fall 2024 SMALL GROUPS
Beginning August 18th
Prayer Cohorts
Is prayer ever awkward for you? Do you get easily distracted? Are you uncomfortable praying out loud or with other people? Is prayer something you believe actually works, or has cynicism gotten the best of you? You are not alone. One of the most profound privileges for the Christian is our invitation to prayer. We serve a God who not only lavishes his grace upon us but invites us into his tapestry of work through the act of praying. It is the primary way by which we encounter his presence, are transformed by his Spirit, and gain a deeper knowledge of the one who has called us to himself. Summit Ridge desires to be a church bathed in prayer and we believe that by approaching it together, we can encourage and teach each other to do it better. Join us this semester as we read through "A Praying Life" by Paul Miller and we will watch the Lord Jesus transform our lives and hearts through our worshipful act of prayer.
Mike & Debbie Weyand
Co-ed Group
Mondays @ 6:00 PM
Scott & Heather Rider
Co-ed Group
Wednesdays @ 6:30 PM
*GROUP FULL*
Terry & Lynn Sonnenburg
Co-ed Group
Wednesdays @ 6:30 PM
Jeff Frazier
Co-ed Group
Wednesdays @ 7:00 PM
Sermon-based Groups
Quite often, questions arise after hearing the word of God preached from the pulpit. Perhaps something that is said did not make sense. Maybe there was a word of encouragement that sustained you throughout the week. Regularly, there is a particularly convicting message that you wish to explore further. This is how the Holy Spirit works – He speaks through the word of God in preaching and is intent on offering encouragement to the weary and conviction to the unrepentant, inciting the hope of the Gospel to all who hear. For the bulk of the semester, the sermon series will be covering the book of Ephesians. This small group serves as an opportunity to discuss the previous week’s sermon and dive deeper into its various themes.
Lynn Sonnenburg
Women's Group
Tuesdays @ 6:00 PM
Steven & Danica Henry
Family Group
Fridays @ 5:00 PM
*GROUP FULL*
Person of Jesus Studies
Marc Guité
Men's Group
Mondays @ 7 PM
Christians often have a hard time with honesty. We tend to fall off on one side of the grace-truth fence and often leave wreckage in our wake. Either we shy away from saying what we know is right or declare with a verbal sledgehammer what the truth is. Our “fight or flight” reasoning kicks in and we succumb to the belief that we have to act in one of two ways. Scripture commands a different response as we encounter Jesus.
In Him, we learn the wisdom of this frustrating balancing act. We are called, through His power, to be like him – a man “full of grace and truth”. It is in the person of Jesus we see how we are to respond to others. We move toward them in love as we speak the truth of his gospel into their lives. This Person of Jesus Study is for those who seek to grow more like Christ by reflecting on Christ’s
Honesty.
In Him, we learn the wisdom of this frustrating balancing act. We are called, through His power, to be like him – a man “full of grace and truth”. It is in the person of Jesus we see how we are to respond to others. We move toward them in love as we speak the truth of his gospel into their lives. This Person of Jesus Study is for those who seek to grow more like Christ by reflecting on Christ’s
Honesty.
Dave & Cindy Schlothauer
Co-ed Group
Tuesdays @ 7:00 PM
When we consider the various aspects of the person of Jesus, we often look to His grace toward sinners and his power over the grave. These aspects are central in understanding our faith and the message of the gospel. However, do we stop often enough to consider how Jesus the man accomplished all of His work? For it is in His utter dependence on God the Father that he was able to endure all things for the sake of those he came to save. This semester, we will take the time to ponder, reflect, and study how Christ’s Dependence on the Father was not merely a byproduct of his perfection, but the very thing that made His life, death, and resurrection possible. It serves as the model by which we are called as children of God to depend on our Father. For it is in this dependence that we can repent of sin, endure through suffering, and love each other in the way Christ loves us. Join us as we continue through Paul Miller’s "Person of Jesus" study series looking at His Dependence.
Tim & Michelle Laffoon
Co-ed Group
Wednesdays @ 6:30 PM
If someone could perfectly balance compassion and honesty while fully depending on God’s guidance to love others, one problem would remain: how do we get the energy to love? Faith in God provides the energy for love. Closely associated with Jesus’ dependence on his heavenly Father is Jesus’ faith in him. And where could a study of love begin but with Jesus—love personified? The “Person of Jesus” small group study series slowly introduces a Jesus so personal, so rich in love, that we are captivated heart-first. Paul Miller’s winsome insights—conveyed through an energetic, interactive format—leads people to discover Jesus’ beauty for themselves. Join us as we begin Paul Miller’s "Person of Jesus" study series looking at His
Compassion.
Compassion.
Hope Groups
Angela Caprine & Tiffany Cooper
Women's Group
Thursdays @ 6:30 PM
Sex is a wonderful gift given by God and humanity was beautifully created to have sexual desire. However, from the dawn of sin, we have found every imaginable way of distorting this gift. In church world, the issues of sexual sin and brokenness have been historically approached through the various lenses of shame or sin avoidance. The person of Jesus and the word of God offer us so much more. This Hope Group is for women who want to move past the often hollow and ineffective approach of shallow repentance (or insincere forgiveness) into considering the glorious life waiting for us on the other side. We will read Ellen Dykas’ book "Sexual Sanity for Women" and see why we struggle with sexual brokenness and the hope offered in the gospel. We will seek to gain a deeper understanding of our habits, experience, trauma, and stories that inform how we act today. Most importantly, will consider not only what we can be freed from, but what we can be freed to – a life defined by the righteousness of God in our Savior, Jesus Christ.
Topical Groups & Bible Studies
Christine Guité
Women's Group
Mondays @ 6:30 PM
“Blessed be the Lord, who has delivered you.”
—Exodus 18:10
With that introduction, we enter into the story of the Hebrew people in the book of Exodus. No longer under the protection of their forefather Joseph, the children of Israel became slaves to the Egyptians. But God was raising up a deliverer in Moses, to lead His people from bondage to freedom so they could worship Him. The exodus of the Israelites shapes our understanding of the whole Bible, its themes reverberating all the way to Revelation. Exodus is the birth narrative of a nation unmistakably guided by the Great Deliverer.
In this 10-session verse-by-verse study of Exodus 1–18, entitled "God of Deliverance," Jen Wilkin shows us that Israel’s story is our story: the same God who delivered Israel also delivers all those He loves from slavery to sin and from service to the pharaohs of this world. He lifts our eyes to the promised land He has prepared.
—Exodus 18:10
With that introduction, we enter into the story of the Hebrew people in the book of Exodus. No longer under the protection of their forefather Joseph, the children of Israel became slaves to the Egyptians. But God was raising up a deliverer in Moses, to lead His people from bondage to freedom so they could worship Him. The exodus of the Israelites shapes our understanding of the whole Bible, its themes reverberating all the way to Revelation. Exodus is the birth narrative of a nation unmistakably guided by the Great Deliverer.
In this 10-session verse-by-verse study of Exodus 1–18, entitled "God of Deliverance," Jen Wilkin shows us that Israel’s story is our story: the same God who delivered Israel also delivers all those He loves from slavery to sin and from service to the pharaohs of this world. He lifts our eyes to the promised land He has prepared.
Kristi O'Brien
Women's Group
Mondays @ 6:30 PM
Beginning September 23rd
Beginning September 23rd
The opening lines and chapters of Genesis teach us fundamental truths about God. We watch Him bring light after darkness, order after chaos, and rest after toil—all through the power of His Word.
Using 10 sessions of verse-by-verse study, we'll dive into the first 11 chapters of Genesis with Jen Wilkin's study "God of Creation." We'll follow three critical stages of understanding: comprehension, interpretation, and application. Teaching videos are key in understanding this study. Revisit familiar stories and historical figures, challenge your basic knowledge, and discover deeper meanings in the text. As God reveals Himself through Scripture, we can only begin to understand ourselves when we first glimpse the character, attributes, and promises of our Creator.
Using 10 sessions of verse-by-verse study, we'll dive into the first 11 chapters of Genesis with Jen Wilkin's study "God of Creation." We'll follow three critical stages of understanding: comprehension, interpretation, and application. Teaching videos are key in understanding this study. Revisit familiar stories and historical figures, challenge your basic knowledge, and discover deeper meanings in the text. As God reveals Himself through Scripture, we can only begin to understand ourselves when we first glimpse the character, attributes, and promises of our Creator.
Efrain & Cristina Castillo
Co-ed Spanish Group
Tuesdays @ 7:00 PM
In this upcoming Bible study series, we will explore the first five books of the Bible, also known as the Pentateuch. Delving into Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy, we will uncover the unique character of God and His relationship with humanity as we unravel the rich teachings and messages found within these foundational texts.
En esta próxima serie de estudios bíblicos, exploraremos los primeros cinco libros de la Biblia, también conocidos como el Pentateuco. Al profundizar en Génesis, Éxodo, Levítico, Números y Deuteronomio, descubriremos el carácter único de Dios y su relación con la humanidad a medida que desentrañamos las ricas enseñanzas y mensajes que se encuentran en estos textos fundamentales.
En esta próxima serie de estudios bíblicos, exploraremos los primeros cinco libros de la Biblia, también conocidos como el Pentateuco. Al profundizar en Génesis, Éxodo, Levítico, Números y Deuteronomio, descubriremos el carácter único de Dios y su relación con la humanidad a medida que desentrañamos las ricas enseñanzas y mensajes que se encuentran en estos textos fundamentales.
Glen & Liz Smith
Co-ed Group
Tuesdays @ 6:30 PM
Central to God’s character is the quality of His holiness. Yet, even so, most people are hard-pressed to define what God’s holiness precisely is. Many preachers today avoid the topic altogether because people today don’t quite know what to do with words like “awe” or “fear.”
In his classic work, "The Holiness of God," R. C. Sproul puts God's holiness in its proper and central place in the Christian life. He paints an awe-inspiring vision of God that encourages Christians to become holy just as God is holy. Once you encounter the holiness of God, your life will never be the same.
In his classic work, "The Holiness of God," R. C. Sproul puts God's holiness in its proper and central place in the Christian life. He paints an awe-inspiring vision of God that encourages Christians to become holy just as God is holy. Once you encounter the holiness of God, your life will never be the same.
John & Angela McCord
Co-ed Group
Wednesdays @ 7:00 PM
*GROUP FULL*
It's been thirty five years and two million copies since W. Phillip Keller gave us “A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23,” and it continues to encourage and inspire Christians with its classic insights into the heart of the Good Shepherd, Jesus Christ. Page by page, Keller reveals new facets of the Shepherd of Psalm 23 and his tireless, devoted care of His sheep. In these pages you will discover an uplifting expression of Christ's love for those that trust him as their protector, guide, provider and faithful keeper.
Laura Wallace
Women's Group
Wednesdays @ 10:00 AM
Christianity isn’t about following rules, it’s about a relationship. The rise in popularity of this phrase coincides with a growing disinterest and misunderstanding regarding the role of God’s life-giving, perfect law in the Christian life. Rather than the source of joy it was intended to be, the law is viewed as an angry god’s restrictions for a rebellious people.
In "Ten Words to Live By," Jen Wilkin presents a fresh biblical look at the Ten Commandments, showing how they come to bear on our lives today as we seek to love God and others, to live in joyful freedom, and to long for that future day when God will be rightly worshiped for eternity. Learn to see the law of God as a feast for your famished soul, open to anyone who calls on the name of the Lord.
In "Ten Words to Live By," Jen Wilkin presents a fresh biblical look at the Ten Commandments, showing how they come to bear on our lives today as we seek to love God and others, to live in joyful freedom, and to long for that future day when God will be rightly worshiped for eternity. Learn to see the law of God as a feast for your famished soul, open to anyone who calls on the name of the Lord.
John & Kristina Schlothauer
Co-ed Group
Thursdays @ 6:30 PM
To enclaves of young converts in the mountains of Asia Minor, Paul wrote what is perhaps the oldest document in the New Testament―the letter to the Galatians. Paul's readers were struggling with numerous issues: How were men and women to be put right with God? Among a variety of religious authorities espousing different teachings, how were they to know who was right? How could Christians in the midst of a pagan culture live lives truly pleasing to God?
Only one way, answered Paul: through Jesus Christ. John Stott's "The Message of Galatians," will help us understand Paul's letter and how it holds true in the face of current challenges to our faith. Guiding readers passage by passage through Galatians, Stott provides helpful background, highlights key themes, and offers applications for Christians today.
Only one way, answered Paul: through Jesus Christ. John Stott's "The Message of Galatians," will help us understand Paul's letter and how it holds true in the face of current challenges to our faith. Guiding readers passage by passage through Galatians, Stott provides helpful background, highlights key themes, and offers applications for Christians today.
Tricia Coblentz
Women's Group
Thursdays @ 6:30 PM
Counter the lies that keep you from abundant living! Satan is the master deceiver; his lies are endless. And the lies Christian women believe are at the root of most of their struggles.
"Many women live under a cloud of personal guilt and condemnation," says Nancy DeMoss Wolgemuth. "Many are in bondage to their past. Others are gripped by fear of rejection and a longing for approval. Still others are emotional prisoners."
In her bestseller, "Lies Women Believe," Nancy exposes those areas of deception most commonly believed by Christian women—lies about God, sin, priorities, marriage and family, emotions, and more. She then sheds light on how we can be delivered from bondage and set free to walk in God's grace, forgiveness, and abundant life. Nancy offers the most effective weapon to counter and overcome Satan's deceptions: God's truth!
"Many women live under a cloud of personal guilt and condemnation," says Nancy DeMoss Wolgemuth. "Many are in bondage to their past. Others are gripped by fear of rejection and a longing for approval. Still others are emotional prisoners."
In her bestseller, "Lies Women Believe," Nancy exposes those areas of deception most commonly believed by Christian women—lies about God, sin, priorities, marriage and family, emotions, and more. She then sheds light on how we can be delivered from bondage and set free to walk in God's grace, forgiveness, and abundant life. Nancy offers the most effective weapon to counter and overcome Satan's deceptions: God's truth!
Grace Panknin & Theresa Dunn
Mom's Group
Fridays @ 10:00 AM
*GROUP FULL*
The Blue Ridge Parkway meanders through miles of rolling Virginia mountains; a route made famous by natural beauty and the simple rhythms of rural life. And it’s in this setting that Hannah Anderson began her exploration of what it means to pursue a life of peace and humility. Fighting back her own sense of restlessness and anxiety, she finds herself immersed in the world outside, discovering lessons about soil preparation, sour mulch, and grapevine blights that reveal truths about our dependence on God, finding rest, and fighting discontentment.
Hannah's book, "Humble Roots" is part theology of incarnation and part stroll through the fields and forest. Anchored in the teaching of Jesus, she explores how cultivating humility—not scheduling, strict boundaries, or increased productivity—leads to peace. “Come unto me, all who labor and are heavy laden,” Jesus invites us, “and you will find rest for your souls.”
So come. Learn humility from the lilies of the field and from the One who is humility Himself. Remember who you are and Who you are not, and rediscover the rest that comes from belonging to Him.
Hannah's book, "Humble Roots" is part theology of incarnation and part stroll through the fields and forest. Anchored in the teaching of Jesus, she explores how cultivating humility—not scheduling, strict boundaries, or increased productivity—leads to peace. “Come unto me, all who labor and are heavy laden,” Jesus invites us, “and you will find rest for your souls.”
So come. Learn humility from the lilies of the field and from the One who is humility Himself. Remember who you are and Who you are not, and rediscover the rest that comes from belonging to Him.
David & Carol Few
Family Group
Sundays @ 3:00 PM
Ask yourself, “What kind of people does God use to accomplish His work?” Far from the children’s tales depicted in picture books and nursery rhymes, the men and women highlighted in the Bible were unnervingly real. They faltered. They struggled. And at times, they fell short. Yet God worked through them in surprising and incredible ways to accomplish His purposes.
In “Twelve Unlikely Heroes,” pastor and best-selling author John MacArthur uses his deep knowledge of the Bible and history to take us back to see these three-dimensional men and women in their own times and cultures. In doing so, it becomes clear how their dramatic stories apply to us today. People who might at first seem foreign quickly become familiar and unforgettable, particularly as they reveal the true Hero behind every witness, the power counterbalancing every weakness, “the Author and Finisher of our faith” (Heb. 12:1).
In “Twelve Unlikely Heroes,” pastor and best-selling author John MacArthur uses his deep knowledge of the Bible and history to take us back to see these three-dimensional men and women in their own times and cultures. In doing so, it becomes clear how their dramatic stories apply to us today. People who might at first seem foreign quickly become familiar and unforgettable, particularly as they reveal the true Hero behind every witness, the power counterbalancing every weakness, “the Author and Finisher of our faith” (Heb. 12:1).