1. religion and spirituality
2. christianity

LIFEGROUPS
CARING COMMUNITY
SUMMER TRIMESTER 2015
JUNE 15 - AUGUST 17
CUYAHOGA
VA L L E Y
CHURCH
5055 EAST WALLINGS ROAD, BROADVIEW HEIGHTS, OH
www.cvconline.org / 440.746.0404
printed 06/5/15
SAVE THE DATE:
We’re planning some incredible retreats in the next few months that we
believe will produce lasting fruit in your spiritual journey.
YOUNG ADULTS - “Clarity”
August 28-30, 2015
White Pines Center
in the Cuyahoga Valley National Park
Contact Josh Stone: jstone@cvconline.org
SPECIAL OFFER FOR YOUNG ADULTS ONLY:
“BUY ONE-GET ONE HALF OFF”
Pay full price to attend one retreat (i.e., Men’s, Women’s, Young
Adult), and get the other retreat for half off!
MEN’S RETREAT
September 11-12, 2015
Camp Burton
Cost: $70
Led by Dale Piscura: dpiscura@cvconline.org
WOMEN’S RETREAT - “Finding Rest”
We all experience times of chaos in our lives, and whether the chaos
is subtle or extreme, “Finding Rest” will give you the tools to help cultivate your soul so that you can live in the rest God wants for you-- for
today, for tomorrow, for life.
Cost: Starting at $65
September 25-26
Holiday Inn Strongsville
Speaker: Sally Breedlove, Author of “Choosing Rest”
Contact Leigh-Ann Brisbin: lbrisbin@cvconline.org
Who are you praying for on our 10|24 prayer card? Pick up a Save
The Date card or two in the foyer and invite them to experience
New Life in Christ through Truth and fellowship.
WELCOME!
At CVC, we’re passionate about inviting people to new life in Christ.
Like a tree that goes through the progressive stage of rooting, growing,
maturing, and multiplying, your desire to live new in Christ will drive
you to grow spiritually.
LIFEGROUPS: Your next step to connect at CVC.
To help you along in your journey, we encourage you to participate in a
LifeGroup where you can connect and grow with other believers.
Please take a few minutes to read through this booklet which describes
the purpose of LifeGroups and also lists our current groups. Feel free to
contact any LifeGroup Leader for more information on their group. Or
you may contact any member of the Community Life team. Live new!
Dean Siley
Pastor of Community Life
“For where two or three are gathered in my name,
there am I among them.” Matthew 18:20
COMMUNITY LIFE TEAM
Dean Siley
Mixed LifeGroups Pastor
dsiley@cvconline.org
440.746.0404 ext. 262
Dale Piscura
Men’s LifeGroups Pastor
dpiscura@cvconline.org
440.746.0404 ext. 212
Leigh-Ann Brisbin
Women’s LifeGroups Director
lbrisbin@cvconline.org
440.746.0404 ext. 214
Greta Smith
Community Life Admin
gsmith@cvconline.org
440.746.0404 ext. 267
WHAT IS A LIFEGROUP?
LifeGroups are small groups, usually 8-12 people, that
gather regularly and intentionally to pursue the fruit of
new life.
LifeGroups are the vehicle by which our adults,
students, and children actively journey toward greater
spiritual growth and authentic Christ-centered
relationships.
We passionately believe that every person at CVC
should live in authentic community that is rooted in
Christ, grounded in God’s Word and established in
love. We believe that growth happens best when we
are in community-- not in isolation-- so that when we
face life’s problems, we have a group of people around
us praying for us, encouraging us, checking in on us,
visiting us, and challenging us toward spiritual growth
and maturity.
Hebrews 10:24-25; John 13:34-35; Acts 2:22-27;
Philippians 2:3-4; 1 Thessalonians 2:8; Colossians 3:16;
Matthew 22:37-40; 1 John 3:16-18
WHAT ARE THE DYNAMICS?
LifeGroups are an environment where people
relationally experience our church’s six Passions,
sometimes known as “Values”: Living Truth, God
Dependence, Caring Community, Linked Generations,
Equipped Leadership and Missional Living (see the
CVC Vision Guide.) These six passions define the way
we relate to one another and carry out our mission.
They capture our uniqueness, define how we serve
together and help define the personality of CVC. If a
LifeGroup is successfully living out our Passions, then
when the people in that community think “LifeGroup”,
they will think: growth, discipleship, community, life on
life learning, care, support, hospitality, encouragement,
accountability, organic relationships, authentic
friendships, a safe and disarming environment, service,
Bible, prayer, the power and presence of God.
HOW DO YOU FORM A LIFEGROUP?
Ideally, LifeGroups form organically through natural
relationships, but we are aware that oftentimes CVC will
need to provide opportunities to develop new relational
connections through special meetings or groups. Some
LifeGroups will gel and some will not. It’s ok if they
don’t. We will encourage people to stick it out and then
try another group until they feel a fit.
WHAT’S THE STRUCTURE?
LifeGroups will have various compositions, primarily
based on age, stage of life, geographical location,
interests and needs. Most groups will be either an
affinity group or a mixed group. We encourage and
promote intergenerational groups.
HOW DO YOU CHOOSE LEADERS?
LifeGroup Leaders are individuals who answer the call
to be a shepherd, teacher, mentor, leader, caregiver,
discipler and facilitator for their LifeGroup. It is an
exhilarating honor to step into the role of a shepherd
in God’s Kingdom. We encourage LifeGroup Leaders
to thoughtfully and prayerfully consider this role of
leadership, looking to Jesus as their model for learning
how to shepherd their group well.
John 10:14-15; Psalm 23:1-3; Mark 6:34-35; Isaiah 41:11; 1
Peter 2:24-25; Hebrews 13:20-21; 1 Peter 5:1-4
SELECTING LEADERS
Aspiring LifeGroup Leaders step forward and volunteer
themselves or they are identified and invited into
leadership by a current LifeGroup Leader that is willing
to incubate them and then launch them. They can also
be identified by church leaders or other members of the
church and invited into a group leader training process.
SCHEDULE
LifeGroups meet weekly or bi-weekly on a trimester
system (spring, summer and fall semesters ranging from
12-16 weeks long.) Each trimester we desire to have a
clear start date (on ramp) and a clear finish date (off
ramp). This allows group members the opportunity to
enter or exit a new group.
At the beginning of each trimester each group will
have the opportunity to gain new members if they have
Open space. If the group is 12 or larger, the LifeGroup
Leaders will be encouraged not to add new members
to the group because of the challenges and limitations
that larger groups bring. Each LifeGroup Leader is
encouraged to pursue training up new leaders to launch
new groups if their LifeGroup becomes too large.
LOCATIONS
Homes, church, restaurants, coffee shops, etc. Where
they gather is not the emphasis, the spiritual growth that
is accomplised when they meet is. Having a consistent
location encourages regular group attendance.
MATERIALS
Preferably sermon-based study guide. We believe that
syncing the church through a shared study promotes
more cohesion, strength and community within the
church at large. The study guide is provided online,
emailed to leaders, or available at the info center. Ideally
it is best to have group members fill out the study
guide in advance and then come prepared to share
their answers at LifeGroup. We will not exclusively use
the sermon-based study guide and are ok with groups
selecting their own material. We prefer that any material
used by a CVC LifeGroup Leader is approved by the
Pastor of Community Life prior to beginning the study.
LIFEGROUPS WITH CHILDREN
With our passion for linked generations, the presence
of children for a LIfeGroup will occur often, but we also
know that the presence of children can create unique
needs for the group. We encourage something to
engage the kids in learning during LifeGroup, not just
seeking out childcare.
Here are several options that families with children can
consider:
-- Have them as part of the group.
-- Adults within the group take turns providing care for
children each week onsite.
-- Have/hire older teens to care for younger kids onsite.
-- Hire someone outside the group to care for them on or
offsite.
-- Each family is responsible for providing own care for kids
offsite.
-- In some cases, church provides childcare for LifeGroups
meeting on campus.
CENTRAL
GROUPS MEETING AT CVC
“When Jesus had spoken these words, he lifted up his eyes to heaven, and
said, ‘Father, the hour has come; glorify your Son that the Son may glorify you,
since you have given him authority over all flesh, to give eternal life to all whom
you have given him. And this is eternal life, that they know you the only true
God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent. I glorified you on earth, having
accomplished the work that you gave me to do. And now, Father, glorify me in
your own presence with the glory that I had with you before the world existed.”
-John 17:1-5
PRAYER
CUYAHOGA VALLEY CHURCH
Sundays during every service.
Herb Rutz
In the prayer room.
440.546.1392
Tuesdays 6-7:30am
Tim Brooks | Lynne Powers
440.263.7406
lynne@lynnempowers.com
Wednesdays 6-7am
Rick Duncan
440.746.0404
egolsch@cvconline.org
Wednesdays Noon-1pm
Dale Piscura
440.972.2212
dpiscura@cvconline.org
Wednesdays 7-9pm
Sola Oshunniyi
440.526.1320
solademi@yahoo.co.uk
Wednesdays (1st & 3rd weeks) 1:30-2:30pm
Bob & Elizabeth Hess
330.460.6528
ALL GROUPS OPEN. COME ANY TIME. NO REGISTRATION REQUIRED.
CENTRAL
SPECIAL INTEREST - MEET AT CVC
ABIGAIL MINISTRIES
Helping women struggling with abusive relationships.
Please call for program information.
440.281.7136
www.abigail-ministries.org
BEFORE “I DO”
Preparing engaged couples for their marriage.
(7 weeks)
Saturdays (starting this Fall) 9:30-11:30am
Dale Piscura
440.972.2267 / gsmith@cvconline.org
DEALING WITH ADDICTIONS
If you or a loved one is struggling or needing some
help with addiction, please contact:
Don Davies
216.287.6235 / Donald.Davies@cox.net
DIVORCE CARE
Find comfort and healing in this divorce recovery
support group.
Mondays (starting 06.15.15) 7-9pm
Herb & Kathi Rutz
440.546.1392 / hrutz@sbcglobal.net
GRIEF SHARE
Guiding people through the grieving process from a
Christian perspective. (13 weeks)
Thursdays (starting 09.10.15) 7-9pm
Greta Smith
440.972.2267 / gsmith@cvconline.org
HOPE FOR THE CAPTIVE
A Bible-based ministry providing prayer, support,
education, fellowship and hope for parents, family
members and friends struggling with same-sex
attraction (SSA) issue of those they love.
2nd Wednesdays 6:30-8:30pm
Leigh Mars-Ulm
216.952.4192 / leighprojobs@yahoo.com
CENTRAL
SPECIAL INTEREST - MEET AT CVC
RHYTHMS FOR YOUR NEW LIFE
A LifeGroup designed for those new and growing in
their faith. (6 weeks)
Sundays (starting 06.21.15) 11am
Ted Chase
440.972.2267 / gsmith@cvconline.org
MISSION
FIT
MISSIONFIT FOR WOMEN
Topical discussions. This group encourages us to
deepen our relationship with God and offer inspiration
as we make positive choices each and every day.
Mondays (starting 06.15.15)
6pm (workout) 7pm (discussion)
Viveka Jenks
216.849.8124 / vivekajenks@yahoo.com
Pat Tucker
216.524.9433 / ptucker3270@gmail.com
Wednesdays (starting 06.17.15)
9am (workout) 10am (discussion)
Valerie Waugaman Gal
216.650.1041 / valerie@fitmission.com
Lene Gray
719.229.4819 / lenegray1@yahoo.com
FINANCIAL PEACE UNIVERSITY
Through video teaching by Dave Ramsey, class
discussions and interactive small group activities, FPU
presents biblical, practical steps to get from where you
are to where you’ve dreamed you could be. (9 weeks)
Sundays (starting 06.28.15) 9:30am
Ron Dick
216.661.7585 / rondick444@gmail.com
Michael Kubach
mpk6.cwru@gmail.com
CENTRAL
WOMEN - MEET AT CVC
Unique opportunities to connect with other women through large
group teaching followed by small group discussion.
STUDY: “FORGOTTEN GOD”
By Francis Chan
We’ve ignored the Spirit for far too long, and we are reaping the
disastrous results. Thorough scriptural support and compelling narrative
form Chan’s invitation to stop and remember the One we’ve forgotten,
the Spirit of the living God.
CUYAHOGA VALLEY CHURCH - childcare provided
Mondays 7-9pm
(starting 06.15.15)
Leigh-Ann Brisbin
440.972.2214
lbrisbin@cvconline.org
*Books available for purchase at CVC
MONDAY LIFEGROUP LEADERS (7-9pm)
Kim Hebebrand
Lynne Powers | Pam Dunn
Celia Huffman
Mary Scherer | Ginger Morgan
Amanda Liptak
CENTRAL
MEN - MEET AT CVC
Unique opportunities to connect with other men through large
group teaching followed by small group discussion.
STUDY: “FOLLOW ME”
By David Platt
When Jesus says, ‘Follow Me’ it’s not an invitation to say a prayer,
it’s a summons to lose our lives. In this much-anticipated follow-up
to Radical, Pastor David Platt challenges the traditions of cultural
Christianity and reintroduces us to Jesus and His most simple
request: Follow Me
CUYAHOGA VALLEY CHURCH - childcare provided
Mondays 7-9pm or Tuesdays 6-7:30am
(starting 06.15.15)
Dale Piscura
440.972.2212
dpiscura@cvconline.org
*Books available for purchase at CVC
MONDAY LIFEGROUP LEADERS (7-9pm)
Tim Brooks
Frank Fucile
Elliott Huff
Dale Moore
Jim Sutton
Charles Yarmesch
TUESDAY LIFEGROUP LEADERS (6-7:30am)
Doug Back
Doug Delfeld
Roy Golsch
Mike Murray
Jim Zabielski
CENTRAL
GROUPS MEETING AT CVC
MIXED
Saturdays 7:30-9:30am
Don & Barb Davis
440.582.9260
dddavis500@aol.com
55+ LifeGroup
Sundays (every week) 9:30am
or Tuesdays (2nd & 4th weeks) 7-9pm
Bob & Elizabeth Hess
330.460.6528
WOMEN
Tuesdays 10am-12:30pm
Cathy Wojtkiewicz
216.346.0897
MEN
Saturdays 7-8:30am
Jim Sutton
440.724.6154
jsutton@whgardiner.com
denotes FULL groups
SOUTHEAST
MIXED
BRECKSVILLE
Saturdays (1st & 3rd) 7-10pm
Tom & Sue Wagner
216.496.0771
swags2@roadrunner.com
Thursdays 6:30-8:30pm
Craig & Corri Hileman
330.307.8396
chilemd@gmail.com
*childcare provided
NORTHFIELD
Fridays (2nd & 4th weeks) 6:30pm-8:30pm
Jim & Mary Scherer
330.467.4354
jimasa@windstream.net
Thursdays 7-9pm
John & Terry Bean
330.467.1565
jrbean@windstream.net
RICHFIELD
Sundays (2-3 weeks per month) 7-9pm
Nate & Meagan Green
440.972.2268
ngreen@cvconline.org
SOUTHEAST
WOMEN
BRECKSVILLE
Mondays 7-9pm
Patty Bodanza
216.403.7098
pbodanza@sbcglobal.net
Tuesdays 7-9pm
Kelly Moore
440.785.4851
senoritamas@gmail.com
Fridays (every other) 7-9pm
Jennifer Knight
440.465.6742
jlknight87@yahoo.com
BROADVIEW HEIGHTS
Thursdays 7-9pm
Kathy Bianchi
440.746.1188
bianchi.kathleen@gmail.com
denotes FULL groups
SOUTHWEST
MIXED
INDEPENDENCE
Sunday (2nd & 4th weeks) 5-8pm
Frank & Betsy Stretar
(216) 573-0943
Fstretar@gmail.com
B.stretar8@gmail.com
•childcare provided
BROADVIEW HEIGHTS
Wednesdays (every other week) 6-8pm
Rene & Bev Boucher
216.509.4150
Wiper111@cox.net
HINCKLEY
Fridays (2 weeks a month) 7-9pm
Ted & Sue Chase
216.645.6599
schase@clinicalrm.com
SOUTHWEST
MIXED
NORTH ROYALTON
Sundays (1st & 3rd weeks) 1-3pm
Walt & Nancy Broadbent
440.465.8430
drwaltbroadbent@clear.net
Fridays (1st & 3rd weeks) 6:30-8:30pm
Rob & Michelle Shaheen
216.337.5684
reshaheen@sbcglobal.net
SEVEN HILLS
Sundays (1st & 3rd weeks) 5-7pm
Brian & Jen Howell
440.972.2207
bhowell@cvconline.org
WOMEN
BRUNSWICK
Tuesdays (every week) 7-9pm
Lisa Pelka
216.288.3420
Thanks2u@aol.com
NORTH ROYALTON
Mondays (2nd, 3rd, & 4th weeks) 7-9pm
Barb Davis
440.582.9260
dddavis500@aol.com
denotes FULL groups
NORTHWEST
MIXED
BROOKPARK
Mondays (1st & 3rd weeks) 6:30-8:30pm
Ryan & Joelle Cole
216.501.2995
ryanccole13@gmail.com
MIDDLEBURG HEIGHTS
Saturdays (3rd week) 6-9pm
Dean & Anelia Jeris
440.263.4624
jerisd@ccf.org
OLD BROOKLYN
Tuesdays 7-9pm
Ron & Kim Dick
216.661.7585
rondick444@gmail.com
PARMA
Saturdays (1st & 3rd weeks) 7-9pm
Mark & Lisa Lyons
216.403.8310
marklyons1@yahoo.com
lisa.lyons@imagineschool.com
NORTHEAST
MIXED
CLEVELAND
Wednesdays 7-9pm
Bill & Janette Gunsalus
330.400.8173
psalm6258@yahoo.com
GARFIELD HEIGHTS
Sundays (every other week) 6pm
Ed & Claudia Jackson
216.587.5485
Rjackson1923@live.com
SOLON
Fridays (every other week) 7-9pm
Frank Fucile & Kathleen Nuzzo
440.836.2662
frank_fucile_rac@yahoo.com
WOMEN
GARFIELD HEIGHTS
Thursdays (every other week) 7-8:30pm
Renee Malberti
216.409.5046
reneem716@gmail.com
denotes FULL groups
young adults ages 18-30
Josh Stone, Young Adult Pastor
440.746.0404 ext. 252
jstone@cvconline.org
Join us for our new rhythms this Spring at Sevenoseven.
Find the latest at www.sevenoseven.com
TABERNACLE
Young adults gather the second Friday of every month to engage
with each other in worship, exploration, and hope to come away
transformed and motivated.
LIFEGROUPS
We are made to be in community. This is a place where faith grows,
friendships deepen, and you can do life with others who are growing
in their relationship with Christ.
RESTORATION EFFORTS
Christ commands us to do good works. Call it missional living, call it
loving your neighbor or serving your city, or just humbly walking in
the way Christ invites us to be.
WOMEN
CUYAHOGA VALLEY CHURCH
Sundays 5pm (every other)
Monica Djordjevic
216.402.7072
monica.djordjevic@gmail.com
*knitting with video study
SHAKER HEIGHTS
Tuesdays 7pm
Jessica Frank
440.220.2576
jrose422@sbcglobal.net
young adults ages 18-30
MEN
CUYAHOGA VALLEY CHURCH
Tuesdays 7pm
Seth Medlong
440.915.4715
sethmedlong@gmail.com
MIXED
CLEVELAND HEIGHTS
Wednesdays 6:30pm
Kelly Petryszyn
216.534.8971
kelly.petryszyn@gmail.com
INDEPENDENCE
Wednesdays 7pm
Matt & Amber Hejl
216.280.4073
513.520.3662 / ahejl@cvconline.org
young adults ages 18-30
YOUNG MARRIED COUPLES
BROADVIEW HEIGHTS
Wednesdays (every other) 7-8:30pm
Josh Stone
440.746.0404 ext. 252
jstone@cvconline.org
INDEPENDENCE
Thursdays (every other) 7:30pm
Matt & Lindsey Howard
330.807.0373 / mchoward21@gmail.com
330.289.6252 / ljohns10@kent.edu
NORTH ROYALTON
Wednesdays (every other) 7-8:30pm
Bill and Marisela Bonus
440.552.6451
billdbonus@yahoo.com
STUDY: “WHAT ARE WE SAVED FOR”
CUYAHOGA VALLEY CHURCH
Sundays (starting 05.31.15-07.19.15) 5-6:15pm
This short Sacred Search study for young adults dives
into the question: What if it’s not about who you marry,
but why? Join us for this six week study.
led by Josh Stone & Bryan Karas
440.746.0404 ext. 252
jstone@cvconline.org
bkaras@cvconline.org
denotes FULL groups
LARGE GROUP TEACHING
MIDDLE SCHOOL AT CUYAHOGA VALLEY CHURCH
Sundays 11am (room 104-106)
Rick Eimers, Middle School Pastor
reimers@cvconline.org
440.746.0404 ext. 278
Collide serves families with 6th-8th grade students. Our desire
is to create a safe, relevant environment where students can ask
real questions about their faith. We want them to develop healthy
friendships as they build their spiritual foundation and relationship
with Jesus on the basis of God’s truth. Our large group time includes
worship and teaching followed by LifeGroups. LifeGroups are divided
by grade and gender and happen after the Large Group teaching.
CONTACT RICK EIMERS TO JOIN A COLLIDE LIFEGROUP
FOLLOW US AT WWW.CVCYOUTHBLOG.ORG
LARGE GROUP TEACHING
HIGH SCHOOL AT CUYAHOGA VALLEY CHURCH
Sundays 5-6:30pm (resume in September)
Joe Valenti, High School Pastor
jvalenti@cvconline.org
440.746.0404 ext. 279
Impact serves families with 9th-12th grade students. We want them
to continue in developing healthy, strong friendships as they build
and deepen their spiritual foundation and relationship with Jesus on
the basis of God’s truth. Our goal is to encourage them in what it
looks like to put their faith in action as they experience the world.
CONTACT JOE VALENTI OR LIFEGROUP LEADERS TO JOIN AN
IMPACT LIFEGROUP
FOLLOW US AT WWW.CVCYOUTHBLOG.ORG