Care Groups are an integral part of the congregational life of Waterloo North Mennonite Church. Through
Care Groups we build our community and care for one another in meaningful ways. Care Groups are coordinated
by Ministry Team, either directly by a Ministry Team member or by delegation to a member of the
Congregational Care Team.

What is a Care Group?

- A small group being God’s people together
- A place, besides Sunday morning worship, to gather, pray together, and/or share our joys and concerns

Who is in a Care Group?

- Members, adherents and friends of Waterloo North
- 5 – 12 adults (some include children)
- People with common interests, goals or needs
- Peoples of various ages and backgrounds
- Some groups have the same members for many years, some are intergenerational, some include only adults,
some include families with children

What do Care Groups do?

- The group decides – each group is unique in how they approach their care for one another
- Share life’s stories and experiences
- Discuss topics related to our congregation and broader social concerns
- Fellowship, fun, mutual support, study and/or prayer
- Share summer outings
- Participate in community activities, e.g. concerts, volunteering, mission projects
- When a member experiences a transition or crisis, the group provides support as they are able

Care Groups can help us to:

- Experience God’s love
- Seek God’s will
- Cope with life’s changes
- Connect significantly with our church family
- Exercise our ability to care for each other

Meeting Frequency?

- Care Groups set their own schedules and frequency of meeting times
- Most groups try to meet at least every 4-6 weeks, others meet more or less frequently

Do Care Groups change?

- Yes, people come and go at Waterloo North
- Everyone at Waterloo North is invited to consider their involvement in Care Groups via a Caring Community
Questionnaire sent out in June by the Care Group coordinator
- The coordinator facilitates the formation of new groups, the addition of new members to existing groups, or the
movement of people between groups
- Care Groups are encouraged to stay together as long as it meets the needs of the members of the group; at the
same time, it is important to realize that individual’s lives or circumstances may change and permission needs
to be given for change

New groups are forming this fall and winter. Questions?
Contact: Ingried Regier via the church office.