McLane Church::Erie County, PA

 GroupLink FAQs 

WHAT IS GROUPLINK?

GroupLink is a 2.5 hour event where you come to connect with people to form a community group. GroupLink events are held three times a year at McLane Church. Our next event will be on Sunday, March 14, 2010.  It will be held from 5:30 - 8:00 PM.

DO I NEED TO SIGN UP FOR GROUPLINK?

If you would like more information regarding attending GroupLink and joining a community group, please click here to send us your information.  You will be contacted shortly.  We also encourage registration through cards that are distributed before and collected after worship services during the month preceding a GroupLink event.

You go to GroupLink, a one-time event, to join a community group.  Community groups are small groups of six to eight people (or three to five couples) that meet regularly in the homes of its members.  These groups pursue a growing relationship a growing relationship with God and other people through Bible reading, prayer, serving each other and our community, and ultimately, becoming friends who share their spiritual journey.

 WHAT IF I CAN'T MAKE IT TO GROUPLINK?

If you cannot make it to the next GroupLink event, we encourage you to attend the next scheduled GroupLink.  Or if you prefer, grab a few of your friends and start a group of your own.  For support, you can contact us at the church or stop by the GroupLife Center.  We have lots of ideas and resources that may help you.

Volunteers serve a vital role at each GroupLink event.  Assimilators are volunteers who help people connect into groups by providing information about upcoming GroupLink events. They also attend the GroupLinks and assist people as they form groups.

IS CHILDCARE PROVIDED AT GROUPLINK?

Childcare is provided, however we must know in advance if you are planning to bring children.  We need to know how many and what their ages are, so that we can adequately staff our childcare area for the needs of GroupLink.  

DO I HAVE TO GO TO GROUPLINK TO JOIN A GROUP?

Yes, and no.

Yes...if you want the church's help in finding a group...and here's why.  Generally, our existing community groups have a built-in period in which they are active, after which they end and the members go on to form new groups. During the active time, the groups are closed in order to faciliate a greater sense of community.  Leaders of active groups that are looking to add new members attend GroupLink and are open to accept people at that time.

No, you don't have to come to GroupLink if you have a group of friends who are interested in joining you with the purpose of growing together in Christ.  We encourage this and will support you in prayer, discipleship and church resources if you let us know about your group.  Just give us a call, drop an email or stop by the GroupLife Center at church.

 GroupLife FAQs

WHAT CAN I EXPECT AT MY GROUP?

Expect to find a new perspective that will not only connect you to others in a real way, but to God.

HOW LONG DO GROUPS LAST?

Each group is different.  Some groups meet seasonally.  Others meet year-round.  Joining a group is not a life time commitment.  You decide when you join and when you leave a group depending on where God takes you.  Many people join groups for a time and then leave to lead a group of their own.

WHAT IF I HAVE A HARD TIME CONNECTING WITH OTHERS IN MY GROUP?

Don’t give up. Every group is unique.  If you try out a group and things don’t work out, look for another group at a future GroupLink.  There is a group for you.  

 WHAT ABOUT MY KIDS?

Every group handles childcare differently.  As a group, you will collectively decide how best to deal with this issue.  If you need suggestions, drop by the GroupLife Center after worship, or call us at 734-1907 ext. 27 and tell us about your situation.

 WHAT WILL MY GROUP STUDY?

Starter groups make an eight week commitment to meet.  During that time we strongly encourage them to use a DVD driven curriculum from Willow Creek church entitled "ReGroup"  It is very good at helping new groups get off the ground with a healthy understanding of what it means to be a community group.  Thereafter groups choose their own study.  Many groups use church-provided curriculum that corresponds directly with the weekly sermon.