Life Groups | Koinonia

Life Groups are a great way to get connected and further your walk with God. Whether you are a new believer just starting on your journey, or a mature believer who is looking for encouragement in your walk, Life Groups are a great way to develop relationships, learn new and exciting things and have a whole lot of fun in the process! Our Life Groups run over a 10-12 week period and offer a variety of topics! Roll over each of the course titles below to reveal a description and group information.

Life Group signups take place from January 8-18.

Winter Semester begins the week of February 1, 2012, and runs through until April 11, 2012. (Note: There will be no Life Groups on Wednesday, March 14)

Life Group signups are now closed, but some groups are still open. Contact the church for more details.

Getting Started

Welcome to the family! If you’ve just been getting started in your journey of faith within the last year or so, we would love you to be a part of this group. We’ll talk about the basics of faith in Christ and what it really means to be “born again,” and we’ll discuss any questions you may have.

Requirements: Bring your Bible, notebook and pen.

Location: Koinonia Classroom
Date & Time: Wednesdays - 7:00-8:30pm
Leaders: Tony & Dawn Ward
Childcare: Regular Children’s Ministry

Life Group Wednesdays

Getting Started

Requirements: Bring your Bible, notebook and pen.

Location: Koinonia Classroom
Date & Time: Wednesdays - 7:00-8:30pm
Leaders: Tony & Dawn Ward
Childcare: Regular Children’s Ministry

Catch the Vision

Catch the Vision is designed to share the vision of Koinonia and communicate our core values. The class centres around DVDs of Pastor Steve sharing each of the core values. You will also have opportunity to ask questions, debrief on each session, and meet other leaders. This is a great orientation if you are considering making Koinonia your home—or, if you have already made Koinonia your home, this is a necessary step to becoming involved. Upon completion you can take your place in this local church and begin to share your gifts.

Requirements: Purchase CTV workbook at the Koinonia Bookstore for $4.00 before the first class.

Location: KCF Classroom
Date & Time: Wednesdays, 7:00pm
Leaders: Beth Fleming & Shirley Drost
Childcare: Regular Children's Ministry

The 5 Love Languages

Are you and your spouse speaking the same language? People express and receive love in different ways. Are you expressing your love in a way your spouse doesn’t understand? You may be speaking two different languages. These love languages apply to our children as well. Come and join us for a study of the book The Five Love Languages.

Requirements: Max. 7 married couples. Purchase The Five Love Languages by Gary Chapman for $13.99 + tax at the Koinonia Bookstore.

Location: KCF Classroom
Date & Time: Wednesdays 7:00-8:30
Leaders: David & Alannah Friesen
Childcare: Regular Children's Ministry

Prophetic Prayer

Effectual prayer is the only way out of your past and into your future. We need to hear a sound from heaven, and then echo that sound back to heaven. In this group we will learn how to effectively pray - releasing our sound back to heaven.

Requirements: Bring your Bible, notebook and a pen.

Location: KCF Classroom
Date & Time: Wednesdays 7:00-8:30
Leaders: Jim Lee & Chris Mitchell
Childcare: Regular Children's Ministry

Building A Strong Family - A Perspective

We will be sharing some principles of family life from our perspective. This will cover topics such as parents and children, dating, home life, marriage, standing strong in today's world, and attitudes.

Requirements: This group is for anyone from teens to adults. Bring your Bible, notebook and a pen.

Location: KCF Classroom
Date & Time: Wednesdays 7:00-8:30
Leaders: Bill & Bernice deVries
Childcare: Regular Children's Ministry

Supernatural Childbirth

Experience God's best for you in conception, pregnancy and delivery. Learn how to speak over your body and baby, and how to effectively pray. Come and be encouraged from the Word of God and the experiences of other women.

Requirements: This group is for women age 18+. Purchase the book Supernatural Childbirth by Jackie Mize for $7.99 at the Koinonia Bookstore. Recommended reading The Blessing of the Lord by Kenneth Copeland also available for $20.00.

Location: KCF Classroom
Date & Time: Wednesdays 7:00-8:30
Leaders: Tiffany Baskaran & Cecile Turner
Childcare: None

Honour’s Reward

HONOUR'S REWARD is a video series by John Bevere that unveils the power and truth of an often overlooked principle - the spiritual law of honour. God promises: "Those who honour me I will honour."

Join us as we dig into Scripture to learn the importance of valuing, respecting, and honouring our Creator, family members, authorities, and those who fill our world. When you understand the vital role of this virtue, you will attract blessing both now and for eternity.

Requirements: Purchase the book Honour's Reward by John Bevere for $15.99 at the Koinonia Bookstore.

Location: KCF Classroom
Date & Time: Wednesdays 7:00-8:30
Leaders: Dave & BJ Champion
Childcare: Regular Children's Ministry

Kissed the Girls and Made them Cry

Don't believe the lie - sexual purity isn't about rules. It's about freedom and power. It's time to take back what we've so cheaply given away. This Lisa Bevere course is for girls who long for greater intimacy with Jesus and who need to embrace Godís healing and restoring love.

Requirements: For girls age 12-18. Purchase workbook Kissed the Girls and Made them Cry by Lisa Bevere for $10.79 at the Koinonia Bookstore.

Location: KCF Classroom
Date & Time: Wednesdays 7:00-8:30
Leaders: Jessie-Lee Schwartz, Anneliese Schwartz
Childcare: Regular Children's Ministry

All Greek to Me

Are you baffled by linguistics? Would you like to know how to find out if quotes from Greek or Hebrew are right, or be able to do your own word study from the originals? Beginning with the assumption that you know no Greek or Hebrew, we will demonstrate some online tools and books to equip you to investigate the original Bible text. As a group, we will use these tools to do some example word studies, look into handling disagreements over the texts and consider some challenges facing translators.

Requirements: Bring your Bible, notebook and a pen.

Location: KCF Classroom
Date & Time: Wednesdays 7:00-8:30
Leaders: John Turner & Ralph Ninaber
Childcare: Regular Children's Ministry

Financial Peace

Financial Peace is a video curriculum taught by financial expert Dave Ramsey. This life-changing program is highly entertaining as it combines humour, informative financial advice, and biblical messages to teach you how to set and achieve your financial goals. During this series, you will learn to build wealth by eliminating debt, saving for the future, and giving like never before. Stop worrying about money and start your journey to Financial Peace today.

Requirements: Max 12 participants/families. This course is usually $100/family, but is being offered to Koinonia at a discounted rate of $85/family for the kit (which includes a workbook, CD & much more). Purchase kits from leaders on the first night of classes.

Location: KCF Classroom
Date & Time: Wednesdays 7:00-8:30
Leaders: Rob Musselman & Nathan Schwartz
Childcare: Regular Children's Ministry

Power to Create

Power to Create is a curriculum by Tim Redmond that is based on Deut 8:18, designed to help equip you to fulfill your God-given purpose and assignment. The curriculum is created to transform the way you view your Creator, your relationships, your occupation, and your finances. You were created to live life to the fullest; to overcome obstacles, fear, and chaos to fulfill God's unique purpose for you. The interactive workbooks will give you resources to get the most out of the material and assist in making personal applications.

Requirements: Purchase the Power to Create workbook by Tim Redmond for $13.00 at the Koinonia Bookstore.

Location: KCF Classroom
Date & Time: Wednesdays 7:00-8:30
Leaders: Pastor Steve Fleming, Jim Brown, Darren Scott, Larry Wood, Hilco Stevens, Erik VanderAhe, Jack Bosman
Childcare: Regular Children's Ministry

Healthy Living - with “The Daniel Plan”

Together we will create a vision/plan for a healthy lifestyle; body, soul and spirit, using resources from Rick Warren's Saddleback Church called The Daniel Plan. With the focus on eating 'clean', exercising regularly and sharing revelation on what the Word says, this weekly motivational DVD series will educate and inspire!

Requirements: This course is open to all, and will have 1 or 2 classes with a fitness element (e.g. Zumba). A small fee for photocopies of materials will be charged.

Location: KCF Classroom
Date & Time: Wednesdays 7:00-8:30
Leaders: Brenda Scott
Childcare: Regular Children's Ministry

Discipleship Life Groups

Rooted & Grounded

Join us for a weekly DVD teaching followed by group discussion. This course will assist you as a believer in becoming grounded in the foundation stones of our faith that are found in He- brews 6:1-3. Learn to stand firm on the Solid Rock–Jesus Christ. (Dates: Jan 29, Feb 5, 12, 19, 26)

Requirements: Purchase R&G workbook for $4.00 at the Koinonia Bookstore before the first class.

Location: KCF Classroom
Date & Time: Sundays (5 weeks)
Leaders: Ralph & Bunny Ninaber
Childcare: Regular Children’s Ministry

Be in Health

The roots behind many diseases are often spiritual and are linked to how we think and feel. Fear, stress, bitterness, accusation, and rejection can interfere with and interrupt the normal function of our body’s systems. We will examine the source of those thoughts and feelings and the impact they have on our spirit, soul and body. We will study the principles found in “A More Excellent Way” by Henry Wright that will bring healing in our relationships and our health as well as disease prevention.

Requirements: Purchase A More Excellent Way by Henry Wright for $19.99 at the Koinonia Bookstore.

Location: 7 Pioneer Ridge Dr., Kitchener
Date & Time: Thursdays, 7:30-9:00pm
Leaders: Ray and Barb Lee
Childcare: None

So Long, Insecurity!

Join me as we journey through Beth Moore's book So Long Insecurity and learn how to conquer our insecurities and be the confident women of God we were meant to be. Following our discussion times, we will have a chance to pamper ourselves with a relaxing soak in a hot tub - what a great way to start off the week!

Requirements: This group is for women only. Purchase So Long Insecurity by Beth Moore for $8.99 at the Koinonia Bookstore. Bring a swim suit & towel (optional).

Location: 252 Zeller Dr., Kitchener
Date & Time: Sundays 7:30-9:30pm
Leaders: Laurie Ellis
Childcare: None

Vivid Volleyball

Looking for a Monday night full of action with competitive volleyball? Here's a Life Group for both men and women that have a good understanding of the rules as well as the skill level to play in a competitive group. Maximum number of players is 16 (2 teams of 6 with 2 people to rotate in on each side).

Requirements: This group is open to both men & women. Must have reasonable skill and understanding of the rules. Proper sportswear and non-marking running shoes required. Cost is $20/person.

Location: KCF Gym
Date & Time: Mondays 6:55-9:00pm
Leaders: Rob & Robin Nugteren
Childcare: None

Book Club!

Love to read? Love to talk about what you are reading? Join me and a group of women as we read our way through 3 books. We will take time to discuss each as we get to know one another and explore the written word over some fabulous food. We will be reading an autobiography (provided), a teaching book (provided), and a Christian fiction novel (to be purchased).

Requirements: This group is for women only. Purchase the book The Shack by William P. Young for $6.99 at the Koinonia Bookstore.

Location: 7 Kraftwood Pl., RR#1 Waterloo
Date & Time: Mondays 7:00-9:00pm
Leaders: Shirley Drost
Childcare: None

No More Condemnation

In Romans 8:1 it says, "There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus," but today in the body of Christ there are so many who are living in condemnation. As a group we are going to learn how to overcome condemnation by the grace that came through Jesus Christ.

Requirements: Bring a Bible, notebook and a pen.

Location: KCF Classroom
Date & Time: Tuesdays 7:00-9:00pm
Leaders: Don & Linda Boucher, Tony Ward
Childcare: None

Biblical Truths & Shifting Paradigms (A Journey of Discovery)

"What we don't know can hurt us." Yet in the words of another wise man, "We don't know what we don't know, are forgetting some of what we DO know, and some of what we know just ain't so!" We will explore different world views regarding education, economics and health, and compare them to biblical truths. This will empower us to make wise decisions; promoting blessing for ourselves, our families, and for future generations. Join us as we receive insight from God's Word, and participate in stimulating discussions about some cutting edge discoveries.

Requirements: Bring your Bible, notebook and a pen.

Location: KCF Classroom
Date & Time: Fridays 7:00-9:00pm
Leaders: Rick & Janet Lloyd, Oran Cronk
Childcare: None

Discipling Others & Community Action

Ray of Hope Community Centre

Koinonia provides the Ray of Hope Community Centre with continual support, and we need YOU to help make it happen! There are many ways to get involved, whether through assisting with services, food preparation, children’s programs, ongoing renovations, food and clothing donations, as well as financial aid. Please sign up for more information on how YOU can make a difference to those in need in Waterloo Region. Can’t wait to have you be a part of our team! Our team serves regularly the third Sunday of every month.

For more information, contact:
David & Lisa Reid
E: lisareid@hawksviewhomes.com

Oto Perez
P: 519-744-7447
E: oto.perez@kcf.org

Sunnyside

Sunnyside Home, located in the residential area of Stanley Park in Kitchener, is an accredited facility providing different levels of care for people who require assistance with the activities of daily living. Sunnyside has a very active volunteer program with over 200 volunteers who are integral to the provision of quality care to the residents, but there are always many more positions available. Our team has the privilege of running services on the 3rd Sunday of every month. We’d love to have you help out!

For more information, please contact:
George Schmidt
P: 519-744-7447, ext 228
E: george.schmidt@kcf.org

KiDZONE URBAN MINISTRIES

Vision: Impacting our generation today to build towards a better tomorrow.

Mission: We will inspire and empower a generation to make positive choices.

Core Beliefs: We believe in helping people to pursue lives that are purpose driven. We believe that personal integrity empowers positive influence. We believe in loving people personally and practically.

KiDZONE fulfills this vision through our weekly after-school programs, visitation (’Viz’) to the children and their families, and our urban events. We are always looking for committed people, both young and mature, to serve the cause of Christ: “to seek and save that which was lost.” - Luke 19:10

For more information, please contact:
Julie Beecraft
P: 519-744-7447, ext 226
E: juliebeecraft@kcf.org

GRAND VALLEY INSTITUTION FOR WOMEN

Be a part of supporting the women in the prison through a variety of activities and bimonthly services. Involvement is bi-monthly.

For more information please contact:
Dawn Ward
P: 519- 746-2793
E: todaw@rogers.com

Koinonia Kids

Please consider becoming part of the Koinonia Kids team for the 10 week fall session of Life Group Wednesdays. Opportunities are available to serve in any of our classes from Nursery to Grade 6. Sign up and pick up an application at the Community Action table in the hallway!

For more information, contact the Koinonia Kids office:
Jayne Ferriss & Cheryl VanderAhe
P: 519-744-7447, ext 242
E: koinoniakids@kcf.org

Careforce Lifekeys

Careforce LifeKeys groups are designed to help you discover the keys to unlocking the door to a life FREE from the issues that stand your way, and allow you to be able to enjoy the abundant life that God has planned for you according to Jeremiah 29:11. Through a supportive small group structure, group participants are able to share together in an environment of unconditional love, acceptance and confidentiality.

Careforce LifeKeys groups provide an excellent outreach opportunity into our communities. These small groups are supportive in nature and are very unobtrusive for participants to experience God as they find keys to living life to the fullest and breaking free of past hurts, beliefs and unhealthy behaviours.

SIGN-UP PROCEDURE FOR CAREFORCE LIFEKEYS GROUPS:

Groups are filled on a first-come, first-serve basis. Most groups have a maximum of 8 participants and fill up quickly! All Careforce Lifekeys Courses cost $35, which includes a participant’s manual. ALL of the following steps must be completed to be considered for any group:

Pick up application from the signup tables**
Read through and fill out ALL information on the application
Return fully completed application to the Info Centre with payment

** Taking an application brochure does not mean you are signed up for the course!

Search for Life

All of us are on a journey to experience the fullness of the abundant life that God desires for us, but often we find our experience falling short. In this small group, participants will explore and identify some of the issues that are robbing us of LIFE... issues like anxiety, inadequacy and low self esteem. We will explore our core need deep inside us for significance, security and acceptance, and we will learn how to make God the primary source of meeting those needs. This will be a unique journey to be shared with others on your personal “Search for Life.”

Requirements: Hand in Application form and $35 to the Info Centre. Cost of course includes the Search for Life Participants Manual. Max. 8 participants.

Location: KCF Classroom
Date & Time: Wednesdays, 7:00-9:00pm (*extra length)
Leaders: Linda Tyler & Karen Brown
Childcare: Regular Children's Ministry

Valiant Man

Learning how to handle the pressure of male sexuality is one of the skills necessary for a man to be successful in his personal life, his home life and his spiritual development. We live in a highly sexualized world, and the pressure to develop distortions in male sexuality is high. When men develop distorted sexuality their integrity is imperiled, their spiritual vitality is undermined, their marriages are endangered; often women and children are the victims. Developing and maintaining a healthy sexuality is part of every man's battle. We invite you to be part of Valiant Man.

Requirements: For men only. Hand in application form & $35 to the Info Centre.

Location: KCF Classroom
Date & Time: Wednesdays 7:00-9:00 (*extra length)
Leaders: Cory Harris & Steve Martin
Childcare: Regular Children's Ministry ends at 8:30, and this group runs until 9:00.

Search for Intimacy - for Guys

Sex is a part of life. Managed well, it is a profound gift. Managed poorly, it is a source of pain and distress. Search for Intimacy is designed to empower single people to live successfully in a highly sexualized world. This program addresses a core aspect of life: sex. It is a part of life that can bring joy or pain. People need more than rules about sex. They need a framework for life that will enable them to have fulfilled and successful relationships. Search for Intimacy will help you explore finding a life partner and appropriately handling sexuality.

Requirements: This groups is for guys only, age 16-19. Fill out an application. Cost of course is $35 which includes the Search for Intimacy Participant's Manual. Max. 8 participants.

Location: KCF Classroom
Date & Time: Wednesdays 7:00-9:00pm (*extra length)
Leaders: Mike Beecraft & Steve Warner
Childcare: Regular Children's Ministry

Understanding Your Valiant Man

Many women want to understand the men in their lives. Understanding Your Valiant Man has been developed for women as a companion program to Valiant Man, which is designed to provide men with an empowering experience of sexual discipleship. This program allows women to see and understand the journey the men involved in Valiant Man are taking.

Requirements: This group is for married women only. Fill out an application. Cost of course is $35 which includes the Understanding Your Valiant Man Participant's Manual. Max. 8 participants.

Location: KCF Classroom
Date & Time: Wednesdays 7:00-9:00pm
Leaders: Maria VanderAhe & Maria-Esther Wood
Childcare: Regular Children's Ministry

Search for Intimacy - for Girls

Sex is a part of life. Managed well, it is a profound gift. Managed poorly, it is a source of pain and distress. Search for Intimacy is designed to empower single people to live successfully in a highly sexualized world. This program addresses a core aspect of life: sex. It is a part of life that can bring joy or pain. People need more than rules about sex. They need a framework for life that will enable them to have fulfilled and successful relationships. Search for Intimacy will help you explore finding a life partner and appropriately handle sexuality.

Requirements: This group is for gals only, age 16-19. Fill out an application. Cost of course is $35 which includes the Search for Intimacy Participant's Manual. Max. 8 participants.

Location: KCF Classroom
Date & Time: Wednesdays 7:00-9:00pm (*extra length)
Leaders: Amanda Waters & Heidi Fleming

Connecting and Ongoing Support

Support Group for Parents of Children with Special Needs

A new Koinonia support group for parents of children with special needs (whether your child has a diagnosis or an undetermined disability). Be inspired, be encouraged, be comforted, be informed, and be a blessing to others. Meet with people who know what you're going through.

Requirements: For parents.

Location: KCF Lounge A
Date & Time: 4th Saturday of each month (Jan-May) - 10:00-11:30am
Leaders: Patricia Nugteren & Mary Pike
Childcare: None

Thrive

Thrive is an opportunity to develop rich relationships and grow as a thriving single adult! Join us as we connect over Bible studies, food, fellowship and fun social events. Check us out on facebook!

Jan 22 - Bible Study, 7:00pm
Feb 20 - Toboganning & hot chocolate (open to Solo Parents & kids)
March 3 - Waterloo Region Worships & Coffee at Williams
April 22 - Brunch & Games

Requirements: For singles in their 30s & 40s. Solo parents welcome.

Location: Varies
Date & Time: 1 monthly event
Leaders: John and Karen Thorne

Divine Women - Prayer

Every time we pray, we’re advancing God’s purposes and doing a great work! Join us as we link our hearts together in prayer and invite the power of the Father to touch lives and meet needs. We are believing to encourage one another, to effect change and to influence our world!

Requirements: For women age 18+.

Location: KCF Lounge A&B
Date & Time: 1 Monday evening per month
Leaders: Beth Fleming, Dot Turner, Jen Choong, Joni Hartwick, Lori Bigelow

Friends (Saturdays)

This is a group for women 50+ without partners (widowed, divorced, separated, single) to come together to fellowship, encourage, and support one another. The Saturday events will be in a home and there will be no charge. The Friday events will vary, but may include potluck get-togethers, going to movies or events, dinner out, etc.

Requirements: For single women age 50+.

Location: 42 Schueller St., Kitchener
Date & Time: 2nd Saturday of each month
Leaders: Linda Cook
Childcare: None

Friends (Fridays)

Requirements: For single women age 50+.

Location: Varies
Date & Time: 4th Friday each month
Leaders: George & Barb Schmidt
Childcare: None