Small Groups

All people who attend Hyattsville Mennonite Church are encouraged to join a small fellowship group. These groups may include people interested in a particular focus, such as Bible study, music or book study, or people who are more generally interested in fellowship. Components of group meetings may vary, but usually include some aspects of nurture of members, worship together and mission toward others.

All groups are encouraged to become real community to each other, providing care in the spirit of Christ. A fellowship group can become the primary unit of the church family, with whom struggles and victories, sorrow and joys, may be shared without any fear of condemnation, criticism, too much advice or breach of confidence. Small groups are formed on request under the guidance of the pastorate. The pastorate can also create or convene small groups and responds to requests for group membership, solicits new members, provides guidance for small groups and assists in reorganizing groups periodically.

The pastorate is trying to improve how we nurture existing small groups, and structure and form new ones. Over the next few months we expect some new groups will form, others will add new individuals and others will remain the same.

Below are brief descriptions of some small groups that are accepting new members. Some have been functioning for years; others are just forming. If you would like to learn more about any of these groups or are interested in joining one, please contact Mary Jo Schumacher or Rita Oswald Christano.

Feminist theology group

The feminist theology group, or femtheo, began in October 2004. Members began studying women of the old and new testaments. Then they read Romans and Mark, and now are studying Acts. It is a group of six women and one man (more are welcome) who meet to read the bible, not to receive easy answers but to see what questions they can ask of it and what it may be asking them. Those who have been afraid to read the bible are finding this a refreshing way back into the text.

While their premise is bible study, they have found that personal sharing is part of the process too. They have supported each other through major life transitions, illness and family crises. They welcome new members. Join them at 7 a.m. for breakfast on the first and third Thursdays of the month.

Small group — to be named

This group's purpose is to get to know each other better and enjoy each other's company in an informal setting. The members all lead intense, busy lives, but share a desire to build their church friendships. They have a relaxed commitment to gather the second Friday evening of each month for food and conversation. In the past year, they’ve done fairly well at meeting the goal. They welcome new members who enjoy casual fellowship, can tolerate occasional craziness, won't be horrified if the house isn't perfectly clean and haven't heard all their jokes yet.

Allegheny geographers

A small group that shares an interest in the physical and human geography of the Md./Pa./W.Va. region west of Washington, D.C. They will explore the Valley & Ridge and Appalachian physiographic provinces through day trips and possibly with hikes, river floats and rail excursions. Topics include rivers and streams, geology, flora and fauna, mountain economy, mountain railroading, the C&O Canal, Civil War, Amish/Mennonite heritage… An occasional overnight trip will allow members to visit and worship with other Allegheny Mennonite congregations on Sunday mornings. Participants will get to know each other and our region, and perhaps gain some understanding of our conference's cultural setting. This group will entail a commitment of time and possibly money (for weekend excursions); plans will take shape according to the interests and resources of the group.

Small group — to be named

This new small group will serve as a space to share unique spiritual journeys where growing edges and new insights can be explored. Depending on individual interests, meetings might include a time of worship, singing, contemplative prayer and silent meditation. The texts of other religious traditions, poetry and inspiration drawn from nature could also be integrated. A brief time with children could be incorporated into the meeting and a sitter hired for the duration of the adult meditation.

Young adult study/discussion group

A group of young adults (however you choose to define that!) gathers regularly for social events. Beginning this month, they will also have a monthly study/discussion group. They will begin by discussing the varied ways people approach scripture and exploring their own encounters with the bible.

Small group — to be named

This group will focus on the three F’s: fellowship, food and fun in no particular order. The main agenda for each meeting will be discussing topics that have meaning for individuals in the group. Optimal size for this group is eight to 12. Members should be willing to commit to meeting once a month on a Friday evening for potluck dinner and discussion of agenda topics, to rotate facilitation of discussions on a variety of topics (personal/religious/spiritual/political/social/ philosophical), to share one’s personal story in becoming acquainted with one another, to meet without children for adult discussions (as heretical as that may sound) and to engage occasionally in other activities such as viewing films or dining at a restaurant.

Art: Exploring its connection to spirituality, creativity, and personal sharing

Starting with five sessions, this small group will use art to explore its connections to spirituality, creativity and personal sharing. Initially, the group could begin with some simple watercolor exercises that could be done possibly in conjunction with music. It is not a watercolors class. Instead, the art experience here will be a route to the inner realm, for learning about oneself from the experience, possibly leading to sharing among each other in the group. The group may want to explore other art forms or have other group members take a turn leading experiences of interest. In general, it will be a kind of support group for the art-minded, in an effort to utilize art in personal journeys, to support each other and build a spiritual community along the way.

For more information on the purpose and guidelines for small groups click here.