Our Community Group Trimester just wrapped up. We have a 3-week break scheduled until April 12th.
While Community Group breaks offer a needed respite from the weekly grind of leading and meeting with your group, we are at the beginning of season where people are more isolated than ever, especially those who live alone.
So, how should we handle the Community Group break in light of the COVID-19 situation?
Here are a few ideas:
Consider continuing to meet with your group online.
Just because a break is scheduled doesn't mean your group has to stop meeting. Though a typical group break is needed and replenishes you and your group, this may be a season where continued meetings may actually strengthen your group.
If you are not sure how to get your group online together, our coaches would love to walk through the technology together with you to help you get setup to succeed. Let us know. You can also reference our online group guide.
There is also a phone-in option where you group can all talk on the phone together at the same time. This is especially helpful if your group doesn't have the technology to meet online or isn't as tech savvy.
I know this is a crazy time for all of us as we readjust to a new normal, so for some groups, this may be more of a challenge, but if possible, continuing to meet online may be helpful.
Stay in touch.
Whether or not you are able to continue meeting online, one-on-one connections with your group through phone, text, or facetime may have the highest impact as you care for your group.
GroupMe is a helpful texting tool many groups have used to stay connected.
You can also share short video updates with each other on the Marco Polo app. Aaron Hixson shared how this has been a fun tool he has used to stay connected with his group and friends. Watch how it works HERE.
If you have group members living alone, they may especially appreciate and be helped by additional connections.
Make sure to ask if they have any needs that you and your group can help with. This can be a challenging time both physically and emotionally.
Begin a YouVersion Bible reading plan together.
Help your group refocus their mind on truths from the Bible instead of focusing on worries and fears.
Here is a plan on How To Stop Worrying.
Share prayer requests on YouVersion.
You can now easily share prayer requests with group members and friends who use the YouVersion Bible app.
Pair up group members.
It can be hard to keep up with all of your group members consistently, but if you can pair up group members into groups of 2 or 3, they can keep in touch with each other more consistently.
Pool resources to meet a need.
Check out the Northridge COVID-19 Response page for a list of ideas to serve our church and local community.
Is your group continuing to meet online during the break?
Please click the button below to update us on your group plans.
We would love to help those who are looking for a group find community without having to wait until April 12th.
What other ideas do you have for connecting with your group?
What questions do you have? Let us know, we'd love to be of help!
