Evangel UMC | Connect Groups

CONNECT GROUPS

Life is better CONNECTED!

Connected to Christ, Connected to Each Other.

You are invited to be part of an Evangel Church Connect Group.

Connect groups are short term spiritual growth opportunities to:

Gather in community, Explore faith, Make new friends, and Study God’s Word

Evangel Connect groups run from 4-12 weeks on a quarterly basis. We offer connect groups at a wide variety of times.

You do not need to be a member to participate

(click below to jump to the section desired)

REGISTRATION OPTIONS

• Call Church Office: 507-289-4817

• Email Office: office@evangelum.org

• Online: www.evangelum.org > Small Groups

Most classes low or no cost. Scholarships available upon request.

discover your spiritual Gifts and how you can use those gifts at Evangel

Discover your Spiritual Gifts with the below Spiritual Gifts Inventory. Then use the "Using Your Spiritual Gifts" link to find out how you can use those gifts at Evangel.

Spiritual Gift Inventory

Using your spiritual gifts

short term connect groups

Faith and Works: How do
they go together?

Host: Dale & Sandy Larsen
Date/Time:Jan. 7 - Feb. 11 (6 weeks) Wednesdays at 6:30PM - 8PM
Where: Fireside Room (#221)

Reading Romans in the Bible

The Bible declares that we are saved by faith in Christ alone. Yet Christ also calls us to be His “hands and feet” and to do good works. How do we reconcile this apparent contradiction? Dale Larsen will lead this Connect Group based on Paul's letter to the Romans.

Sign Up!
The Wesley Challenge: 21 Days to a More Authentic Faith

Host: Reese Werner & Cheryl Root
Date/Time: Jan. 14 - Feb. 4 (4 sessions), Wednesday 5PM - 6PM
Location: Church (room # 223)
Based on the book: The Wesley Challenge: 21 Days to a More Authentic Faith by Chris Folmsbee
Renew your spiritual fire and stoke a deeper commitment to God in the new year by launching healthy, holy, spiritual-forming habits! Join Reese and Cheryl on a 21-day renewal using John Wesley’s 21 Questions of Self-Examination. Pause daily to take a closer look at your life and identify ways to grow in holiness of heart and life. This will set you on a different pathway for the year ahead!
Participants commit to daily engage one of Wesley’s 21 questions in a 15-20 minute format of a short reading, reflection questions, personal application ideas, a Scripture verse and a closing prayer. Participants can do this each day either on your own, or join one of two Zoom meetings to do this jointly with others: at 9a (hosted by Cheryl) or at 9p (hosted by Reese). In addition, everyone is invited to gather once a week for a deeper discussion: Wednesdays from 5-6p (get your dinner and bring it to Room #128). Start your year off with a renewed beginning!

Sign Up!
Experience Jesus. Really.

Hosts: Jim Klepper & Wayne Walters
Date/Time: starting Jan. 15 - Feb. 9, Thursdays 5:30 - 7:00
Where: Fireside Room (#221)
Based on the book: Experience Jesus. Really. by John Eldridge
In this present age, we run the risk of becoming disciples of the Internet. We idolize instant access to a never-ending avalanche of information through Smart News, You-Tube, X and a gazillion other apps. We may even think we are finally holding the keys to a better life. But if that’s true, why are so many of us wrestling with ever increasing levels of anxiety, dissatisfaction and despair? The fact is, we live in a world of weary, skeptical pragmatism- and it’s keeping us from experiencing the God we are dying without.
In “Experience Jesus. Really...” author John Eldridge will guide us to a beautiful alternative from today’s facts and information culture to a pathway of the communion with God who created us for adventure and intimacy with Him. Through stories, practices and prayers, we will learn how to transform our ability to hear the voice of Jesus in our everyday life. Really!

Sign Up!
who is the holy spirit?

Host: Brian Nass & Bruce Talbott
Date/Time: Feb. 25 - April 8 (7 sessions); Wednesdays, 6:30PM-8PM
Location: Church Room #224 (in person and in Zoom)
This Connect Group will explore the person of the Holy Trinity that is most challenging for many of us to understand: The Holy Spirit. As Jesus’ time on earth drew to a close, the disciples felt the tension building all around them. In John 14, you will see how Jesus did all He could to make the coming days as bearable as possible for His beloved disciples. He wanted to prepare them for the days ahead when He would no longer be physically present with them. John 14:15-17 (NIV): “If you love me, keep my commands. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, to help you and be with you forever - the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with and will be in you.”
In this study, discussion, and life application group, we will use the Stonecroft Bible Study book titled Who Is The Holy Spirit? (Harvest House Publishers, 2012) as we spend seven consecutive Wednesday evenings together (either in person or connected via Zoom), navigating through its chapters entitled:
Knowing the Holy Spirit’s Presence
What Is the Holy Spirit’s Work?
How Does the Holy Spirit Help Me Grow?
What Does the Holy Spirit Bring to My Life?
Living in the Power of the Holy Spirit
Enjoying the Presence of the Holy Spirit
Books will be made available to those who indicate their intent to be a part of this group.

Sign Up!
new membership class

Hosts: Pastor David & Jeff Lansdowne
Date/Time TBD
This is for anyone curious about membership at Evangel UMC. Participants will be invited (but not required) to join the church as Professing Members after taking the class. We’ll cover our spiritual journeys so far, the commitment to follow Jesus (being a “professing member”), the “Methodist” and “Wesleyan” way of discipleship, the history and overview of the Evangel congregation, spiritual giftings, areas of service and anything participants wish to discuss! Come if you are considering joining Evangel, or if you just want to learn more.

Sunday Morning Groups

These groups meet between 9:30 AM and 10:15 AM on Sunday Mornings between services

Sunday School Classes

Pre-K in the Nursery
K-2nd Grade Room #130
Grades 3-5 Room #223
Grades 6-8 Room #131
Grades 9-12 Room #129
Parent's Cafe

Dinette (or Room #128) Open Forum
- Lively and honest discussion about parenting from a biblical and Christian approach. By parents, for parents. Support and laughter abound.
Jesus Series

Room #128 (or Pastor's Office)
Hosts: Reanna & Brandon Elizade
- We continue the series following how Jesus plays a key role in each and every story told throughout the Bible. This deeper dive into Scripture will help us see Jesus in each of our readings through the Bible this year as well as help you discover God’s purpose and plan for your life in his great story. The five series are 1. Beginnings: The Story of How All Things Were Created by God and for God. 2. Revolt: The Story of God’s Pursuit of Imperfect People. 3. People: The Story of God’s Promise. 4. Savior: The Story of God's Rescue Plan. 5. Church: The Story of Jesus on Display to the World.
the upper room group

Room #221 (Fireside Room)
Host: Pastor Susie
Discussing a devotional using The Upper Room, which will be provided.
Adults Drop In Class

Room #224 (rotating host)
Rotating hosts who usually take a recent new topic and facilitates discussion on how to reflect on the various complicated issues from a biblical and Christian perspective. Occasionally the group welcomes special speakers who share about a variety of ministry opportunities.

Midweek discipleship groups

youth group

Hosts: Peter Kroneman & Andy McCright
Date/Time: Fridays at 7 PM
Location: Youth Room & lower level
This is intended for Middle school and senior high youth.
Snacks, networking, games, worship and study on how to grow as a Christian youth.
Confirmation

Hosts: Pastor David and Susie O'Connell
Date/Time: Wednesdays 6:15 PM - 7:30 PM
Location: Room 224
All kids entering 7th grade in the fall (and older) are invited to join the next Confirmation Class, which will run from June 2025 through August 2026:

The purpose of Confirmation is to equip young people to confirm for themselves the vows of Christian disciple-ship. It includes teaching, experiences and discussion about the fundamentals of the Christian faith, the Bible
and living for Jesus. Talk to Pastors David or Susie if interested.

Fellowship groups

Community dinners

Date/Time: Wednesdays 5 PM - 6:15 PM
Dinner for everyone! Free will donation.
Women of Evangel

Host: Becky Pierce
Date/Time: 3rd Thursday of the month at 1:00 PM
Room: Lobby
Snacks, devotions, sharing, and fellowship.
older folders

Host: Mike Aakre
Date/Time: Every Friday at 11:00 AM in the Fireside Room
After the Sunday bulletins or monthly newsletters are folded, stick around for snacks, coffee, and fellowship.
Intergenerational board games

Host: Reese Werner
Date/Time: Wednesdays at 6:15 PM - 7:30 PM in the lobby
Building intergenerational relationships over the fun of a board game.
Bring a game or join in. It’s fun!
take a hike

Host: Jim Klepper and Mike Aakre
Date/Time: TBD
Take a hike in God’s creation!

Life groups

Interested? Contact Pastor David or sign up below.

Life Groups are small, long-term groups (2–5 people) that meet regularly to share life, celebrate wins, discuss struggles, and encourage spiritual growth. Meetings can be weekly or monthly, structured or informal—whatever works best. Evangel is launching two new Life Groups this fall. If this sounds like what you need, reach out to Pastor David.

Sign Up

Dinner fellowship groups

Meal fellowship groups

Fellowship meals are also being offered on various days, times, and locations. Share a meal, build connec-tion, and grow in faith together. Let us know you're interested and we’ll help you get connected!

Sign Up

service groups

sewing circle

Host: Becky Pierce
Date/Time: Mondays at 1:00 PM
Location: Room 224
Pinning quilt squares provides the context for lots of great fellowship. If interested, please fill in the information form below.

Sign Up
Praise Team

Host: Jim Klepper
Date/Time: Wednesday at 6:15 PM
Location: Sanctuary
Rehearsals are also a time of worship, fellowship and spiritual growth. If you are interested, please fill out the information form below.

Sign Up
Evangel Tech Team

The Tech Team is the technical heart of worship at Evangel. There are opportunities for people to work the cameras during a service, run the slides for the big screens during the service, or run the sound during the service. Don't worry if you don't know how to do these things. We will train you if you think it is something you would like to do.

If you are interested in joining us, contact the office at office@evangelum.org, call 507-289-4817 or talk to Fant.
Evangel bells

Host: Anita Hermanson
Date/Time: Rehearsals are during the school year on Wednesdays at 7:30 PM
Location: Room 223
Anyone in grade 6 through adult are invited to join for a fun night of playing handbells. The Handbells will perform approximately once a month during service time on Sundays.
evangel Choir

Host: Pam Wright
Date/Time: Rehearsals are Thursday at 7:30 PM through the school year
Loation: Sanctuary
Rehearsals are a time of singing, fellowship and prayer. The choir sings for almost all 8:30 AM services during the school year as well as some special services. If you are interested, please fill out the information form below or talk to the director Pam Wright..

Sign Up
Hospitality Group

Watch for updates.
Help create a warm, welcoming space on Sunday mornings.
Kitchen Krew

Host: Mark Clark (when needed)
Cook, serve and clean up for the occasional meals Evangel hosts. If you are interested, please fill out the information form below.

Sign Up
Bible Story time

Host: Jim Klepper
Evangel loves all kids! Every Wednesday Evangel staff and volunteers offer a Wednesday morning ‘Sunday School” for children of the “Good News” day care Center. Singing, Prayer, Bible stories and crafts are included along with a year end concert for families that draws about 100 people!
Evangel cares

Host: Janet Guderian
Date/Time: When needed
Location: Where needed
The Evangel Care Team wants to support those in need. Contact the church office at office@evangel.org or 507-289-4817 if you would like support from the Evangel Cares group or if you would like to be a part of the team.