Guide Update for 2/15/12

Thrive Guide Update For February 15, 2012

We’re More Than Friends: Dating

Download Materials Here

You need to know:

-1. Noah’s Ark Pancake Breakfast March 4. This has been a successful way to bring your group together for service (and food!). Signup sheets will be available this Wed.

-2. Guide Huddle is on Feb. 29 this month! UPDATE: We forgot about the midweek services that take priority. No Guide Huddle for February or March. Ash Wednesday services are on Feb. 22 (4th Wed.).

-3. Ash Wed. Thrive Challenge: Get your group together for the 7:15p Ash Wednesday Service in the Sanctuary or the Parish Life Center. It is a 4th Wed. but a great opportunity for you and your small group members (and families) for worship. For added affect, meet beforehand at Arby’s or a pizza place together.

4 Ways To Respond To the Small Group Dip

(Adapted from 99 Thoughts For Small Group Leaders)

So you’re more than halfway through the year, and only about half of your group is still showing up for small group… what’s going on?

Don’t Panic

Hard not to – but it never helps. Momentum in late winter and spring often hits schedules. Don’t freak out if a few of your members get bogged down in their activity or school schedules. It’s normal, and so are you.

Work the Phones

Make texting your friend for this season and remind students and parents alike of the schedule and topics. Consider doing a Thrive Challenge (more here) to rally your group back together. Use every communication option you have from leaving voicemails to sending emails. Another great way is to encourage kids who go to school together to ask if they will see them tonight (group members accountable to each other).

Finish Well

Don’t let low attendance distract you from being a strong leader. Stick to the basics:

- Be prepared with your questions and topic

-Focus on relationships

End the year strong with all who show up.