underscores that genuine love involves putting others' needs above one's own. 

2. Spiritual Cleansing and Forgiveness: In washing the disciples' feet, Jesus symbolizes the spiritual cleansing and forgiveness that He offers. He tells Peter that unless He washes him, he has no part with Him, indicating that spiritual purification is essential for a relationship with Jesus. 

Jesus’ action demonstrates His deep love for His disciples. By washing their feet, He shows that love is not merely a feeling but is demonstrated through humble, sacrificial actions. This act prefigures His ultimate sacrifice on the cross and underscores that genuine love involves putting others' needs above one's own.

As we close our first month's newsletter, I encourage you to take a moment to reflect on your own leadership journey. Ask yourself how you can better serve those you lead and how you can inspire others to do the same. Let your faith be ignited by the example of Jesus, and let His servant leadership be the guiding light in all that you do. Together, let us strive to become better versions of ourselves, leading by serving others and making a lasting impact in our communities. May this message inspire you to lead with a servant's heart and make a difference in the lives of those around you.

Blessings,

Pastors Kurtis and Daisy Allen