Small Groups: A Home For New Folks

By Janice McWilliams

There is nothing quite like moving across the country. Our family made the journey from California during the blizzard of February 2003 to be greeted by viciously trained lawn chairs guarding parking spots all over our Roger's Forge neighborhood. Being new lends itself to a constant wavering between the role of adventuresome pioneer and displaced loner.

We had been in town less than two months when we were invited to a child's birthday party. Nothing could have made us feel more welcomed and our children more normal than a birthday party! Was it because of our kids' winning personalities that we were invited? (I'm sure that was a factor-they are so cute!) No, it's because someone in our small group decided to include us in their lives.

That's what a small group is to me: a group of people who have decided to try and do this life following Jesus together. Who prayed for me to have grace when I talked to my neighbor with the eternally barking dog? My small group! Who asks me how things are developing with my child who decided sleeping after 3:00 am is optional? My small group! Who wrote me an encouraging note last week? A small group friend! Who was the first person in Maryland to tell me she loved me? Someone in my small group!

It isn't magic. Like everything in this life, it still takes commitment and work. We have disagreements, childcare is tricky, snacks are fattening, and the kids are losing their minds by the time we get them into bed that evening. But we talk about things that really matter. Things like how to live out our lives as Christians in a meaningful way in our neighborhoods, how to nurture our children through life's bumps and bruises, and how to really stay connected to Jesus. Bottom line? I hope everyone attending this church will consider joining a small group.