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Introduction | What Are Connection Groups?Common QuestionsGetting ConnectedNeighborhood Connection GroupsMen’s Connection Groups Women’s Connection GroupsCare GroupsSunday Morning Connection GroupsWednesday Night Connection Groups

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connection groups

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At First Colony Church of Christ we want to help you experience community on a deeper level. A Connection Group is the best way for you to form meaningful relationships within the larger congregation and belong to a group of people that truly know you.

Connection Groups GATHER to fellowship and encourage one another. They GROW through Bible study and prayer, and they GO as they serve each other, volunteer in our church and reach out to our community.

We value friendships at First Colony, and want you to be connected with others as you GROW in Christ. If you are not in a Connection Group already, we pray you will join one today!

WHAT ARE CONNECTION GROUPS?

COMMON QUESTIONSWhat does it mean when a group is listed as Open? Groups listed with a status of open are actively seeking new members.

What does it mean when a group is listed as Full? Groups can become full for a season when they have reached an optimal size, and can no longer accommodate additional members.

I visited a group, but it isn’t the right fit for me. What do I do now? We encourage you to visit a group 2-3 times before committing. No pressure - if a group isn’t the right fit, we will gladly help you find another one. Everyone understands the need to find a group that fits your schedule and spiritual needs.

I found a group that looks like a good fit, but I don’t fall within the listed age range. Can I still join? Listed age ranges are suggestions to give you an idea of the group demographics, not to exclude you from attending. Generally, we encourage you to find a group that is similar to your age, life stage and neighborhood.

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Can I belong to more than one group? Yes, however we ask you to be involved in one primary Connection Group. One where you develop deeper relationships and experience accountability in a close-knit community.

I have children, is childcare provided during group meetings? We have on campus groups Sunday mornings, Wednesday nights and Tuesday mornings that run concurrent with children’s programs. All other groups choose their own approach to meet childcare needs.

I am interested in leading or hosting a new group, how do I do this? Contact us! We are always looking for new leaders, apprentice leaders and hosts. Group Leader Training Sessions are offered regularly throughout the year. Ryan Bien | ryanb@firstcolonychurch.org

Look for this icon to quickly locate groups with concurrent

children’s programs.

GETTING CONNECTEDGetting connected is EASY! If you are looking for a Connection Group to join just follow the 3 Easy Steps on the next page.

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EXPLORE 1

2

3

RESPOND

CONNECT

connection g r o u p

c e n t r a l

3 EASY STEPS TO GET CONNECTED!

Explore the Connection Group Catalog. Which group interests you?

Fill out a brief form at the Info Center inthe lobby or online. firstcolonychurch.org/respond

We will connect you to a Connection Group!

INFOCenter

NEW connection groupsYoung Marrieds & Families with ChildrenChris and Bre WhiteleyWhere: KatyWhen: Sundays | 5:00pmFrequency: Semi-MonthlyAge Range: 20's - 40'sStatus: Open

Families with ChildrenJoel and Camera RamirezWhere: Richmond/RosenburgWhen: Fridays | 6:00pmFrequency: Semi-MonthlyAge Range: 30’s - 40’sStatus: Open

Families with Teens & Empty-NestersTracy and Crystal WilsonWhere: Fresno/Missouri City/Sienna PlantationWhen: Mondays | 7:00pmFrequency: Semi-MonthlyAge Range: 40's - 50'sStatus: Open

Multi-GenerationalRichard DeSantis & Judy Evans DeSantisWhere: Richmond/Pecan GroveWhen: Sundays | 5:00pmFrequency: Semi-MonthlyAge Range: All AgesStatus: Open

Multi-GenerationalKyler & Shannon ColeWhere: PearlandWhen: Tuesdays | 7:00pmFrequency: Semi-MonthyAge Range: All AgesStatus: Open

Families with ChildrenCaman & Lauren HammondWhere: Arcola/Missouri CityWhen: Saturday | 5:00pmFrequency: Semi-MonthlyAge Range: 30’s - 60’sStatus: Open

Women’s GroupRochelle WaddillWhere: Fulshear/Cinco Ranch/KatyWhen: Thursday | 7:00pmFrequency: Semi-MonthlyAge Range: All AgesStatus: Open

Participating in Crazy Love

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Young Marrieds/Multi-Generational Matt & Laura CorbinWhere: Missouri CityWhen: Thursdays | 7:00pmFrequency: Semi-MonthlyAge Range: 25- 55Status: Open

Young Marrieds and FamiliesWith ChildrenRyan & Katie BienWhere: Richmond/Riverpark WestWhen: Sundays | 5:00pmFrequency: WeeklyAge Range:20s - 40sStatus: Open

Young SinglesCherise Sanford, Joel Bouldin & Tricia CaseWhere: Sugar LandWhen: Sundays | 6:00pmFrequency: WeeklyAge Range: 20’ s- 30’sStatus: Open

Young Marrieds & Families withChildrenBrandon & Emily ComettiWhere: Houston or Sugar LandWhen: Sundays | 6:30pmFrequency: Semi-MonthlyAge Range: 25 - 35Status: Open

CONNECTION GROUPSNEIGHBORHOOD[ [

Neighborhood Connection Groups GATHER in homes to fellowship and encourage one another. They GROW through Bible study and prayer, and they GO as they serve each other, volunteer in our church and reach out to our community.

Children’s Programs Available Participating in Crazy Love

YOUNG SINGLES & FAMILIES

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Families with ChildrenBen & Kelly EdmistonWhere: Sugar Land/River ParkWhen: Thursdays | 7:00pmFrequency: WeeklyAge Range: 30s - 40sStatus: Open

Families with Children & TeensPete & Missy EdgmonWhere: On CampusWhen: Wednesdays | 7:00pmFrequency: WeeklyAge Range: 35 - 45Status: Open

Families with Children & TeensTim & Amy LaryWhere: Sugar Land/First ColonyWhen: Saturdays or Sundays| 6:00pmFrequency: MonthlyAge Range: 40+Status: Open

Young Marrieds & Familieswith ChildrenDaniel & Sarina Grasham Where: Richmond/RosenbergWhen: Tuesday NightsFrequency: WeeklyAge Range: 25 - 35Status: Open

Families with ChildrenAndy & Stephanie PaceWhere: Sugar Land/First ColonyWhen: SundaysFrequency: MonthlyAge Range: 30+Status: Open

Families with ChildrenChad & Ashley Baker Where: Sugar Land/First Colony/Sienna When: Saturday EveningsFrequency: Semi-MonthlyAge Range: 30s - 40sStatus: Open

Families with Children/TeensMark & Paige CawyerWhere: Missouri City /Lakes of Brightwater/SiennaWhen: Saturdays | 6:30pmFrequency: Semi-MonthlyAge Range: 30’s - 40’sStatus: Open

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Families with Children/Teens and Mature SinglesDave & Kay StacyWhere: Missouri City/SiennaWhen: Sundays | 6:00pmFrequency: Weekly except 2nd Sundayof the MonthAge Range: 35 -50+Status: Open

Multi-GenerationalKeith & Leah RabbWhere: Richmond/Waterside Estates/Pecan GroveWhen: Sundays | 5:00pmFrequency: Semi-MonthlyAge Range: All AgesStatus: Open

Young MarriedsDerek & Stacy SeawelWhere: Greatwood/New TerritoryStatus: Full

Families with TeensScott & Kari OpaleskiWhere: Sienna/Missouri CityStatus: Full

Young Marrieds & Families with Children James & Tiffany WrightWhere: Sugar Land/First ColonyStatus: Full

Families with ChildrenAaron & Cheryl Weaver Where: Sugar LandStatus: Full

Families with ChildrenSam & Christel Walker, Glen & Kelly Russell Where: PearlandStatus: Full

Families with Children Landon & Aja Speights Brandon & Brittnie BlackburnWhere: Sugar Land/Missouri City/RosenbergStatus: Full

Families with Children Johnny & Laura SpiegelWhere: Sugar LandStatus: Full

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Families with Children Jason & Lindsey CampbellWhere: On Campus & GreatwoodStatus: Full

Multi-GenerationalRandall & Rosemary DixonWhere: Sugar Land/Missouri CityStatus: Full

Multi-Generational and Families with TeensJerold & Sherri Givens Where: RichmondStatus: Full

Families with TeensRoger & Carrie Richardson Where: Sugar Land/NeedvilleStatus: Full

Multi-GenerationalGrant & Laura Wright Where: On CampusStatus: Full

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EMPTY-NESTERSEmpty Nesters & Families withOlder ChildrenCharles & Pam FosterWhere: Missouri City/Quail ValleyWhen: Sundays | 6:00pmFrequency: WeeklyAge Range: 45 - 65Status: Open

Empty-Nesters/Marrieds & SinglesDon & Judy AveraWhere: Missouri City/Quail Valley/Sugar CreekWhen: Sundays | 6:00pm or 6:30pmFrequency: Semi-MonthlyAge Range: 45 - 75Status: Open

Empty-Nesters Greg & Stephanie HoogerwerfWhere: Sugar Land/Missouri CityWhen: Sundays | 6:30pmFrequency: Semi-MonthlyAge Range: 50’s - 60’sStatus: Open

Empty-Nesters/Mature Singles Dan & Chris FlorenceWhere: Sugar Land/Missouri CityWhen: Sundays | 4:00pmFrequency: MonthlyAge Range: 60s - 80sStatus: Open

Empty-NestersKim & Shirley BrighamWhere: Sugar Land/First ColonyWhen: Saturdays | 6:00pmFrequency: MonthlyAge Range: 50+Status: Open

Empty-Nesters Tim & Rhonda BeckettWhere: Rosenberg/West Sugar Land/RichmondWhen: Saturdays | 5:30pmFrequency: MonthlyAge Range: 50+Status: Open

Empty-Nester/SinglesPaul & Brenda Rizzotto Lynn & Pam McGuireWhere: Sugar Land/Richmond/RosharonStatus: Full

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Empty-Nesters/SinglesDon & Helen BryanWhere: Sugar Land/First ColonyStatus: Full

Empty-Nesters/Singles John & Ann FregiaPam Clarke Where: Sugar Land/First ColonyStatus: Full

Empty-Nesters Rocky & Ginger HudsonWhere: Missouri City/Sugar LandStatus: Full

Empty-NestersWalter & Joyce CaskeyWhere: Sugar Land/Missouri City/RosenbergStatus: Full

Empty-NestersGalen & Kathy CobbWhere: Sugar Land/First ColonyStatus: Full

Empty-NestersBrad & Anita ClarkstonWhere: Richmond/Sugar LandStatus: Full

Empty-NestersRandy & Becki GloverWhere: Houston/Missouri City/ Sugar Land/StaffordStatus: Full

Empty-NestersButch & Melanie WattersonWhere: Sugar Land/Greatwood/RosenbergStatus: Full

Empty-Nesters Alan & Cindy ScottWhere: GreatwoodStatus: Full

Empty-Nesters Matt and Jeri DavisWhere: Sugar LandStatus: Full

Empty-NestersBill & Bridget Norton Where: Greatwood/RichmondStatus: Full

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Men’s GroupCharles FosterWhere: On Campus When: Thursdays | 7:00amFrequency: WeeklyAge Range: 18+Status: Open

Men’s GroupThom Besso & Paul RizzottoWhere: La Madeline Sugar LandWhen: Wednesdays | 7:30amFrequency: WeeklyAge Range: 18+Status: Open

Men’s GroupAlan ScottWhere: Panera Bread Sugar LandWhen: Fridays | 6:30amFrequency: WeeklyAge Range:18+Status: Open

Men’s GroupPreston Hill, Kyle Mickelson & Wade HolmesWhere: On CampusWhen: Wednesdays | 7:00pmFrequency: WeeklyAge Range: 18+ Status: Open

Men’s GroupWalter CaskeyWhere: IHOP Sugar LandWhen: Thursdays | 7:30amFrequency: WeeklyAge Range: 18+Status: Open

MEN’SCONNECTION GROUPS[ [

Men at First Colony GATHER + GROW + GO to build friendships, encourage and support each other, study the Bible together and serve our community.

Children’s Programs Available

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Tuesday Women’s Bible StudyRegistration Late Decemberfirstcolonychurch.org/womenApples of Gold, Cassandra Martin Study,Priscilla Shirer Study, Jennie Allen Study and more!Where: On CampusWhen: Tuesdays | 9:45 - 11:45amFrequency: Weekly, Jan - AprAge Range: All AgesStatus: Open

Working Women’s GroupSandy Besso & Missy EdgmonWhere: On CampusWhen: Thursdays | 6:30amFrequency: WeeklyAge Range: All AgesStatus: Open

Young Women’s Group | MNG Sugar LandSheila WrightWhere: Home of Shelia WrightWhen: Mondays | 6:30pmFrequency: WeeklyAge Range: 20 - 35Status: Open

Young Women’s Group | MNG HoustonEmily ComettiWhere: Various locations in HoustonWhen: Mondays | 6:30pmFrequency: WeeklyAge Range: 20 - 35Status: Open

Women’s Group | UnwindPaige CawyerWhere: On CampusWhen: Wednesdays | 7:00pmFrequency: WeeklyAge Range: 18+Status: Open

Women’s Class Harden, Reinoso, Wilson Where: On CampusWhen: Sundays | 9:45amFrequency: WeeklyAge Range: All AgesStatus: Open

WOMEN’SCONNECTION GROUPS[ [

Women at First Colony GATHER + GROW + GO to build friendships, encourage and support each other, study the Bible together and serve our community.

Children’s Programs Available Participating in Crazy Love

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Divorced Women’s GroupKathy KrimskyWhere: On Campus When: Sundays | 5:00pmFrequency: Semi-MonthlyAge Range: All AgesStatus: Open

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NEW Chronic Pain/Illness Support GroupCindy ScottWhere: On CampusWhen: Sundays | 9:45amFrequency: Last Sunday Of Each MonthAge Range: All AgesStatus: Open

First Colony Networking GroupCarl WolfeWhere: On Campus When: Fridays | 6:30pmFrequency: WeeklyAge Range: All AgesStatus: Open

Grief Support GroupVirgil FryWhere: On Campus When: Sundays | 9:45amFrequency: Seasonal, Weekly Age Range: All AgesStatus: Open

CAREGROUPS[ [

You were not meant to go through life’s struggles alone. First Colony offers groups and counseling in various capacities to meet the needs that accompany difficult times. Biblical guidance, compassion and strong communal support form the basis of our Care Ministries. More Info | shaneg@firstcolonychurch.org Children’s Programs Available

Celebrate RecoveryPhil MartinWhere: On CampusWhen: Fridays | 6:00pmFrequency: WeeklyAge Range: All AgesStatus: Open

Divorce CareVarious Times & LocationsContact Shane Gage For More InfoStatus: Open

Mental Health & Wellness Support Group Hal ElrodWhere: On CampusWhen: Sundays | 9:45amFrequency: Monthly, 2nd Sunday of monthAge Range: All AgesStatus: Open

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Young AdultsStan & Harriet Cottrell This Connection Group gives young adults the opportunity to develop meaningful relationships, ministry skills and a knowledge of biblical truths that will equip them as they serve together and make a difference for God’s Kingdom. Where: On CampusWhen: Sundays | 9:45amFrequency: WeeklyAge Range: 20’s - 30’sStatus: Open

Connected Landon Speights & Andy Pace This Connection Group is a great place for young parents (married and single) with young children to connect with one another! Class time is heavy on fellowship and discussion-based Bible study.Where: On CampusWhen: Sundays | 9:45amFrequency: WeeklyAge Range: 20 - 40Status: Open

Connection Group This Connection Group is for anyone with a desire to dig into God’s Word together in a discussion-based study.Where: On CampusWhen: Sundays | 9:45amFrequency: WeeklyAge Range: All AgesStatus: Open

Family Class Tim Smith & Charlie Onstead This Connection Group is for parents, kids, grandparents, and more! An interactive Bible class that seeks to stimulate cross-generational discussion and study God’s Word together.Where: On CampusWhen: Sundays | 9:45amFrequency: WeeklyAge Range: All Ages Status: Open

Meet on campus every Sunday at 9:45amSunday Morning Connection Groups are a great opportunity to GATHER for fellowship and community, GROW through discussion based Bible study and GO by serving together.

SUNDAY MORNINGCONNECTION GROUPS[ [Children’s Programs Available Participating in Crazy Love

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Mature SinglesDon Payne & John RicksThis Connection Group is a fun, lively bunch that enjoy exploring God’s Word together as well as connecting for lunch and other times of fellowship.Where: On CampusWhen: Sundays | 9:45amFrequency: WeeklyAge Range: 40+Status: Open

Chapel Class Rodney Howald & Kimmett Brigham This is a Connection Group that loves to study God’s Word together with a good dose of fellowship and food every Sunday.Where: On CampusWhen: Sundays | 9:45amFrequency: WeeklyAge Range: 60+Status: Open

Women’s Class Harden, Reinoso, Wilson This Connection Group for women of all ages, is full of rich discussion and application from the Word specifically encouraging women in their everyday lives.Where: On CampusWhen: Sundays | 9:45amFrequency: WeeklyAge Range: All AgesStatus: Open

Young MarriedsJames & Tiffany WrightBrandon & Emily Cometti This Connection Group is a great place for couples to grow together spiritually and focus on strengthening marriages. Each week there is an interactive discussion-based study.Where: On CampusWhen: Sundays | 9:45amFrequency: WeeklyAge Range: 20’s - 30’sStatus: Open

Journeys Josh & Denise CummingsThis Connection Group is for anyone with a desire to pursue God’s Word together in a discussion-based study.Where: On CampusWhen: Sundays | 9:45amFrequency: WeeklyAge Range: 30 - 50Status: Open

Deeper DiscipleshipBrad & Anita Clarkston This Connection Group’s focus is on learning and developing a deeper understanding of how God’s Word applies to our lives. Discussion and questions are greatly encouraged!Where: On CampusWhen: Sundays | 9:45amFrequency: WeeklyAge Range: 40 - 60Status: Open

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Deaf Fellowship Tony SlateThis Connection Group is for the partially or fully deaf, as well as anyone who would like to learn or improve their sign language skills!Where: On CampusWhen: Sundays | 9:45amFrequency: WeeklyAge Range: All AgesStatus: Open

International GroupRonnie Wright & Jim ShahanThis Connection Group is a place for discussion and Bible study with people from a variety of nationalities! Class is primarily in English, however limited translation is available.Where: On CampusWhen: Sundays | 9:45amFrequency: WeeklyAge Range: All AgesStatus: Open

Spanish Class Tony AguilarA bi-lingual Connection Group for Spanish speakers who would like to enhance their English skills, and for English speakers seeking to improve their Spanish. Where: On CampusWhen: Sundays | 9:45amFrequency: WeeklyAge Range: All AgesStatus: Open

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Men’s GroupPreston Hill, Kyle Mickelson & Wade HolmesWhere: On CampusWhen: Wednesdays | 7:00pmFrequency: WeeklyAge Range: 18+Status: Open

Families with Children & TeensPete & Missy EdgmonWhere: On CampusWhen: Wednesdays | 7:00pmFrequency: WeeklyAge Range: 35 - 45Status: Open

Women’s Group | UnwindPaige CawyerWhere: On CampusWhen: Wednesdays | 7:00pmFrequency: WeeklyAge Range: 18+Status: Open

WEDNESDAY NIGHTCONNECTION GROUPS[ [

Meet on campus every Wednesday at 7:00pm GATHER + GROW + GO on Wednesday Nights while building lasting relationships and experiencing a connected community of believers.

Children’s Programs Available Participating in Crazy Love

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We invite you to GROW with us in a church-wide journey through Crazy Love by Francis Chan.

Does something deep inside your heart long to break free from the status quo? Are you hungry for an authentic faith that addresses the problems of our world with tangible, even radical, solutions? God is calling you to a passionate love relationship with Himself. Because the answer to religious complacency isn’t working harder at a list of do’s and dont’s — it’s falling in love with God. And once you encounter His love, as Francis describes it, you will never be the same.

Because when you’re wildly in love with someone, it changes everything.

GOD IS LOVE.CRAZY, RELENTLESS ALL POWERFUL LOVE

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NOTES