Page 4 - 2018 Annual Report

LEARN MORE AND GET CONNECTED WITH A SMALL GROUP. Contact Reverend Martha McLean, Pastor of Christian Formation: mmclean@frstcary.com.CHRISTIAN FORMATION Christian formation is the process of becoming more like Christ by the gracious working of God’s Spirit for God’s good and gracious purposes in this world.Here at First UMC Cary, we are being very intentional to strengthen our discipleship in ways that deepen our relationship with God and one another in service to the world. To help us grow in God’s grace, we are always working to expand and strengthen the small groups that have helped sustain ministry for many years. At present, we have about 60 active small groups and classes! Small groups are an excellent way to grow in our faith, to meet new friends and to be there for one another in seasons of need and celebration. One of our small group features is a supportive plan that incorporates our newer members of all ages into the life of Christ and the Church.We are also excited to share that we began our 3rd Community Group this past year. Community Groups are a small group movement where folks often meet in neighborhood homes, becoming an extended family as they support and surround each other with love and as they serve together in mission. Naturally, our goal for all small groups is to build these lasting bonds of friendship, following the way Jesus gathered, apprenticed, and multiplied groups of disciples.We continue to enjoy a Family Ministry structure of discipleship – a way of doing life together that recognizes the generational, cultural, and demographic shifts taking place in our community. We are actively engaging these changes to ofer life-giving and transformational ministry that makes sense in and among all age groups, backgrounds, and life experience. In all these things, we celebrate and give thanks for the good work of God here at First Cary, looking forward to our future together.