Evangel UMC | Connect Groups

CONNECT GROUPS

Faith is better together. At Evangel, our Connect Groups are the heart of our community—places where we grow in faith, support one another through life's ups and downs, and simply enjoy being neighbors. Whether you're looking for deep Bible study, a supportive prayer circle, or a casual hobby group, there is a place here for you. Explore our current groups below and find where you belong.

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.

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 Gifts Inventory

Using your spiritual gifts

Short Term connect Groups

Women of God: Walking it out

Kay Hess & Cyndy Tischer, hosts
Tuesdays, 1 PM
(August 25, Sept. 1, 8, 15, 22)
Fireside Room (#221)
Ladies, you're invited! Join us for a five-week journey of faith, encouragement, and growing together in God's Word. Through the lives of five women in Scripture, we'll discover practical truths for our own walk with Christ: Lydia – an open heart; Ruth – faithfulness; Esther – courage; Priscilla – service, wisdom & mentoring; Proverbs 31 – bringing these qualities together in the life of a woman who fears the Lord. Each week will include Scripture, meaningful discussion, prayer, and practical encouragement for everyday life. No previous study or conference attendance is needed—everyone is welcome! (Let us know if you plan to join us.) Come grow in faith, build new friendships, and be encouraged as we learn what it means to walk it out as women of God.

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how do you know?

Dale & Sandy Larsen, hosts
Wednesdays, 6:30-8:00 PM
6 weeks: Sept. 16 - Oct. 21
Fireside Room (#221)
Introduction: Children ask the best questions! This study was sparked by a third-grade Sunday School student's out-of-the-blue question: “How do you know that Jesus is real?” We can believe that Christ is not just a myth, and not just someone who lived long ago, and even that He lives today. But how can we know Him personally here and now? In this Connect Group we will first explore how each of us feels about Christ. Then we will look at the historical and Biblical evidence for His life. Then we will dig into Scripture to learn how each of us can develop a personal relationship with Jesus. As we wrap up, each of us will have a solid answer to “How Do You Know?”

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Jesus Is Lord: Living the Lordship of Christ by Tom Berlin

Pastor David Werner
Wednesdays, 6:30-8 PM
8 weeks: Sept. 16 - Nov. 4
Room #224
Introduction: Do you wonder by your daily life looks much like those who don’t follow Jesus? Could it be because although Jesus is your savior, you struggle to have Him as Lord? When Jesus is Lord, life is transformed! Pastor David will host this discussion using Tom Berlin’s new study. Come join this movement beyond nominal faith into a life genuinely shaped by Jesus!

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prayer

Jeff Lansdowne
TBD
Come to connect to God in the life-refreshing blessing of prayer! We’ll be praying for our own needs, concerns, and joys, for we don’t have to face them alone. Together, we’ll pray for the needs of our church, our community, and the people God has placed on our hearts. Whether you pray often or are simply looking for a place to begin, you're invited to join!
“Delight” -A Yours Faithfully Women’s Retreat

Reese (and others!)
7 PM Friday - 1 PM Sunday
November 6-8
At Koronis Ministries, Paynesville (rideshare organized)
Cost: $180 (shared lodging & 5 meals) (Scholarships available)
Introduction: Set aside this special getaway to worship, to pray, to learn, to share and to rest. Zeph. 3:17 “For the Lord your God is living among you. He is a mighty savior. He will take delight in you with gladness. With His love, He will calm all your fears. He will rejoice over you with joyful songs.”

Sunday Morning Groups

These groups meet between 9:35 AM and 10:25 AM on Sunday Mornings between services.

Adult classes are available for anyone. Stop in and say hi.

Sunday School Classes

Pre K to Grade 1 Room #130
Grades 2 - 5 Room #224
Grades 6-8 Room #132
Grades 9-12 Room #131 (Youth Room)

If you are new, please talk to a greeter or usher and they can assist you with finding the right class for your children.
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.
One anothering - 2

Room #212 (or Pastor's Office)
Hosts: Rand and Amanda Fletcher
This group explores what it means to build true community by doing life together—learning to love, encourage, submit to, and bear one another’s burdens. We move past surface-level small talk to foster authentic relationships, practical care, and shared support.
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: Stephanie Mettler and the Youth Leadership Team
Date/Time: Fridays at 7 PM (Twice a month)
Location: Youth Room & lower level
This is intended for Middle school and senior high youth.
Fun, Faith, and Friends.
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

Narthex networking

Hang out in the lobby between services for fellowship!
Community dinners

Date/Time: Wednesdays 5 PM - 6:15 PM (during the school year)
Where: Church Dinette (basement)
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.
Movie group

As announced, on location Show up for dinner & movie!
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

Come ready for a fun and active adventure!

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.

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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!

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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.

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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.

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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.
Handbells

Host: Anita Hermanson
Date/Time: Rehearsals are Wednesday at 7:30 PM through the school year.
Location: Room #223
evangel Choir

Host: Pam Wright
Date/Time: Rehearsals are Thursday at 7:00 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.

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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.

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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.