WINTER 2023 CONNECT GROUPS

Spring Connect Groups are in progress. Look for them soon!


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

EDUCATION SESSIONS     VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES   KID'S CLUB EVENTS       


REGISTRATION OPTIONS

• Call Church Office: 507-289-4817

• Email Office: office@evangelum.org

• Online: www.evangelum.org > Connect Groups

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

Education sessions

  • The un-tied methodist church: Understanding the current fracturing of the united methodist church and the upcoming plans for restructuring

    Host: Pastor David

    Duration: January 15th - February 19th

    Day & Time: Sundays  at 11:45 AM - 1 PM

    Where: Evangel Room 223


    The United Methodist Church as a denomination will not continue the way it is. There is growing disunity among our world-wide connection, and we are hearing

    about hundreds of local churches disaffiliating from the denomination. Although much of the attention has focused on the varying understandings of human sexu-

    ality, the deeper issues include theology, biblical authority, social justice, connectional trust, and even the meaning of the Gospel. Pastor David will try to

    explain his understanding of the development of the current conflict and then look more closely at the theo-logical, ideological, biblical and missional foundations that are at stake. The sessions will invite questions and discussion, although always within a respectful dialogue and a pledge to unity.

      

                                                         

  • 2nd Corinthians: A Weekly study and discussion

    Host: Brian Nass

    Duration: February 1st - March 15th

    Day & Time: Wednesday's at 7 PM

    Where: Zoom


    Continuing from last Fall, join Brian Nass in a weekly study and discussion using “2 Corinthians: 11 Studies for Individuals and Groups” by N.T. Wright. This book offers personal insights about Paul’s life that one doesn’t find in any of his other writings. Just as Paul wrote in his 2nd letter to the church in Corinth in the wake of their divisions and quarrels, the message for us today is clear: living in unity with one another requires us to humbly forgive others. This discipline, or way of life, is as sorely needed today as it was at the time Paul wrote this letter. 


    A Zoom link will be sent out prior to the first session. There are no prerequisites to attend and you are not required to have the book. For some this will be a refresher, while for others, you might be coming to this letter of Paul for the first time. “I look forward to seeing you, getting to know you, and learning together.” 


    Note: You do not need to have participated in the first session to join this winter session. Jump right in!



  • Following jesus

    Hosts: Dale & Sandy Larsen

    Duration: January 17th - March 7th

    Day & Time: Tuesdays at 7 PM - 8:15 PM

    Where: Evangel Room 221


    This study looks at various metaphors for how we grow more spiritually mature in Christ, including running a race, carrying a cross, constructing a building, fighting a battle and more. Dale and Sandy have written over 40 Bible studies for InterVarstiy Press and other publishers. Though they have not written this study, they bring a tremendous background that will be sure to lead to a deeper understanding of what it means to follow Jesus. This class will be an informal time of free conversation with discussion guides provided. While each metaphor

    for following Jesus stands alone, it will provide the larger context of what it means to be a disciple.


  • "Resilience - Restoring your weary soul in these turbulent times"

    Host: Jim Klepper

    Duration: January 19th - February 16th

    Day & Time: Thursdays at 6 PM - 7:30 PM

    Where: Evangel Room 223


    Longing for things to be wonderful is one of the deepest yearnings in the human heart. After times of trial - pandemics, war, job loss, relationships gone wrong -

    our desire rises to the surface demanding relief. We must rally, tapping into our soul’s reserves, or we burn out.


    Right now we are in a global denial about the cost of the past few hard years (which are not over). To be suddenly stripped of our normal way of life, to live under the fear of suffering of death, to be bombarded with negative news and kept in a state of uncertainly, is psychologically challenging to say the least.


    Now is the time to be kind to our souls. Denial heals nothing. We have got to plan for our recovery and find resilience. There is hope, great hope in Jesus Christ, He

    gave us counsel in how to live through such trials. He has set a clear path of recovery and resilience.


    Join Jim and study his all-time favorite author John Eldridge’s latest work, complete with a short video and lots of discussion. Each week will open with a true story of human resilience against the bleakest odds. You’ll get practical tools to nourish your soul. And every week will pull your attention to Jesus Himself for the supernatural resilience provided in Christ. It is always available; we just need to take hold of it. And we will.



  • Listen, love, repeat

    Host: Reese Werner

    Day & Time: Thursdays at 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM

    Duration: January 19th - March 2nd

    Where: Evangel Room 221


    In this video Bible study, Karen Ehman, New York Times bestselling author of “Keep it Shut,” helps you rediscover the life-changing joy that comes from putting others first. In a culture that tells us a “me-first, you-second” way of living is the key to happiness, Ehman explains that the key to moving forward in almost every facet of your life is to embrace backward living.


    Becoming a person who thinks about others first takes effort. It requires you to live alert, to be on the lookout in conversations for “heart drops”—hints of kindness you might grant to the person right in front of you, right where they are.


    But it is worth it.


    Listen, Love, Repeat gives you both the encouragement and practical, daily ways you can reach out to others with both planned and random acts of kindness. Topics include loving your family and friends, encouraging coworkers, reaching out to the lonely, blessing the “necessary people” who help you get life done every day but often go unnoticed, and many others who could use an act of thoughtfulness. An additional focus on modeling for your children a lifestyle that listens and loves is accompanied by doable ideas for you and for your family.

  • Jars of joy

    Host: Barb Schroder

    Date/Time: Tuesdays from 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM

    Duration: March 7th – March 28th

    Where: Evangel Room 224


    If people only knew the healing power of laughter and joy, many of our fine doctor’s would be out of business. Joy is one of nature’s greatest medicines. Joy is always healthy. A pleasant state of mind tends to improve abnormal conditions.” – Catherine Ponder


    Join in for this 4-week connect group where you will create a joy jar for someone who is homebound and isolated. The joy jar will be filled with Bible verses and

    inspirational quotes. We will each decorate one jar for someone in our church family. A Stampin’ Up, Inc. consultant will join us to provide supplies to make two

    cards: one for the recipient of the jar and one to mail to them later. All supplies will be provided. Once the jars are filled and decorated, Pastor David will deliver them on his visits. We will end each session praying for every person on the list, and for the joy jar to bring joy to the recipient.


    Until now you have asked nothing in my name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full.” -John 16:24


    Sign Up!

Volunteer opportunities

  • Eagle's Cancer Pre-Telethon Volunteer

    Day: Friday, January 13th, 2023

    Time: 4:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. (or whenever you can get there) 

    Location: Rochester Eagle's Club917 15th Ave SE, Rochester, MN


    This event will not be serving food this year, but there are many banquet jobs that need good volunteers. The pre-telethon banquet raises between 35-40 thousand dollars towards the 1-million-dollar telethon goal. Evangel is the hands and feet of Jesus in our community. Help us be a part of this important community-wide  effort. Please contact either Jim Klepper-jim@evangelum.org or

    Amy Klepper- klepper.amy@ gmail.com with any questions.


    Thank you to all who came out to help. It was a very successful event!

KId's Club Events

evangel winter adventures

(Sponsored by Evangel Kids Club – Available for all ages)

Join your Evangel family and friends for outdoor adventures this winter.

  • mayo high school planetarium

    Date/Time:  Saturday, March 18, 2023   2 PM - 3:30 PM


    Our Evangel March Kids club activity will take us “under the stars” at the Mayo High school Planetarium! Evangel will enjoy a private show led by Planetarium director Benjamin Joslin.  Our celestial journey will take us through our solar system to see planets, stars, the milky way, and so much more in our great universe. “Buckle up” because this voyage will provide a first class seat for all passengers as we take a new and exciting look at our universe.


    Call the church office if you would like to be placed on a waiting list.

  • ice skating at Soldier Fields Park

    Date/Time: Sunday, February 26, 1PM - 2:30 PM

    (please note the change in time and location)


    Twirl, swirl, glide and slide across the ice with your church family at The Rec Center. Please sign up with us below but also sign up for a spot at the Rec Center for Open Skate Session 1 on Sunday, February 26. 



  • snowtubing at Steeplechase

    Date/Time; January 22nd from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM


    Join us for winter fun on the longest snow tube run in Minnesota at Steeplechase Hill, located just a few miles north of Rochester. The hill features multiple 750 feet runs and tow lifts to let you hit the slopes again and again!


    Fun was had by everyone! We are looking forward to the next great event!