Eastwind has a wide variet of bible studies at a variety of times and for a variety interests being offered this year. Small groups are a great way to get to know people and learn more about God's Word. Our groups are discussion-oriented and enjoyable, whether you know a lot about the Bible or virtually nothing. Please note there may be change in the schedule during the summer. Several studies take a break, or just meet monthly.

Eastwind Small Groups...

• are discussion oriented
• emphasize practical and relevant Bible application
• respect and value their participant's opinions and feelings
• allow the freedom to disagree agreeably
• value honesty and openness
• respect privacy and practice confidentiality
• reject guilt, fear, and pressure
• are steered by participant's concerns, not by leader's agenda

Quick Links:

Small Groups Schedule
Four Things People Hate about Small Groups
Eastwind's 101, 102, 103, 104 Series
Individual Bible Study/Small Group Information

Eastwind Prayer Team We have a prayer group that will meet on Sunday Mornings for 15-20 minutes between the 9:00 and 10:30 services (starting Oct 2nd). This group will pray for each of the services, and for all of the ministries that will take place on that day. In addition, they will pray for upcoming events in the church, as well as the special needs of particular individuals in the congregation. Prayer is the most powerful and important ministry tool we have! If you’d like to be part of this group, please contact Mark after church, or call him at 387-0818.

Care Givers Team Are you looking for a fun way to get involved at Eastwind, make a difference in people’s lives and meet others? Join the Care Givers Team! This team offers care in the form of visits, card, meals, flowers, and practical assistance etc. for those who are in hospital, sick or have lost a loved-one. Please contact Jennifer Peer (396-2450) or Kristin Cobeaga (869-6323) if you have any questions. .

Eastwind 101, 201, 301, and 401 - Four Short Courses Offered to Help You Grow In January we began our “Eastwind Series” of short courses, offered at various times throughout the year to help you make steady spiritual progress one step at a time. Click here for more information on these courses.

Small Group Fall Schedule

Individual Mentoring also available - call 387-0818

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Four Things People Hate About Small Groups

For a lot of people, the idea of joining a small group is scary. It is really common for people to express one of the four fears listed below as a primary reason for not attending a small group.

1. Everyone there will know more about the Bible than me, and I¹ll look like an idiot. That would be intimidating if it were true, but is isn't. The truth is, that there are many people in our church who do not have a church background, or never had the opportunity to learn much about the Bible. With the exception of our In-depth Bible Study, all of our groups include people who have little to no experience with the Bible. Sure, we all learn from those who know a thing or two. But often it¹s the fresh and unbiased perspectives of the unchurched that make our discussions really enthusiastic, and challenges those who've been around the Bible for a lifetime.

2. They're going to make me read difficult Bible words out-loud, and everyone will realize that I don¹t read well. This is a real fear for a lot of people. But in our small groups, participation is always voluntary. Group leaders don't "call-on" people to read or to give answers. If no one volunteers to read a passage out-loud, the leader will read for the group.

3. It's going to be weird. In small groups, people get all touchy-feely and talk about which kind of fruit their fellow members remind them of. You all dance around the room pretending to be butterflies, and hold hands and sway while singing "kumbaya"... Wrong! No doubt there are small groups like that. But our small groups emphasize practical and relevant discussions for practical and relevant people. We believe-in and value laughter. We drop the religious jargon and talk like real people. We discuss straightforward and down to earth issues. We respect your intelligence and honor your sensibilities.

4. They're going to drag stuff out of me that I don't want to tell, and I'll probably get embarrassed and start crying. In our groups, there is no hidden agenda to get you to reveal something you¹re not ready to tell, or to get you to "confess"something you're not proud of, or reveal something that you don¹t want known. As stated above, all participation is voluntary, and exerting pressure to get someone to speak is strictly out-of-bounds. People do become close in these groups, and often people do share things of a very personal nature after they have become comfortable with each other. But such revelations are never forced, and there is no expectation that you should have to share the intimate details of your life, unless and until you are good and ready.

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Our “Eastwind Series” of short courses are offered at various times throughout the year to help you make steady spiritual progress one step at a time.

Eastwind 101: Introduction To Eastwind/Eastwind Basics
An introduction to the history, mission, goals and people of Eastwind Community Church. (90 minute course/1 session) offered in January, April and September.

Eastwind 201: Finding Your Ministry
Discovering God’s teaching about Spiritual Gifts, discovering your passion,
finding a place to serve in Eastwind Community Church, and starting new
ministries. (2 hour course/1 session) offered in February, May and October.

Eastwind 301: Deepening Your Faith
Learning to devote your life more fully to Jesus Christ, to trust Him more, to
discover His will for your life, to deepen your life of prayer and personal
study. (3 hour course, 2 sessions and some independent study) offered in
March and November.

Eastwind 401: Sharing Your Faith
Learning how to lead someone to faith in Christ, relying on God to empower your efforts, developing tactfulness, respect, sensitivity and patience in your conversations about faith, and understanding and addressing the objections of non-believers. (3 hour course, 2 sessions and some independent study) offered in January, April and September (beginning in April 2006).

• None of these are indoctrination courses.
• Each is designed to stimulate your thinking and encourage your personal growth.
• There are no pre-requisites and these courses need not be taken in order, or completed within one year.
• Taking one study does not commit you to taking others.
• Existing Small groups may decide to break from their regular studies and sign up as a group to take these courses.
• You can sign up for any of these courses in the church lobby, or by calling the church office at 387-0818.

Individual Bible Study/Small Group Information

Adult Singles Group meets weekly to study God's word, ask questions about what it really means to be a "Christian" and learn how to apply the principles laid out in the New Testament to our lives. David Smith 433-9472 ARM@cableone.net and Claire Maretka 343-4308 clairem2@live.com

Westside Study
Marti Selliger and David Wood
Marti 629-2279
Dave 761-9032

Boise 83716 a weekly Bible Study for folks in or near Columbia Village, meeting on Mon or Tue. No age or life situation restrictions, anyone is welcome. Let's delve into the riches of God's word together!
Neil and Shannon Fox. 331-9204 familyfox@icehouse.net

Triumphant Marriage Course with ongoing group for those who choose, that will give tools to enrich, strengthen and develop a triumphant marriage. Topics include spiritual beliefs, communication, conflict resolution, sexuality and role relationships. Dean and Lillian Watkins 342-7798 lilndean@msn.com

Young Couples without kids: Bible Study for young married and engaged couples without kids. Meets three times per month: twice with just couples and once with all twenty- and thirty-somethings. Days, times, locations, and costumes to be determined. Water always provided. Donuts occasionally provided. Blake Lingle blake_lingle@mac.com

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Young Married Group Get to know other young married couples at the church! Whether you're new to the church (as many of us are), or have been attending for some time, this will be a great opportunity to meet new people and make new friends. For more information contact Kevin Schultz at (208) 695-5420 or kshoe4@yahoo.com.