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

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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

The twelve disciples: what we can learn from them and apply to our journey

Host: Brian Nass & Bruce Talbot
Date/Time: Wednesdays at 6:30 PM - 8 PM
Sept 20 - Oct. 15
Location: Church (Room # TBD) or via Zoom.
This 6-week Bible study and life application series will follow the flow and structure of the book The Twelve Disciples Bible Study (Rose Publishing in 2019 - $12 on Amazon, if desired). We will learn who these normal, every day people were who Jesus picked as His disciples, will dive into their lives to understand their transformations and why they were selected. We will discuss what we can learn from their lives and how this applies to our own journey to discipleship. Bring your Bible, your heart, soul, and mind.
            Session 1 (Sept 10) - Discipleship: The Method of the Master
            Session 2 (Sept 17) - Peter and Andrew: The Leader and the Connector
            Session 3 (Sept 24) - James and John: The Sons of Thunder
            Session 4 (Oct 1) - Matthew and Thomas: The Tax Collector and the Twin
            Session 5 (Oct 8) - Philip and Nathanael: Men of Few Words

            Session 6 (Oct 15) - James, Thaddaeus, Simon, and Judas: The Final Four

Contact the church office if you would like to get the book and need assistance.
office@evangelum.org or 507-289-4817
experience jesus. really.

Host: Jim Klepper
Date/Time: Tuesdays- 6 PM -7:30 PM
1st Session: Sept. 11 - Oct. 16 “Women of the Old Testament”
2nd Session: Oct. 30 - Dec. 11 “Women of the New Testament”
Location: Church (Room # TBD)
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 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. We will awaken to the truth that God is still with us and we can experience the refuge of his powerful, healing presence if we learn to open our hearts to him. Through stories, practices and prayers, we will learn how to transform our ability to hear the voice of Jesus in our everyday life.
Ten women of the bibile

Hosts: Cheryl Root & Reese Werner
Date/Time: Thursdays, 6:00 PM, Sept. 11 - Nov. 20
Location: Church (Room # TBD)
When reading through the Bible last year, we met a number of remarkable women that deserve a deeper look. With the help of Max Lucado’s study guide, we will look into the lives of women in the Bible. Some were queens, some were women of influence, some were relegated to the fringes of society. Their stories may be different than ours, yet they all provide lessons for us today.
Book provided - $10
No ordinary people

Host: Sandy Larsen (Sandy has 40+ years experience
writing and teaching Bible studies.)
Date/Time: September 10 - October 15 - Wednesday 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM
Location: Church (room # TBD)
Have you ever wondered if your life is too small to make an eternal difference? Have you felt that your part in the kingdom of God is not very important?
Come and explore 6 Bible studies that introduce us to obscure but surprisingly influential people. There's an Ethiopian servant of a king; a poor widow; the apostle Paul's nephew; and others. Old Testament and New Testament, male and female, Gentile and Jew, some not even named—they all show up to play their vital role in God's eternal rescue plan. Come and be reassured that in Christ's kingdom there are No Ordinary People!
Cancer Care Ministry workshops

Host: Evangel Cancer Care Ministry Team
Date/Time:
September 21: Caring for the Caregiver
October 19: Managing the emotions of cancer
November 16: Managing nausea and vomiting related to cancer treatments
December: TBD
Sundays, 11:45 AM - 1:15 PM
Location: Church Room # 221 (Fireside Room)
Living with cancer is not easy. Yet it is important to LIVE! To help navagite the multiple facets of living with cancer, Evangel’s Cancer Care Ministry is offering a series of workshops for cancer patients and their care givers. Come for good support, resources and networking. God plans for you to live abundantly, even with cancer!
The four emotions of christmas

Hosts: Darlene Albrecht, Kay Hess, Helen Duff, and Barb Schroeder
Date/Time: 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM
September 30: Introduction: Why Christmas matters so much; Emotions: Disappointment
October 7: Stress
October 14: Sadness
October 21: Closing: The Heart of Christmas!
Location: Church Room # 221 (Fireside Room)
We will explore four perhaps unexpected emotions of Christmas, offered by author Bob Lepine. Please register so we can provide a book and supplies for each participant. Beverage and a snack will be provided at each session. Join us to explore the various emotions and how to prepare yourself for Christmas.
Surviving the holidays

Host: Barb Schroeder
Date/Time: Tuesday, October 28; 1:30 PM - 3:30 PM
Location: Church Room #221 (Fireside Room)
Wondering how you will survive the weeks surrounding Thanksgiving and Christmas? Are you dreading these holidays, knowing that everything has changed and that happy memories from past years can’t be recreated? This seminar is especially for people who are grieving a loved one's death. You'll learn:
· How to deal with the many emotions you'll face during the holidays
· What to do about traditions and other coming changes
· Helpful tips for surviving social events
· How to discover hope for your future
You'll be welcomed by warm, caring people who understand what you are going through and who want to help. During our time together we’ll the seminar you will:
· Watch a 40-minute video, filled with practical holiday survival tips and the real-life stories of people who have navigated the season after their loved one's death.
· Hear other seminar attendees explain how they are dealing with the holidays.
· Have the opportunity to share how grief is affecting you. (No pressure—this is optional. We want you to feel comfortable.)
· Receive a personal copy of the Holiday Survival Guide.
This seminar is offered in fall to help you prepare for the holidays after the loss of a loved one.
Yours faithfully Women's fall retreat

Nov. 7-9, 2025 at Koronis Ministries in Paynesville, MN
Theme: Taste & See Psalm 34:8 “Taste and see that the Lord is good!” Come away and recharge! Join for a soul-nourishing retreat with worship, teaching, sister-ship and reflection designed to help you draw cloer to God, deepen your faith, and connect with other women along the journey. Let your heart be filled, your spirit renewed, and your life transformed as we savor His goodness together. All woman are welcome - come as you are!
Cost is $160 for lodging and meals. Scholarships available. Contact Reese Werner for more information, questions or scholarship help. dtwerner@msn.com or 612/249-4870

REGISTRATION: www.melissadeuel.com/retreat
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.

service groups

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.
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
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.
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
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
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
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.
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!
cookies for the homebound

Saturday, Nov. 12 or 22, 1 PM - 4 PM at church, in the Kitchen and Dinette
The Holidays are a time to do something special for the Homebound, so let’s get together and assemble cookies boxes for them! Each person attending is asked to bring 2 dozen homemade or boughten cookies. We will then frost and decorate cut out cookies while listening to holiday music and sharing in fellowship. While the frosting is drying, we will write out Christmas cards to go with the cookies, enjoy a beverage, and, of course, Christmas cookies! We will have a short devotion to help prepare us for the upcoming season. The cookies will then be delivered by our homebound visitation team. Remember to bring an apron!

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!

Dinner fellowship group

Sunday Brunch/Lunch

Date/Time: 2nd Sunday of the month 11:30 AM - 1:30 PM

For everyone! Food provided.

Bring an open heart to spreading His love and fellowship with one another while enjoying a meal together. Of course if folks have a special food/treat they'd like to share it is always welcome, but not necessary.

Others are also being offered, on different days, times and locations. Hosts are seeking to include more people. Share a meal, enjoy fellowship, build connection and pray together. Let us know if you’re interested and we’ll get you connected!

Life groups

Growing in discipleship consistently over time is supported best by a long-term group with others (usually 2-5 others) who are also seeking to grow in their faith. These “life groups” can meet weekly or monthly (or whatever works!) and focus on sharing from the participants’ own lives: celebrating victories, discussing struggles, and encouraging each other to grow spiritually. It can be as structured as the group finds helpful. Evangel is seeking to launch two life groups this fall. If you feel this may be just what you’re looking for, talk to Pastor David.