Life Groups

WHY LIFE GROUPS?

Doing life together, learn and pray together.

“Let us not give up the habit of meeting together …Instead, let us encourage one another …(Hebrews 10:25 TEV)
“You are joined together with peace through the Spirit, so make every effort to continue together in this way” (Ephesians 4:3 NCV)
“How wonderful it is, how pleasant, for God’s people to live together in harmony” (Psalm 133:1 TEV)

Life is a journey and we are all at different points in our own personal experience. Life can be great at times and challenging quite often, and being in a group helps us all grow closer to each other and closer to God, with the support of friends. Friends from a small group can pray for you, share wisdom or experiences with you, encourage when needed and can add to our understanding of who God is and His plan for your life.

Join a small group and give it a try, if one doesn’t fit you exactly, try another! Life simply isn’t meant to be lived alone. You were created to experience life with other people. Small groups can gather online, but usually meet at church or in a home each week or bi-weekly, and one of these groups just might make your life that much more joyous. We’re better together. In a group you’ll hang out, socialize, study the Word, and pray together. No matter where you are in life, there’s a group for you. Let the church office know if you are interested.

Why Should I Join a Small Group? (3 Min video)

It’s Cold Outside …join a small group! (Skit Guys 3 min video)

Some Group Options

ALPHA FILM SERIES

The new alpha is a series of video sessions shot all over the world exploring the basics of the Christian faith. Each session looks at a different question that people can have about faith and is designed to create conversation. It’s just an open, informal and honest space to explore and discuss life’s big questions together. Whether a seasoned Christian, a christian introducing a friend, or it’s all new to you, why not explore something that could be a great changing point for the rest of your life? …and possibly grow some extra friendships along the way.

What does Alpha look like?

There isn’t really an average Alpha. Alpha is run in local communities all around the world, it’s free and everyone’s welcome. It runs very successfully online now, in cafés, churches, bars, prisons, parks, universities, schools, homes, online—you name it. No two Alphas look the same. Online has been especially attractive for the convenience of being at home, and without the worry of some of “going to church”.

The talks are designed to engage guests and inspire conversation. Usually around thirty minutes long, played as a video, all for free. They explore the big issues around faith and unpack the basics of Christianity, addressing questions such as Who is Jesus? and How can I make the most of the rest of my life? Discussion time is probably the most important part of any Alpha: the chance to share thoughts and ideas on the topic, and simply discuss it in a small group. There’s no obligation to say anything and there’s nothing you can’t say (seriously). It’s an opportunity to hear from others and contribute your own perspective in an honest, friendly and open environment.

What newcomers think:
Rahwa, Matt & Stephanie
Jorge & Dori
Miranda & Ashlyn

Videos: (Watch this Introductory video and sign up today, and don’t forget to bring another friend if interested!
… below is the first if curious tho we will be watching this together on the first evening then discussing in small groups online)

1. The Alpha Series intro (3 min video)
2. Video Week 1: Is There More to Life Than This? (25 min video)

THE FOLLOWING ARE GREAT VIDEOS TO WATCH FOR NEWCOMERS SIMPLY SEARCHING AND SEASONED CHRISTIANS:

THE PURPOSE DRIVEN LIFE

The Purpose Driven Life (by Rick Warren – click here to order e-book download or free sample)

Begin your own 6 week small group study with a friend or friends with the below resources. You can just watch the videos or better yet, watch a video then read from the e-book the following 7 days worth of readings (approx 3 pages per day), then call your friend/friends and discuss the questions. Whether it’s the first time, or re-doing this study (highly recommended), it will be a great time of growth and reflection discovering god’s individual purposes for our lives. You can also listen to a short message for each of the 40 days at www.purposedriven.com/day1 …then www.purposedriven/day2

View Introduction Video (2 mins)

Video Messages (free) include:

Session 1 Video 30 mins The Purpose for your life summary
Session 2 Video 30 mins Planned for God’s pleasure …extra 20 min “Becoming a follower of God“
Session 3 Video 30 mins Formed for God’s family
Session 4 Video 30 mins Created to become like Christ
Session 5 Video 30 mins Shaped to Serve God
Session 6 Video 30 mins Made for a mission

Video Message Discussion Questions (per session):
1. “Life is not about you; it’s all about God” …What difference could it make if I acted like life is all about God and not about myself? “I was made to last forever” …How does that statement strike you …encouraging, puzzling, disappointing, surprising? …Why?
2. What do you think it means to be a living sacrifice? What will you gain by surrendering more of your life to God?
3. What could you change in your schedule that would give you more time to build healthy relationships? What does your level of involvement in your local church say about your love for God’s family? How can you help cultivate the characteristics of fellowship in your church or a small group?
4. God uses trouble to teach us to trust. What problem in your life has brought about the greatest growth in your character? God uses temptation to teach us to obey… What lesson do you think God is trying to teach you? God uses trespasses to teach us to forgive What is God teaching you about forgiveness right now?
5. Availability, gratitude, faithfulness, generosity – which of these four attitudes do you need to work on most and discuss ways to do that? Click here to work on your S.H.A.P.E
6. What principles and ideas have you learned about sharing Christ with people? Can you make a list of activities or hobbies you like doing, then list people in your life who you could invite to do those activities with you …to get to know them better, and possibly share the love of Jesus with them?
Complete your Spiritual Assessment here (15 minutes)

RIGHTNOWMEDIA.ORG

This is the netflix of christian bible study videos, as well as a library of everyday topics that help us all navigate life. Topics such as marriage, finances, parenting, youth, recovery, leadership, and even kids programs are there. Visit and explore

Our church has provided it’s congregation free access to rightnowmedia.org

1. Go to https://www.RightNow.org/Account/Invite/TSACANADA

2. Setup Your Account for access

3. Fill in the rest of your personal info, and check box at bottom that you are affiliated with the Salvation Army

4. When you enter the site it takes a bit of time for pictures of studies to appear …enjoy all these great resources

YOU CAN LIVE THE LIFE YOU WERE MEANT TO LIVE

Free Booklet

Rick Warren’s 64 page mini booklet “What on earth am I here for?” answers life’s 3 biggest questions:

Why am I alive?
Does my life matter?
What on earth am I here for?

Wonderful to read yourself then pass it onto a friend.

Request one today by contacting the office.
(office@saoshawa.ca or 905-436-0011)

Code of Conduct for all Mission Partners of The Salvation Army in Canada and Bermuda

1. Purpose
To provide mission partners with guidelines regarding their expected behaviour while undertaking work on behalf of TSA. The code of conduct states TSA’s commitment to operating in an ethical and legal manner that aligns with TSA’s mission, vision, values and Orders and Regulations. The code of conduct serves as a foundational standard for other conduct-related operating policies.

2. Basic Principles
All mission partners are expected to behave in ways that are aligned with TSA’s mission and values.

2.1. Mission Statement:
The Salvation Army exists to share the love of Jesus Christ, meet human needs and be a transforming influence in the communities of our world.

2.2. Vision Statement
We are an innovative partner, mobilized to share hope wherever there is hardship, building communities that are just and know the love of Jesus.

2.3. Core Values:
Hope: We give hope through the power of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Service: We reach out to support others without discrimination.
Dignity: We respect and value each other, recognizing everyone’s worth.
Stewardship: We responsibly manage the resources entrusted to us.

3. Conduct Expectations
The code of conduct provides guidelines for mission partner conduct. The code of conduct cannot cover every possible situation; mission partners are responsible for considering each issue in the context of TSA’s mission and values, recognizing that individual conduct may be understood as a reflection of TSA’s values, image, integrity and public trust. If a mission partner is unsure of a situation and needs guidance about their conduct or has concerns about the conduct of another person, they should speak with their supervisor or HR/officer personnel representative.

Mission partners will:
3.1. Comply with TSA policies and procedures.
3.2. Follow all applicable laws and at no time participate in, or assist others to participate in, any illegal, criminal or unethical activities.
3.3. Conduct themselves at all times with honesty, integrity and transparency.
3.4. Perform their defined duties to the best of their ability.
3.5. Treat others, including other mission partners, funders, clients and the public, with respect, dignity, fairness and courtesy.
3.6. Promote and support a work environment that is inclusive of all people and respects their unique abilities, strengths and differences.
3.7. Identify actual, potential or perceived conflicts of interest and disclose them to their supervisor to help minimize or eliminate the impact of such conflicts, which could influence or appear to influence their judgment and actions. Refer to GV 01.003 Conflict of Interest policy for additional direction and requirements.
3.8. Collect, use and disclose confidential information only in accordance with TSA policy and applicable privacy laws. Ensure all records, documents and communications are accurate and that privacy is maintained as required by GV
01.009 Privacy.
3.9. Conduct all business, service and ministry activities in a responsible manner, consistent with TSA’s values of hope, service, dignity and stewardship.
3.10. Always strive to create and maintain the highest health, safety, wellness and environmental standards in all facilities and work areas.
3.11. Take every reasonable precaution to protect the safety of oneself and others and report accidents (however minor) and near-misses (accidents that almost happened), risky behaviours, and instances where equipment and/or building
deficiencies could compromise the safety of a workplace.
3.12. Use information technology, including internet and email, in a professional and appropriate manner, in accordance with TSA policy (IT 02.001 Computers and Information Technology Acceptable Use).
3.13. Ensure they are fit to work and able to perform assigned duties as required by their job description safely, satisfactorily and in compliance with HR 10.002 Substance Impairment in the Workplace.

TSA expects mission partners will not:
3.14. Act in a discriminatory, harassing or violent way toward others.
3.15. Use their position in order to gain an advantage over or exploit the vulnerability of others.
3.16. Destroy or take for personal use any items belonging to or safeguarded by TSA without prior written approval.
3.17. Solicit (money or goods) from clients, donors, vendors, contractors or any person in a position to benefit from their association with TSA. Mission partners will adhere to the requirements of HR 04.002 Gifts, Speaking Fees, and Testimonials policy.
3.18. Give the appearance that they are speaking on behalf of TSA when not authorized to do so or engage in any activity that would negatively impact TSA’s reputation, brand or public image, including the use of personal social media
accounts.
3.19. Initiate contact with the media or respond to their inquiries, and instead will refer all media inquiries to their supervisor, their public relations representative or TSA’s communications department.
3.20. Use, abuse or misuse paid time, TSA resources or the equipment assigned to them.
3.21. Misuse their authority, abuse power, act irresponsibly, retaliate against someone who reports misconduct or exclude others from workplace events.

4. Officers: Orders and Regulations
In the event of a conflict between the provisions of the code of conduct and Orders and Regulations, the latter shall take precedence.

5. Violation of the Code
If a mission partner believes the law, the code of conduct or TSA’s policies may have been violated or are about to be violated, they should inform their supervisor or report their concern through the Whistleblower hotline (see GV 01.008 Whistleblower policy).

Violation of the code of conduct is a serious matter and could result in disciplinary action up to and including termination.