The 2019 Group Leader’s Retreat will take place April 12-13 at the Wesley Inn & Suites in Gig Harbor. Take a moment to watch this brief video about the retreat:
The retreat will begin on Friday evening (after a “typical” work day) and end around 4 p.m. on Saturday. Hotel accommodation and breakfast will be provided. If you plan to attend the retreat, please send an email to Sarah Biggerstaff to confirm your spot.
It was wonderful to see so many of you on March 10 for our training called “Standing Firm: Leading from the Trenches.” We looked at what Scripture teaches us about “Spiritual Warfare” and how that influences the way we lead and encourage our groups. If you missed it, here’s a link to the training video as well as the notes. Thanks so much for your leadership! It’s a blessing to serve with you!!
Save The Date: Saturday, May 12 – Annual Group Leaders Retreat! Pastor Ryan will unveil the vision and direction for Groups at Lighthouse. There will be fun surprises and a taco bar lunch (it’s Cinco de Mayo after all). You won’t want to miss this!
Next week, home group leaders Dutch and Sharon Bylsma are hosting an exciting event at Lighthouse and all home group leaders are invited! Missionaries Dave and Jen Bell will be sharing a testimony about their baby rescue and adoption ministry in Kenya. This special event will take place on Tuesday, September 12th from 7 to 9 p.m. in Room 321 in the new building. If you plan to attend, please send an email to shrnbylsm@yahoo.com.
If your home group would like to jump right into a service project this year, Lighthouse can use your help! As you know, Lighthouse was blessed with a new building without undergoing much debt. To keep costs low, Lighthouse relies on volunteer cleaning teams to serve for just three hours on a Saturday morning. Since the opening of the new building, all of the cleaning shifts have been filled. However, after this month (September), there are very few volunteers scheduled to help. If your home group is willing to serve our church in this capacity, please sign up online at http://lighthousehome.org/cleaning-team.
Just kidding. But in all seriousness, if this rainy weather has had you cooped up inside for far too long, join us this Saturday morning for an all church, family-friendly event. We’ll be planting over 1,000 plants and trees around the Lighthouse property beginning at 9 a.m. Rain or shine. Coffee and pastries will be served in the morning and pizza will be provided for lunch. Bring a shovel, your gloves, and the members of your home, learning and/or fun group for a wonderful chance to gather with friends while helping spruce up the church property. Register here (for food planning): www.lighthousehome.org/planting
So, you’ve been getting emails about a Morning of Retreat, but are you still a little unsure what it’s all about? Watch this video:
Now that you know what it’s all about, don’t miss out on this great opportunity to connect with God and be refreshed. Saturday, March 4 from 9am to 12pm at Christ Episcopal Church of Puyallup.
As Group Leaders we spend so much time pouring into other’s spiritual lives, but often, we ourselves feel like we’re running on an empty tank. Here are three opportunities to have your spiritual life fed with inspiration and motivation. Sign up for one, two, or ideally, all three events led by Pastor Tony.
Saturday, January 14, 2017
9am-12pm at Lighthouse Christian Center
As leaders, we are called to equip the body of believers. While this is related to passing on information, facilitating conversations and hosting gatherings, it is not the same. In this training we will focus on the difference—what it means to equip and empower individuals within our groups to develop and use their gifts in the body (for both their growth and the group’s benefit). Childcare provided for 0-5. Register here: https://www.churchteams.com/m/Login.asp?oID=6397&secID=aTBkVXk1T295V1hwRjhFdjd5UlJVdnU1S1AvTEovem8%3D&page=Register.asp?GroupID=282470~sgr=y
Saturday, March 4, 2017
9am-12pm at Christ Episcopal Church of Puyallup
Sometimes, as leaders, we need a morning to be be refreshed in the presence of God. That is what this Morning of Retreat is all about. Too busy? Well, maybe that is a sign that this retreat is for YOU! Don’t worry if you’re not sure what you’d do with 3 hours. We will provide ways to connect with Jesus and become present to yourself. Come. Be refreshed. Register here: https://www.churchteams.com/m/Login.asp?oID=6397&secID=aTBkVXk1T295V1hwRjhFdjd5UlJVdnU1S1AvTEovem8%3D&page=Register.asp?GroupID=282473~sgr=y
Friday, April 21 – Saturday, April 22
6pm Friday to 4pm Saturday at the Wesley Inn & Suites in Gig Harbor
Home Group Leaders are invited to an overnight retreat at the Wesley Inn & Suites in beautiful Gig Harbor. Lighthouse will provide the accommodations, just bring yourself and an eagerness to be immersed in spiritual guidance as we discuss how leaders can effectively work together to accomplish God’s mission.
Notes: Eat dinner before arriving on Friday. We’ll enjoy potluck-style snacks & desserts during our time. The hotel provides complimentary breakfast. Lunch will be on your own Saturday – eat with friends or find a spot to spend time in solitude.
Have you ever wanted to find a way to serve the community as a home group? To find a way to love your neighbor and be a light, not just by yourself, but as a group? Circles Ministry at Lighthouse starts next month and offers a unique opportunity for home groups to get involved. Please take a moment to watch this video:
If you’d like to give the blessing of a warm meal, please email tony@lighthousehome.org. For more information about Circles Ministry, visithttp://www.lighthousehome.org/component/content/article/20-get-involved/498-circles.
How often do you take the time to just “soak it in?” Try this, lay on the floor and put your favorite worship music on. Don’t try and worship your way to a ‘better attitude’ but just let your Spirit worship God.
Take some time now to soak in this amazing cover of Be Thou My Vision by Chelsea Moon.
Imagine this: you take the picturesque drive to Mount Rainier National Park. You leave all electronics behind and venture into the woods, listening only to the sounds of nature. As you make yourself comfortable on a rock overlooking a majestic landscape, you hear something else. Or maybe it’s not so much hearing as it is a feeling in your soul. The voice of God. Embrace the rest, the wilderness and rejuvenate your spirit on The Silent Wild.
There will be two opportunities to participate this summer. The first is Saturday, July 9th and for those who prefer a weekday option, the second takes place on Monday, August 22nd.
You are strongly encouraged to sign up for one (or both!) of these opportunities. A sample itinerary is below and carpools can be arranged. Encourage members of your home groups to sign up as well. RSVP by clicking your preferred date below.
To RSVP for July 9th, click here: https://www.churchteams.com/m/Login.asp?oID=6397&secID=aTBkVXk1T295V1hwRjhFdjd5UlJVdnU1S1AvTEovem8%3D&page=Register.asp?GroupID=261889~sgr=y
To RSVP for August 22nd, click here: https://www.churchteams.com/m/Login.asp?oID=6397&secID=aTBkVXk1T295V1hwRjhFdjd5UlJVdnU1S1AvTEovem8%3D&page=Register.asp?GroupID=261890~sgr=y
Dear Home Group Leaders,
As this year comes to an end, you are being led to the still waters of summer where you will find a season of rest. As you bring your group to a break for the summer, think about ending with a BBQ, potluck, or a group outing (think bowling or baseball).
If your group would like to stay connected throughout the summer, participate in a Fun Group together such as Bridge, Cribbage, Outdoor Games, Golfing or Hiking.
Another option is The Silent Wild. There will be two opportunities to participate this summer on Saturday, July 30th and Monday, August 22. The link to register for one (or both!) will be posted in a couple of weeks, so please share it with your home groups and sign up together.
Lastly, as you prepare for the summer break, please take note of which group members will be returning in the Fall, how many openings you’ll have for new members, and if the meeting location/day/frequency/time will change or remain the same. Sarah Biggerstaff will be reaching out to you in the next few weeks to collect this information in order to better prepare for the annual Group Connect event in September.
Peace be with you and remember to wear sunscreen 
Lighthouse Groupies 