7 End-Of-Year Group Changes, Updates, and Reminders

A long, weird, sometimes encouraging, but often discouraging season of Community Groups is coming to an end. Our Spring Community Group trimester ends in 2 weeks (May 29th).

As we head into the Summer I wanted to share a few reminders and update you on a few changes coming for groups and for you as Group Leaders.

1. COVID-19 Capacity Changes

Beginning Tuesday, May 19th, New York State is lifting many of their capacity restrictions. Here is the one that is most relevant to Community Groups:

"Outdoor residential gathering limit is removed and indoor residential gathering limit increases to 50."

2. Redwings Game - Proof of Vaccination and Testing No Longer Needed

One small way to say thanks for your investment as Group Leaders is through our Group Leader Celebration.

We want to purchase tickets for you and your family to join us at a Rochester Redwings Baseball Game, on Friday, June 18th, 7:05pm!

3 Weeks ago I shared that everyone age 3 and up would either need to show proof of vaccination, or a negative COVID-19 test. Those requirements have been removed.

Here is the Red Wings Update regarding masking:

"Per the guidance of New York State and the CDC, vaccinated fans will no longer have to wear masks at Frontier Field effective for our home opener on May 18. Unvaccinated fans will still have to wear masks. The Red Wings still encourage all fans to wear a mask unless actively eating or drinking in their seat."

If that changes your interest in attending this event with your family, you can RSVP again.

If you have not yet RSVP'd for this event, we need your response by next Tuesday, May 25th.

RSVP HERE

3. Groups Database Switch

As you may have heard in recent weeks, we are in the process of updating our church management system.

Our goal is to improve our ability to disciple those who are part of Northridge to become better followers of Jesus.

In addition to changing where you give online, this will also change managing your groups online.

We hope to make this change as seamless as possible for you as you manage and communicate with your group.

There is no need for you to change or do anything different at this point.

4. Plan Summer Gatherings

As we wind down our Spring trimester, we want to encourage you as Group Leaders to take a break from the weekly grind that comes with planning group meetings and caring for your group.

Our Summer break is long (3+ months). While groups take a break, life doesn't. And while we take a break from weekly meetings, we can’t break from Community. We encourage groups to plan a few social gatherings over the summer to stay connected. Once a month may be a good rhythm.

The best way to ensure you stay connected, is to put a few dates on the calendar now, and communicate them before your last meeting.

5. Get Feedback

How did this past year of group go? How are your group members feeling about group? What changes would help as you plan for the next season of groups?

You won't know unless you ask.

Take some time to handout 3x5 cards for feedback, or send out an email or survey after your last meeting. Ask your group members what they loved most this year as well as any suggestions to improve group going forward.

6. Discuss Growth Goals

Make sure to take some time in one of your last meetings to checkin on how your group members are doing, and maybe even set some goals for the summer.

Printable & Shareable Growth Goal Cards

7. Serving Opportunities for Your Group

Clean up the El Camino Trail

The El Camino trail is a multi-use pedestrian greenway that was adapted from an old railroad line. The 2.25-mile trail runs from Mill Street in High Falls all the way to the Seneca Park pedestrian bridge. The trail provides a safe, continuous pedestrian and bicycle route accessible to citizens from all walks of life. One of the northern portions of the trail runs along the east side of the Rochester campus' parking lot. This is a great project to do as a Community Group to spend time together, get to know more of our beautiful community, and serve our neighbors.
For more information and access to cleaning resources, email Eric Lintala, at elintala@northridgerochester.com.

Build a picnic bench for our partner school, Rise Community School 106!

Right down Ridge Road near Kodak, less than a mile from our Rochester Campus, Rise 106 serves pre-K through 6th grade as a part Rochester City School District. The students and faculty would love another 3-4 picnic benches to use during lunches and free time. This is a great opportunity for your community group to come together to serve students in our city with the use of their time, talent, and resources.
For more information, please email Eric Lintala at elintala@northridgerochester.com.