Small Groups
The next Small Group Leadership Orientation is scheduled for Saturday, December 5 @ 9:00 AM at the Student Life Center. If you are interested in becoming a small group leader please contact Pastor David Kennard at kennard@riversideconnect.org for more information and to receive a Leadership Application Packet.
CATALOG
Fall Semester
September 14 – December 12, 2009
BIBLE
BOOK STUDIES
CHILDREN
CREATIVE ARTS
FAMILY & PARENTING
FITNESS & HEALTH
HELPS
HOMESCHOOLING
HOSPITALITY
MEN
OUTREACH
PRAYER
SENIORS
SPIRITUAL GROWTH
SUPPORT/RECOVERY
WOMEN
WORKPLACE
YOUTH
BIBLE
EPIC – Things We Passed Along The Way
Gary Evans (412-744-4323)
For the past year we’ve studied the big picture of God’s redemptive story from Genesis to Revelation. But along the way there were some side stories that we didn’t explore. In this study we’re going to examine the passages we didn’t cover during the EPIC adventure. Who was Job? What about Jonah? And what did Peter, James and John have to say to us from their writings in the New Testament? Come and join us as we fill in some of the gaps that EPIC left behind. We’ll see how God’s story is still being revealed in our current culture and how we can continue His story through our lives and in our world today.
Child Care: Yes
Oakmont – Sanctuary
Wednesday @ 7:00 p.m.
Requirements: Bible, notepad, pen/pencil
 Just Do It
Jane Cecconi (412-445-9172)
Ever feel like you aren't connecting with God? Do you feel lost when the pastor is preaching and tells you to turn to a passage in the Bible and you have no idea where to begin looking? Ever feel speechless when you want to share your faith? Are you intimidated by how others pray and feel like you’ll never be able to pray like them? If you feel like others have it all together and something is wrong with you, then this group is designed with you in mind. Together we’ll seek to become confident with our own place in the journey and how we can take the next step of growth. Let’s … JUST DO IT!
Child Care: Yes
Oakmont – Room 301
Wednesday @ 7:00 p.m.
Requirements: Bible & Notepad
Off The Beaten Paths
Cheryl Boggess (724-327-7649)
God places each of us in a unique situation and equips us to live out His vision for building bridges and connecting with the lost. This semester we’ll look beyond the traditional and hear first hand living testimonies of God’s provision for living out His witness in non-traditional and unexpected ways. Our vision is Faith, Food, Friends, and FUN! Join us as we travel together on the road to eternity.
Child Care: No
Forest Hills
1st & 3rd Friday @ 7:00 p.m.
Requirements: Bible
The Time of Your Life
Bill Whye (724-212-3755)
This group will have a more traditional style feel to it. Gatherings will offer times of worship, sharing, Bible study and prayer. It is our desire and our prayer to God that we experience Him in a personal, uplifting way that matures and strengthens our walks of faith. Please bring your Bible and come believing that your relationship with the Lord will be stronger as you understand more about God and His ways.
Child Care: No
Mills – Room 5
Sunday @ 6:00 p.m. (9/27, 10/25, 11/8, 11/15, 11/22, 11/29 & 12/20)
Requirements: Bible
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BOOK
Christianity’s Family Tree: What Other Christians Believe & Why
Bill Ellis (412-828-2488)
Why are there so many denominations? What valuable perspectives can each faith tradition offer? What are my spiritual roots? As we trace the history of Christianity we will take a positive look at eight different Christian traditions so that we may better appreciate and understand our extended family and strengthen our own faith. Using Adam Hamilton’s book as the primary source for the study, the traditions we will examine are Orthodoxy, Catholicism, Lutheranism, Presbyterianism, Anglicanism, Baptists, Methodists and Pentecostals.
Child Care: Yes
Oakmont – Mission Hall
Wednesday @ 7:00 p.m.
Requirements: The book, “Christianity’s Family Tree: What Other Christians Believe & Why” will be available for purchase.
Why I Believe
Cherie River (412-406-7559)
Do you go to bed early and wake up early? This is the group for you! This group meets early and ends early so that you can get that needed sleep! This study focuses on how to explain your faith with others using substantial facts and evidences in history.
Child Care: Yes
Fox Chapel (near Hartwood Acres)
Tuesday @ 5:00 p.m.
Requirements: The book, “Why I Believe” by Dr. James Kennedy will be available for purchase.
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CHILDREN
For more information regarding Children’s Ministry small groups
please contact Denise Churchel at 412-828-2488.
Mills
Nursery 0 – 2 year olds
Mills – Nursery
Sunday @ 9:00 & 11:00 a.m.
Preschool 3 – 5 year olds
Mills – Room 2
Sunday @ 9:00 & 11:00 a.m.
Elementary Grades 1-3
Mills – Room 4
Sunday @ 9:00 & 11:00 a.m.
Elementary Grades 4-6
Mills – Room 3
Sunday @ 9:00 & 11:00 a.m.
Oakmont – Sunday
Nursery 0 – 2 year olds
Oakmont – Room 102
Sunday @ 9:00 & 11:00 a.m.
Preschool 3 year olds
Oakmont – Room 104
Sunday @ 9:00 a.m.
Preschool 4 year olds
Oakmont – Room 101
Sunday @ 9:00 a.m.
Preschool 5 year olds
Oakmont – Room 103
Sunday @ 9:00 a.m.
Elementary 1st Grade
Student Life Center – Room 101
Sunday @ 9:00 a.m.
Elementary 2nd Grade
Student Life Center – Room 106
Sunday @ 9:00 a.m.
Elementary 3rd Grade
Student Life Center – Room 104
Sunday @ 9:00 a.m.
Elementary 4th Grade
Student Life Center – Room 103
Sunday @ 9:00 a.m.
Elementary 5th & 6th Grades
Student Life Center – Arena
Sunday @ 9:00 a.m.
Preschool 3 – 4 ½ year olds
Oakmont – Room 104
Sunday @ 11:00 a.m.
Preschool 4 ½ - Kindergarten
Oakmont – Room 101
Sunday @ 11:00 a.m.
Children’s Church: Elementary Grades 1-6
Student Life Center – Arena
Sunday @ 11:00 a.m.
Oakmont – Wednesday
Nursery 0 – 2 year olds
Oakmont – Room 102
Wednesday @ 7:00 p.m.
Preschool 3 year olds
Oakmont – Room 104
Wednesday @ 7:00 p.m.
Preschool 4 year olds
Oakmont – Room 101
Wednesday @ 7:00 p.m.
Preschool 5 year olds
Oakmont – Room 103
Wednesday @ 7:00 p.m.
Adventure Club: Elementary Grades 1-5
Student Life Center
Wednesday @ 7:00 p.m.
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CREATIVE ARTS
Seasonal Choir
Dave Longstreth (412-828-2488)
Ministry through music that reaches out to the community through Christmas and Easter dramatic musical productions.
Child Care: No
Student Life Center
Monday @ 7:00 p.m.
Requirements: General choir membership is open for all who enjoy singing; soloists are chosen by auditions.
Worship Band – Mills
Chad Zollo (412-828-2488)
Ministry teams which provide musical reinforcement to the Sunday worship services. Auditions are held in the Fall and Spring for available openings.
Child Care: Yes
Mills – Sanctuary
Sunday @ 9:00 & 11:00 a.m.
Requirements: Rehearsals are from 7 – 8:30 p.m. on Thursday in the Mills Sanctuary. Proficiency in either voice or an instrument is required and placement in a band is decided through auditions. Vocalists wishing to audition are encouraged to join the choir ministry.
Worship Band – Oakmont
Dave Longstreth (412-828-2488)
Ministry teams which provide musical reinforcement to the Sunday worship services. Auditions are held for available openings and worship bands minister on a rotating basis.
Child Care: Yes
Oakmont – Sanctuary
Sunday @ 9:00 & 11:00 a.m.
Requirements: Rehearsals are from 7 – 9 p.m. on Thursday in the Oakmont Sanctuary. Proficiency in either voice or an instrument is required and placement in a band is decided through auditions. Vocalists wishing to audition are encouraged to join the choir ministry.
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FAMILY & PARENTING
Raising Godly Children
David Kennard (412-828-2488)
This study is for parents who desire to turn to God's Word for direction, support and guidance in raising children like God raises us. It’s designed to include teaching, reflection, group discussion and prayer.
Child Care: Yes
Oakmont – Room 105
Wednesday @ 7:00 p.m.
Requirements: Cost is $20 per family to cover materials.
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FITNESS & HEALTH
Karate
Richard Rodgers (570-814-3625)
As Christians we are to have compassion, self-control, respect for ourselves and others, and be non-violent while standing strong in the face of the enemy. Karate teaches all of this. Within this class you will be challenged both physically and mentally in a functional way. You will learn traditional techniques of Japanese Karate, including forms (kata) and practical self-defense (goshinno) techniques. The class will also include preliminary warm up exercises working on strength and flexibility to assist with the techniques to be practiced within class. This class is suited for both beginning and experienced individuals. Children ages 6 and older are welcome; an attending adult must accompany children younger than 8 years old.
Child Care: TBD after the first class.
Mills – Room 5
Monday @ 6:30 p.m.
Requirements: Wear comfortable, loose fitting clothing.
Strengthen, Stretch and Surrender
Eva Rodgers (570-704-9688)
“We are the temple of the Living God. Glorify God in your body.” (2 Corinthians 6:16, 1 Corinthians 6:20)Within this group there will be a Christ-centered pursuit of physical healing and spiritual growth using a variety of low-impact exercises and relaxation techniques. Along with physical strength and flexibility we will experience quietness with God where enough psychological and spiritual space can be produced for God to truly create an inner sanctuary within us. Being quiet enough to hear our Lord's voice is not optional – it’s essential for growth. “Be still and know that I am God.” (Psalms 46:10) This will be a time for God to bless our efforts to get closer to Him and the joy-filled, healthy life He has planned for us! This class is appropriate for both the beginning and experienced individual. Children ages 10 and older are welcome, children younger than 13 must be accompanied by an attending adult.
Child Care: TBD after the first class.
Mills – Room 5
Monday @ 6:30 p.m.
Requirements: Wear comfortable clothing and bring a mat or blanket.
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HELPS
Meals Ministry
Melony Mostel (412-828-1423)
Provide meals for those who have a need (e.g. surgery, a new baby, family hospitalization, cancer treatment, etc.).
On an as needed basis.
Outside Impressions Team (Landscape)
Rick Phillips (724-339-0956)
This group will meet once or twice in the Spring and Fall on Saturday mornings to plant flower beds, mulch, trim bushes, and prepare Riverside for Spring/Summer and Fall/Winter seasons. This group provides an excellent way for you to both help the church with your time as well as fellowship with others from the RCC family no matter what site you attend. By using volunteer work instead of hiring a landscaping service, the church saves money each year to redirect to missions and other causes. Those who sign up will be notified what the schedule will be for each season. Supporting this group improves the image of the church in the community and provides first time visitors with a positive first impression.
Child Care: No
Oakmont & Student Life Center Buildings
Saturdays As Scheduled
Requirements: A willingness to serve as a Minister of First Impressions.
Outside Impressions Team (Lawn)
Rick Phillips (724-339-0956)
This group provides an excellent way for you to both help the church with your time as well as fellowship with others from the RCC family no matter what site you attend. By using volunteer work instead of hiring a landscaping service, the church saves money each year to redirect to missions and other causes. All equipment and tools are provided by Riverside. Supporting this group improves the image of the church in the community and provides first time visitors with a positive first impression. If you would be willing to serve 2 to 4 times during the grass mowing season, please sign up.
Child Care: No
Oakmont & Student Life Center Buildings
Thursdays, Fridays or Saturdays as your schedule and weather permits.
Requirements: A willingness to serve as a Minister of First Impressions; lawn implements are provided.
Stephen Ministry
Laurie Lesoon (412-828-2488)
Provide one-on-one support to people going through important or difficult times.
Child Care: Yes
Oakmont – Lead Pastor’s Office
Wednesday @ 6:30 p.m.
Visitation Ministry
Laurie Lesoon (412-828-2488)
Provide comfort and support to those who are hospitalized or homebound.
On an as needed basis.
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HOMESCHOOLING
Homeschool Support
Amie Kennard (412-798-9665)
Whether you traditional home school or cyber school, we all need support along the way. Our group provides times for just us moms and opportunities for our children to interact both through learning and fun. If you’re thinking about alternative ways of educating your child, come and explore the options. If you have years of experience, come and share what you have learned along the way.
Childcare: Yes
Oakmont/Mills
Various Times and Locations
Requirements: Current or Prospective Home School/Cyber School Families
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HOSPITALITY
Banquet Ministry
Laurie Lesoon (412-828-2488)
Assist in set-up, decorating, food serving and clean-up of special events.
On an as needed basis.
Connection Team – Mills
Laurie Lesoon (412-828-2488)
Create a welcoming atmosphere by providing direction, answering questions, distributing literature, receiving the offering, preparing and serving communion.
Sunday @ 9:00 & 11:00 a.m.
Connection Team – Oakmont
Laurie Lesoon (412-828-2488)
Create a welcoming atmosphere by providing direction, answering questions, distributing literature, receiving the offering, preparing and serving communion and helping to answer phone calls.
Sunday @ 9:00, or 11:00 a.m.
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MEN
Iron Sharpens Iron: Men’s Breakfast
Don Greb (412-795-1034)
Here it’s safe for guys to be real. We share in our struggles and triumphs while offering encouragement, prayer and support. The group is a Promise Keepers group where we also share our testimonies on a strictly volunteer basis.
Child Care: No
St. Paul Baptist – Delaware Ave., Oakmont
2nd Saturday @ 7:30 a.m.
Requirements: Men of all ages are welcome; come early if you’d like to help with the set-up.
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OUTREACH
C.O.R.E. Missions Team
Dave Longstreth (412-828-2488)
This team serves our communities, our nation and our world through …
Commit – We are committed to the teaching of the Scriptures, the life together, the common meal and the prayers.
Organize – We help organize resources, goals, events and volunteers to serve those outside our church.
Raise – We raise awareness, resources and funds for the various missions of RCC.
Engage – We engage in the P.E.A.C.E. plan both locally and globally.
Child Care: No
Various Locations
As Scheduled
Requirements: A heart for reaching the least, the last and the lost both locally and globally.
Go! Group: Food Bank
Jocelyn Hood (412-537-0908)
A group that meets to serve at the Homewood Food Bank Distribution Center on scheduled Saturday mornings once per month from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. The GO Group is designed for people who always wanted to make a difference in the world … but just never got around to actually doing it. We’ll take you there! Our vision is to go make a difference in the world around us and to draw people to Christ by being His hands and feet.
Go! Group: Variety
Gary Whitmore (724-274-2550) & Sharon Watterson (724-274-0643)
A group that meets once or twice per month to serve in various settings in the surrounding communities. The GO Group is designed for people who always wanted to make a difference in the world … but just never got around to actually doing it. We’ll take you there! Our vision is to go make a difference in the world around us and to draw people to Christ by being His hands and feet.
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PRAYER
Prayer Chain
Laurie Lesoon (412-828-2488)
Offer daily prayer support for the needs of others.
On an as needed basis.
Requirements: Desire to intercede.
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SENIORS
The Lunch Bunch
Laurie Lesoon (412-828-2488)
Meet for Bible study, lunch & fellowship with others in the prime of life.
Child Care: No
Oakmont – Room 201
2nd Thursday @ 11:30 a.m.
Requirements: For those who are 60 years or older.
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SPIRITUAL GROWTH
Deeper
Dave Longstreth (412-828-2488)
In our times together we’ll focus on the five major areas of our lives (physical, intellectual, emotional, social and spiritual) by going deeper to bring wholeness and balance. This group will be a combination of worship, prayer, teaching, book reading, peer encouragement and accountability.
Child Care: Yes
Oakmont – Creative Arts Office
Wednesday @ 7:00 p.m.
Requirements: None
Discovering Your SHAPE (Christianity 301)
Laurie Lesoon (412-828-2488)
At RCC we believe that everyone in our church is a minister. Through this small group you’ll learn how God can use your spiritual gifts, heart, abilities, personality and experience to minister to others.
Child Care: Yes
Oakmont – Room 201
Wednesday @ 7:00 p.m.
Requirements: Workbook
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SUPPORT/RECOVERY
Growing in Recovery
Larry Isenberg (724-339-3328)
This group provides support, hope and healing for men and women in pursuit of a life FREE from addictive behaviors, relationships and substances. In an environment of anonymity we share together our experiences, strengths and victories, and we are changed as we work our way along the road to recovery.
Child Care: No
Student Life Center
Tuesday @ 7:00 p.m.
Requirements: The Serenity N.T. is available for purchase.
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WOMEN
Stepping Up: A Journey Through the Psalms of Ascent
Amy Nichols (724-443-0119)
This study by Beth Moore is an in-depth look at 15 Psalms. Just as a song or poem can express feelings of fear, doubt, hope, and joy, these psalms model how we can voice our own petitions and praises to God, who is always available and ready to hear us. Explore the major feasts of Israel and journey with Beth through Psalms 120-134 in these sessions. Themes such as unity, joy and gratitude, redemption, repentance, the power of blessings, facing ridicule, and more are explored in detail. Join us ladies as we grow toward greater intimacy with God.
Child Care: No
Mills – Room 5
Wednesday @ 6:45 p.m.
Requirements: The Psalms of Ascent study guide; for women only.
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WORKPLACE
Careers In Motion
Larry Forbes (412-828-7676)
The purpose of this group is to give those in the midst of a job search or considering one a place to meet, recharge, strategize, network, learn and hold each other accountable as they move through the process of looking for a new position. Every other Saturday morning this group will have an informal agenda including combinations of prayer, spiritual discussion, open discussion, job search learning skill review, guest speakers, and job search accountability.
Child Care: No
Oakmont – Room 201
2nd & 4th Saturdays @ 9:00 a.m.
Requirements: None
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YOUTH
Nexus offers opportunities every week for Jr. and Sr. High students to take a break from the craziness of life, relax, recharge, hang out, have fun and experience God. Expect music, drama, games, videos, food, challenging messages and, of course, great people! To get connected visit www.nexusstudentministry.org.
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