Gel Groups
Maybe you've heard the saying that Christianity isn't about religion – it's about relationships.
We couldn't agree more. And that's why it's a bit ironic that our Sunday morning worship and celebration spot (a darkened theater) isn't always conducive for making tons of friends. Sure, we get together in the lobby before and after the service. We might chat a bit between songs. And some of us even meet later for lunch.
But the fact is that there's no overabundance of face-time on Sunday mornings. So that's where Velocity's Gel Groups come in. They're folks like you and me (about 6 – 12) who meet in each other's homes each weekto build community, discussat a deeper level what it means to be a Christ-follower, pray for each otherand apply Sunday's messages.
Each Gel Group tends to have a personality of its own. Some share a meal, snacks or a dessert before, during or after the weekly study. Other Group members stick around and watch TV together after the final amen. But in any event, it's easy to see how Gel Groups are a great way for not-so-perfect strangers to quickly make lasting friendships.
And one last thing… Don't worry about being locked into the same group forever. By design, our Gel Groups re-form several times a year so you're always meeting new people. After all, Velocity is about building relationships… not cliques!
Click for complete list and register
At Velocity, we believe that teaching and loving kids is an important responsibility. And we enjoy doing it!That's why we've created an atmosphere where everyone can accelerate towards God. So what does that mean for your kids? Our“pit crew” of volunteers servesevery child who comes to church on Sunday morning:
Velocity Kids Nursery (0 - 2 years)
A safe and caring place. Among the diaper changes and playtime, we introduce God's Word in story and rhyme.
Velocity Kids Toddlers (2's - 3's)
These formative years are a great time to share more Biblical ideas about God's love.Their Sunday mornings are full of action!
Velocity Kids Preschool (4's - 5's)
It's great to start school-type activities with this age group. They're ready to learn more about God and how to love others.
Velocity Kids Early Elementary (K - 2nd Grade)
This classroom time is for the younger elementary age kids. Study is full of action and everyone joins in the lesson.
Velocity Kids Upper Elementary (3rd - 5th Grade)
These kids need a solid Biblical foundation to guide them as they encounter a bigger world. This class is a crazy time of games, dramas, experiments and interactive fun to help them investigate God's truths.
And safety is very important to us. That's why we run background checks on every Velocity Kids volunteer. And there are always multiple teachers in each class. The bottom line is that we always want you to feel confident that your child is in good hands!
Velocity Youth have many opportunities to accelerate their faith journey toward God.
Small Groups meet Sunday evenings, 6-7:30 PM. Middle schoolers and high school students meet in homes to study the Bible, hit hot topics and hang out with friends.
iMPULSE is a once a month gathering on Sunday afternoons for games, Bible study, mentors, community outreach,
and worship.
Events: Quarterly trips to cool places. The whole group gets out and gets crazy! Past events : Laser Tag, Wrestling School (yah, you read it right!) Rock Climbing and mission trip to Mexico.
Conventions: Middle Schoolers attend LAUNCH each spring. High Schoolers attend IMPACT each fall. These conventions host students from all over VA. Christian rock bands, entertainers, and speakers get everyone refueled and charged-up for God! www.smov.net.
Camps: Velocity Youth are connected with a great summer camp, Camp Rudolph in Yale, VA. There are different weeks designed for middle school and high school. Also, teens can choose wilderness camping which includes tents, hiking, canoeing, and survival training. For more information you can visit www.camprudolph.org.
Velocity Men
Call it Guy Rule #1: Sometimes guys just need to be with other guys to do guy things. And at Velocity, that’s part of our special mission to help men accelerate their faith journey toward God. We focus on three domains to help make it all happen:
SERVICE: Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord (Ephesians 6:7).
Whether it's serving a single mom through our ministry partner Fresh Start for Single Moms or organizing a fellowship event to help out in the community, Velocity Men are men of action and service.
FELLOWSHIP: As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another (Proverbs 27:17).
Daily demands, an increasing transient society and a lack of role models create a situation where men have become more solitary. The result is a lack of the foundational male relationships that are so critical to spiritual development. Velocity Men addresses this through memorable guy’s-only events like Hockey Night, the All-Star Baseball Home Run Derby and Chili Cook-Off, and special out-of-town retreats like the Men’s Acceleration Weekend.
SPIRITUAL GROWTH: I guide you in the way of wisdom and lead you along straight paths (Proverbs 4:11).
Whether you're just checking out Christianity or you’ve followed Christ for years, Velocity Men offers the spiritual nourishment you need. It’s everything from small, intensive Bible study groups to one-on- one mentoring. Just let us know how we canhelp youaccelerate your faith journey!
Questions about Velocity Men? Contact Neil Spoonhower at Neil_VelocityChurch.com.
Velocity Women focuses on three components to help women accelerate their faith journey toward God.
Celebrate
The hustle and bustle of daily life leaves little time for fun and fellowship, especially in the life of a woman. Stay connected to find out more about VELOCITY WOMEN and where you can plug in.
Connect
Ever try to delve into God's Word and find it more difficult to do than you had expected? Trust me you're not alone. Help yourself and others learn and grow by joining our Women's Bible Study or signing up for the VW Retreat coming this March. Women of Velocity will come together to study God's Word and learn from each other as we enjoy one another's company and good food.
Contribute
Tired of just talking about doing something great for the community? Well here are some opportunities to get involved…
Questions about Velocity Women? Contact Brennan Spoonhower at Brennan_VelocityChurch.com
Fall Gel Groups
Below are the Fall Gel Groups. You can read the descriptions and then register for a group online HERE.
GENERAL GEL GROUPS
Getting to know make new friends and build relationships as we live life together and study the previous week’s sermon.
#1 West End: Sundays 6 PM
Regency - No childcare
Leaders: Doug & Laura S.
#2 20+ Gel Group: Tuesdays 7 PM
Ministry Center - No childcare
Leaders: Bob & Denise H.
#3 Short Pump: Tuesdays 7 PM
Short Pump - No childcare
Leader: Rolan C.
#4 Nuckols Rd: Wednesdays 7 PM
Nuckols Rd - Childcare
Leader: Bryan S.
#5 Glen Allen: Wednesdays 7 PM
Springfield Rd - Childcare
Leader: Tim R.
Youth
#6 High School: (1st & 3rd Sunday) 6 - 7:30 PM
Ministry Center
Leaders: Scott, Mae and Randy
"Live the Life" Talkin' bout Jesus!—who he really was and what that means for teens today!
#7 Middle School: (1st & 3rd Sunday) 6 - 7:30 PM
Innsbrook
Leaders: Lisa & Stephanie
"Love Out Loud" Talkin' bout our belief in God and how to put it into action!
Elective Groups
#8 Living Single
Ministry Center, Mondays, 7 PM, (No Child Care)
Leader: John C.
Single Christ-Followers face a unique set of challenges. Discuss biblical teaching about relationships, fellowship, loneliness, dating and developing Christian character.Exploring these topics will give participants a fuller understanding of God's Word and a game plan for the trials, temptations, and tests experienced bysingle Christ-Followers.
#9 Women’s Evening Group
Glen Allen, Mondays, 7 PM (No childcare)
Leader: Adria B.
Searching for God in a Bottomless Purse:We want to be women who matter, and yet the fog of “real life stuff” we encounter every day obscures the life we have. We willexplore the truth about that fog andask God some tough questions. Through this study you may just discover real life hope that brings meaning to your everyday life. Cost is $10.
#10 Laugh Your Way to A Better Marriage
Ministry Center, Wed, 7 PM (No childcare)
Leaders: Rex & Adria B.
Hilarious, practical, and no-holds-barred advice about relationships. Laugh and learn as you explore the underlying dynamics of male/female relationships and his practical solutions to common relationship woes. Cost $10
#11 Women’s Morning Group
Twin Hickory, Thurs, 9:30 AM (No childcare)
Leader: Sandra P.
Conversation Peace: The Power of Transformed Speech: Your tongue can take you into calm or troubled waters and make or break your relationships. Join us as we learn God's way of revolutionizing our speech habits and improving our relationships. Cost is $10
#12 Artist Group
Ministry Center, Thurs, 7 PM (No childcare)
Leader: Chip P.
Geared toward cultivating the artist inside all of us…. Are you a musician, singer, poet, writer, artist, or performer? Do you have a burning desire to creatively express yourself in worship towards God? We'll examine the topics of the weekly sermon as well as explore various ways to worship our Creator.
#13 Forgotten God
Hunton Park, Thurs, 7 PM ( No childcare)
Leader: Brian P.
God put His Spirit in us so we could be known for our power. Sadly, most believers and churches are known for talent and intellect rather than supernatural power. What’s worse is that we’re okay with it. In Forgotten God, Francis Chan returns us to the Holy Spirit as the Bible describes Him and invites us to understand, embrace and follow the Holy Spirit’s direction in our lives.
Testimonies Fresh Start Shady Grove Fall 2009
When I came to the Fresh Start I felt alone-me against the world. I was broken and discouraged. I was tired and couldnt stand my kids. The first night of Fresh Start I felt like I was walking into a room of love and encouragement. The food was incredible. My kids were swept into their rooms and taken care of. As the weeks went on my kids ran to their rooms. I made friends I will keep for the rest of my life. The speakers were encouraging and practical. The encouragers were amazing! This program changed my life! Thank you for all you do. -EL
I was hesitant about coming here. I am not one to look for group support, but I heard positive things about the first meeting form my friend so I tried it. Right from the first meeting I flet so much warmth and love and really connected to everyone. The best thing that came out of this for me is learning that I dont need a man to support me. I have entered the VIDA program and am determined to save to buy my very own first home. YAY! I can do it!
Before Fresh Start I felt like a failure and a loser.It was so amazing to see other smart, funny intelligent woman going through the same thing.
This program gives single mothers (or separated mom) a huge encouragement and supports them in sharing and caring for each other. For me, this is the place that I wanted to come no matter how the day goes crazy, how bad the weather, how much fear. When I arrived here, I feel warm, secure and important. Because of this program I could move forward and decide what I am supposed to do. I can smile again maybe it not a big change for anybody, but I can feel myself (to be myself again) Thank you so much for Sylvia and her supportive staff!! I truly appreciate this program and once I stand up on my own feet again,
Id like to give back to this program. Thank you very much!!!! MP
This was an excellent experience. It was so helpful to know I wasnt alone during this difficult time.
I found a great group of women to share my experiences with. I learned something new every week!
Cant wait for the second session. Thanks so much for all you do and the encouragers!! Love You! JW
This group has been such a great enlightenment to me and my children. I am so thankful for the blessings of the wonderful women I have met and who gave their time to help me and my kids through this time. I have looked forward to every second I got to spend here at Fresh Start. Thank you so much.- MKD
I came across the pamphlet at whole food and thought it would be a great way to meet other mothers in the community. As a single mother it was hard finding friends who could really relate to what some of my daily trails and tribulations are. After attending the meetings I found not only new friends, but I felt as if I could help others with my own experience. The sessions were helpful with the knowledge offered and information provided on topics that were helpful to my daily life. More than anything, it was wonderful to meet with other mothers and gain strength and be supportive for other women who are going through a similar experience. LB
This is only my second week I came in late to the program. But I know I couldnt wait to come back this week. It is so helpful to see that I am not alone, and the Christian element is so vitally important too.
I look forward to the phase #2 this winter-KM
-great team support.
-when time comes I want to give back.
-the team is great it has impacted my life in a great many ways.
-Sylvia is wonderful and a great inspiring person.
-I will give out as much as I can. -DM
Fresh Start allowed me to meet women that are going through the same thing that I am. It has been a great eight weeks with positive loving people.
