SMALL GROUPS AT OPC

A list of the small groups at Oswego Presbyterian Church follows below. Small groups at OPC are supported by the Board of Deacons. Click on one of the links for a brief description and contact for a particular group. Contact the Deacons if you are interested in championing a new group.

Career Transitions Group

Supported By:  Board of Deacons
Its Mission:  To support those dealing with unemployment or underemployment.
Who May Want To Join:  Anyone at OPC or in our community who is unemployed/underemployed or willing to assist same.
Activities:  We celebrate that some in our group have landed a job!  Please continue your prayers for folks still in uncertain job situations. Although our group has suspended its weekly meetings, we still want to offer support and encouragement to anyone at OPC or in the community who are unemployed or underemployed. Please contact Steve Larson or contact Ken Mozingo if you would like information we have collected about job-seeking resources and networks in our area.

Resources suggested by those attending so far:
Online job search sites:
www.indeed.com (a good starting point)    www.linkedin.com  (for professionals, similar to facebook)  
www.monster.com    www.careerbuilder.com    www.jobfix.com    www.craigslist.com    www.hotjobs.com
www.dexknows.com  (“employment services”  Aurora, IL  -- gives you many places)
www.usajobs.opm.gov  (enter a zip code to narrow field)
www.chicagojobtalk.org  (a site that lists networking places)
Other job search aids:  
Chicago Tribune – on Tuesdays and Thursdays
Local Unemployment Office –  Illinois workNet Center at North Aurora (serving Kane, Kendall, & DeKalb Cos.)
                                                2 Smoke Tree Plaza, North Aurora, Illinois 60542 (630) 844-6640.  
Professional resume and cover letter design –  www.careerperfect.com (charges a fee, but helps produce a great resume and cover letter).
Networking groups in the area:
Latter Day Saints Employment Center, Naperville – Help with:  Resume writing, 2 Day Career Workshops, Becoming Self Employed.
St. Thomas Catholic Resources for Job Seekers, Naperville   – Speakers, networking, sharing handbills and business cards (attend in professional dress).
Our Savior's Evangelical Lutheran Church - Career Transition Program  – Provides lots of free help in networking and education for transition. Located at 815 S Washington St., Naperville, IL 60540-7430 (630) 355-2522). 
TriCity Unemployment Group, Geneva
Health Insurance:
COBRA coverage premium discount –  You may be eligible for assistance under the COBRA provisions contained in The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 . Any family members under your group coverage may also be eligible. An assistance eligible individual is generally defined as an individual who meets all of the following requirements: You were involuntarily terminated, involuntary termination occurred between September 1, 2008 and December 31, 2009, individual is eligible for COBRA coverage, individual elects COBRA coverage, adjusted Gross Income does not exceed $125,000  ($250,000 for joint-filers). Individuals who qualify for the COBRA-Stimulus pay 35% of regular COBRA premium. The federal government subsidizes the remaining 65% for up to nine months.
Contact:  Steve Larson

JULIETs (Just Us Ladies – I Eat Too!) Group

Supported By:  Board of Deacons
Its Mission:  We were formed to prove that ladies like to eat, too! ROMEO's have existed for several years, and we decided to form a social group strictly for eating out once a month! No rules, no dues, no obligation! We now take a good-will offering at each outing to be used for a charity to be determined at a later date, but we are primarily about fellowship!
Who May Want To Join:  Any woman who is available to go out to lunch on the first Friday of each month is welcome to JULIET's.
Activities:   We choose a different restaurant each month. So far we've dined at Colonial, Bridge Street Café, Andriana's, and the Olive Garden.    
Individual Ministry Opportunities:  There is a short devotion at the beginning of each luncheon, led by a member. Otherwise, we minister to each other by providing fellowship, a listening ear, and a ride if needed.
Meetings & Time Commitments:  We meet once a month at various restaurants in the area. There is no obligation to attend every month.
Contact:  Connie Emery

Koinonia Group  

Supported By:  Board of Deacons
ts Mission:  To develop and encourage women in Christ
Who May Want To Join:  All women.
Activities:   Regular weekly studies and recent "field trip" to hear speaker Jill Savage. Currently planning outing to LifeSpring.
Individual Ministry Opportunities:  Encourage and strengthen each other’s relationship in Christ.
Meetings & Time Commitments:  Weekly meeting and prep time for our weekly study.
Contact:  Vicki Janusz   

Martha’s Circle

Supported By:  Board of Deacons
Its Mission:  Martha's Circle is a play-group/support system for mothers and their children done in a Christian setting.
ho May Want To Join:  It is a wonderful opportunity for mothers and their children to meet new people and stay connected to the church family.
Activities:   Martha's Circle meets every-other Friday from 9:30-11:00 AM. We do the annual Cookie Walk fundraiser with all monies earned given back to various church events.
Individual Ministry Opportunities:  To provide support for each other and to help the church through our Cookie Walk  fundraiser.
Meetings & Time Commitments:  Martha's Circle meets every-other Friday, 9:30-11:00 AM.
Contact:  Krista Barenie

Men's Bible Study Group

Supported By:  Board of Deacons
Its Mission:  Provide an opportunity for retirement-aged men to gather for Bible study and fellowship.
Who May Want To Join:  Men of retirement age.
Activities:   Study 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM on Thursday mornings. Starting June 3, our study will be with the Book of James.
[Most of us then meet for lunch (noon - 1:00) at one of several community restaurants. See ROMEOs.]
Contact:  Rev. Jack Lilley

Men’s Softball Teams

Supported By:  Board of Deacons
Its Mission:  To provide an outlet for men ages 18 to 80 to gather and participate in a Christian sports activity.
Who May Want To Join:  OPC men, ages 18 to 80.
Activities:  Protestant Church Softball League  14" slow pitch series.
Meetings & Time Commitments:  We play 18 League games and at least 2 play off games.  We play Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday nights 6:30 or 7:45, May thru 1st week of August.
Contact:  Paul Bumby or John Corrigan  
 

Naomi-Ruth Circle

Supported By:  Board of Deacons
Its Mission:  Fellowship and support of each other.
Who May Want To Join:  Women of any age.
Activities:  We meet and have a brief devotional and then just socialize. We also take a collection which is then given to local mission activities in the community.
Individual Ministry Opportunities:  Listening, sharing, and praying with each other and occasionally leading a devotional.
Meetings & Time Commitments:  Our meetings are the 3rd Wednesday of each month, 9:30 AM, usually at the church.
Contact:  Mary Heap  

Rebecca Circle

Supported By:  Board of Deacons
ts Mission:  Fellowship and support of each other.
Who May Want To Join:  Retired women.
Activities:   Monthly meetings in each others' homes and Christmas lunch. Currently we are doing a Women in the Bible study. We also make donations to mission work such as Kendall Co. Food Pantry, Kemmerer Children's Home and Church World Services.
Individual Ministry Opportunities:  Nurturing and caring for one another and prayer for those in need.
Meetings & Time Commitments:  The group meets the 2nd Wednesday (1-3 PM) each month, usually in members homes.
Contact:  Carol Figgins   

ROMEOs (Retired Outstanding Men Eating Out) Group

Supported By:  Board of Deacons
Its Mission:  Provide an opportunity for retirement-aged men to gather for fellowship.
Who May Want To Join:  Men of retirement age.

 Sunday Evening Bible Study Group

Supported By:  Board of Deacons
Its Mission:  Building relationships through Bible study and fellowship.
Who May Want To Join:  Adults young or old.
Activities:   We are currently an intercongregational group meeting outside the church with members of several other churches.   
Individual Ministry Opportunities:  Taking a turn at hosting the group in your home and/or taking a turn at leading a  Bible study discussion. And, perhaps assuming the group coordinator role, especially if the group grows to the point that forming a seconding group would be in order.
Meetings & Time Commitments:  Every other Sunday 6:30-9:00 PM.
Contact:  Ray St. Louis 

The Hat Creek Outfit - A Men's Bible Study

Supported By:  Board of Deacons
Its Mission:  Fathers, Uncles, Grandfathers, Great Grandfathers, Sons, Boyfriends, Brothers, Bosses, Employees, Friends.... That's a lot of roles that we play. Is there room for perhaps the most important role of all - DISCI­PLE? The goal of this class is to increase our understanding of the Bible and through it, become a better Christian, a better man.
Activities:   Our last activity was studying the book Experiencing the Heart of Jesus by Max Lucado.
Meetings & Time Commitments:  We are not currently meeting. But please contact Rhys Jones if you would like to help get this group going again.
Contact:  Rhys Jones

WOW (Women Of the Word)

Supported By:  Board of Deacons
Its Mission:  Our mission is to learn more about our place in the church and God's kingdom. We study books that we feel have relevance to our members, and we serve as a support and prayer team for each other and our extended network of friends and family.
Who May Want To Join:  Currently we have 7 - 10 women who regularly attend. We range in age from 40ish up, but do not discriminate! If you like to eat and want to feel a bond with other Christian women, come join us. We take turns leading the study and bringing refreshments.
Activities:  We are currently doing a study on Women in the Bible. We take turns leading the study and bringing refreshments.
Individual Ministry Opportunities:  Leadership and hospitality are encouraged. Members get experience praying with and for others.
Meetings & Time Commitments:  Our meetings are the 2^nd Monday of each month. There is very little preparation. We are encouraged to read a chapter each month to prepare.
Contact:  Connie Emery 

YAHOOS (Young Adults Hangin Outside Of Sundays) Group

Supported By:  Board of Deacons
Its Mission:  To bring together those in their 20's and 30's from the congregation of OPC as well as the community to learn more about each other and Christ.
Who May Want To Join:  "Young Adults" - those in their 20's through early 30's.
Activities:   A recent study was at the Perkins' home where we studied our "dreams" for our lives. A recent social was playing Bingo at the American Legion in Yorkville.
Individual Ministry Opportunities:  To get to know other young Christians and have fun too!
Meetings & Time Commitments:  We meet every second Wednesday of the month at OPC from 7:30-9:30pm. One meeting is of discussion at someone's home in the community, and the other is a social gathering such as going bowling, etc.
Contact:  Emily Perkins

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