[small groups] categories
From Jeff Schuliger, Minister of Small Groups
(Note: A search function will be added to this website by Fall 2009 to allow you to look for openings in existing small groups, searching by criteria of your choosing.)
ADULTS
Park Street is a rather large church, and it is sometimes difficult to cultivate an intimate community of faith. Involvement in a small group is a great way to find a spiritual home—we have a number of options for adults, based upon content, age, gender, and location:
You may be interested in Park Street Café, which is a ministry to those in their 20s. Their small groups meet on Tuesday nights at the church. There are Café Connecting Groups which are always open to newcomers. Simply, come to the church at 7pm on Tuesday, and the welcome table will direct you appropriately.
If you are a bit ‘older’ than twenty, you may be interested in Park Street’s CrossWalk ministry, which addresses the needs of both single and married persons in their thirties. They meet on Wednesday evenings at 7pm in the church and also have an open Bible study for newcomers.
If you would like a small group with more age diversity, Neighborhood Groups, which are organized by location, discuss the morning sermons as preached by the senior pastor Gordon Hugenberger, and/or other chosen topics.
There are also thematic groups organized around a common interest, including those for military officers, philosophy, Barnabas/missionary support, and Friendship Ministry/cognitive disability.
WORSHIP + ARTS
We have several groups affiliated with our arts ministry, Park Street Arts. One is a creative writing group and the other a photography group. If you are interested in more information about these or other groups that may be formed through this ministry, or if you have questions about the Park Street Arts ministry, please feel free to contact ministry leader Tyler York.
STUDENTS
The Graduate Student Ministry at Park Street provides small group Bible studies, offers pastoral care and counseling, and challenges students with lectures on issues relevant to faith in the academic and professional world. You may contact Marie Williams at 617.523.3383 x508 for more information or if you desire to be connected into that ministry.
For undergraduates, Real Life Boston has small groups at most colleges in Boston, and holds Citywide meetings of all 26 campuses on Friday evenings at Harvard, starting each September. Visit their website, www.reallifeboston.com, for more info or email if you want to get on a list to receive all updated announcements.
FAMILIES
If you would like a small group with more age diversity, Neighborhood Groups, which are organized by location, discuss the morning sermons as preached by the senior pastor Gordon Hugenberger, and/or other chosen topics. If you are interested in beginning a group in your neighborhood, please feel free to contact me and we’ll talk about it.
Couples groups are available for young married and engaged couples through the Park Street Union ministry.
Youth groups exist for 7th through 12th graders. These weekly 7.07 Groups meet from 7:07–8:30pm in various Metro locations and are designed to grow individual and community faith.
Family groups (married couples with or without children) meet in homes weekly or every other week and on Family Night on Fridays.
Examples of small groups geared toward parents include the Home School Fellowship and women’s Bible studies with childcare
PRAYER + CARE
Hour of Prayer meets weekly in the FOCUS Conference Room on Sunday mornings, 9:45–10:45. Everyone in the congregation is invited to submit prayer requests to prayer@parkstreet.org.
EDUCATION + CLASSES
While not fully functioning as small groups, classes are great ways to meet people, learn from each other, and perhaps form a continuing small group community. Examples of classes include ESL, Christian Formation, and New Members Classes.
SERVICE + OUTREACH
FOCUS offers small group fellowship opportunities for internationals and friends of internationals.
Angel Teams (a subset of the Wings ministry) form to come alongside and help address the unexpected needs of an individual or family (sudden illness, a death in the family, or another life crisis).
CityWorks oversees service small groups, including Thursday evening ministry to the homeless on Boston Common and the newly-formed group for tutoring urban youth.
