There are a number of small groups at Silverwood, which have developed over the years.  As a part of our new congregational vision we have established the following guidelines for establishing new small groups: 

Small groups all have four objectives:  care for each other; help each other discern passion, spiritual gift and calling; be accountable to each other for personal and spiritual growth (speak the truth in love); and one unique objective (e.g. learn Spanish or household maintenance, sing hymns, be supportive, put puzzles together, read a book together, figure out what’s next, i.e. just about anything.)  Each group has freedom to function as they desire, as long as the four objectives are being met.  New groups are announced when a leader with a unique objective has been trained.  Training requires participating in a new small group.      

NEW SMALL GROUPS- Listed here are small groups that are currently forming.

Announcing New Summer Small Group!  Golfing is the theme…professional or hack, male or female…all are welcome! Locations, schedule and frequency will depend on those that sign up. This group will last as long as we can golf so this is a great group to join if you are not into long-term commitments. We start in June, so let Ron Guengerich (533-1922) or Craig Detweiler (533-1165) know if you are interested.

A Call for Men!   Men, you are invited to join with other men to pray, study Scripture & to get to know the stories of other men.  We would like to meet for 45-50 minutes weekly in the morning before work (day & time yet to be determined).  This will require a commitment of three months.  Remember: “If we try to stand alone, we will be beaten.”  Talk to Ron Guengerich if you are interested in such a group.

Were You Ever a Teenager?  Do you ever feel like teens speak a different language, or do they look at you like you’re the one speaking a different language?  If you answered yes to either of these questions, this is the small group for you.  Come join other language challenged parents who desire to better relate to the teens of today.  If all goes well, we may begin to speak “teen” a little better and may even get “the look” less often.  Perhaps you are a post-teen parent with wisdom to share or a pre-teen parent looking to prepare yourself; all are welcome.  Please contact Craig Detweiler at 533-1165 or if you are interested.

Will You Walk with Me?  This group will spend thirty minutes walking (inside) and then have a sit down session of getting to know each other and sharing each others concerns.  Get out those walking shoes and come join us!  Contact Dick Gilliom at or 534-2932 if you are interested.

EXISTING SMALL GROUPS - Listed here are some of the small groups which have been established within the last year.

Theological Conversations:  A small group which provides an opportunity to discuss, debate, and formulate ideas on deeper subjects.  It is based for people who enjoy thinking about tough topics and discussing their thoughts with others who know that they do not have all of the answers.  Consequently, it will encourage growth in thought by hearing other perspectives so that new insights can permeate from the collective group.  

Embracing Aging:  Families Facing Change is led by Ruth Guengerich and will be based on the film produced by Mennonite Media.  Some issues that will be discussed and addressed are your own aging, issues your family is facing as parents' health changes and decisions that need to be made for their on-going care. 

Welcome Wagon:  This small group is for individuals who have a passion and desire to welcome new families to Silverwood. We will be looking at how we can meet this need when they attend on Sunday morning as well as looking at ways to integrate them into our church family throughout their first several months of attendance. It will be discussing how to develop a creative, proactive working plan... and how to put it into action in an effort to meet this need within our Silverwood Church family! Deb Handrich is the leader.