Upstate Groups Blog

More Blog Problems

Hey Folks,

You probably received an email this morning like I did telling you all about The Story. Fortunately, we didn't get any more Facebook stuff, but I'm not sure why we are getting old blog posts now.

I will call in the experts ASAP and see what is going on here.

Sorry for this mess.

I hope you are enjoying the Philippians devotional. If you haven't received a print copy, there will be a few more available on Sunday. If you would rather subscribe online, you can still sign up at www.brookwoodchurch.org/devotional.

Get Your Summer Devotional via email

Dear Leaders,

Perry is starting a new series on the book of Philippians called "A Life Worth Watching." I have written a daily devotional that follows along with the series. You can purchase a copy at church on Sunday for $3.50 or you can sign up to receive the daily devotionals in your email. You will be emailed every day, Monday through Friday. To sign up, go to: www.brookwoodchurch.org/devotional

Please pass this information along to your group.

Allen White

Adult Discipleship Pastor

Great Deal on Ortberg Book

Hey Folks,

I recommended The Life You've Always Wanted by John Ortberg as a follow up for The Story study. The Brookwood bookstore has found an awesome deal. They can get the full version of the hard cover book plus the study guide for $5.

If you are interested, please contact the Brookwood bookstore: bookstore@brookwoodchurch.org or 864-688-8300.

Also, if your group did not participate in The Story, we have placed five copies of the DVD in the library.

God bless,

Allen

What's Next?

I hope you are enjoying our current series, The Story, based on the book by our pastor, Perry Duggar. If you don't have a copy and would like to get the Brookwood edition with the teaching DVD, contact the Brookwood Bookstore at 864-688-8300. A survey is going out shortly to get your feedback on the study.

Our next recommended study is The Life You've Always Wanted by John Ortberg. This is a 6-session DVD study based on his best selling book of the same title. You can view a print sample at the Brookwood Bookstore or Click Here to view a digital sample from Zondervan. The church will provide a copy of the DVD. You just need to submit a bookstore request for the study guides.

Leadership Training 1 will be offered on Sunday, April 26, 2:30-4:30 pm at the church. To sign up, register at www.brookwoodchurch.org/smallgroups. To reserve free childcare, go to www.brookwoodchurch.org/childcare at least 48 hours in advance.

Save the Date. Brookwood Church has been selected as the Upstate host site for Willow Creek's Group Life Conference via satellite on October 23-24, 2009. Brookwood small group leaders can attend for free. Other churches from the region will be joining us as well. For more information, CLICK HERE.

Summer Devotional. Brookwood's Summer Series is based on the book of Philippians. I have spent the last few weeks (and the next few weeks) writing a devotional for the Summer. I have been encouraged reading and writing about this book every day. I can't wait for you to see it. Get ready to "Be Happy."

God bless,

Allen White, Adult Discipleship Pastor

Brookwood Church, Simpsonville SC

The Story DVD Insights

Hey Folks,

If your group is studying The Story and using the DVD, you will find that Lesson 1 is a little longer, because there are two vidoe segments: Perry's teaching and Beth Brotherton/Kristin Dawsey on "Telling Your Story." Each segment is about 16 minutes long. Don't skip anything, just plan ahead!

Next week, Robbie Hall's teaching is about 7 minutes, so your meeting won't be quite as long.

I hope you are enjoying the study. I am looking forward to your feedback.

Group Strategy: Please allow your group members to take ownership by leading, hosting or refreshing the group. It's important to them (and to you!).

God bless,

Allen White

Update on Perry's Book & Series

Hey Folks,

These are exciting times at Brookwood. Perry's new book will arrive on March 22. New small groups are forming. Folks will get a chance to connect with a group on March 22. Big things are happening.

Perry's book is called The Story and offers a biblical explanation to key Christian beliefs about Jesus: He Came. He Died. He Arose. He Ascended. He's Coming Back. Perry presents each chapter in a clear and thorough approach.The book will include the small group study guide.

To go along with the book and study guide, we have created a teaching DVD that features Perry Duggar, Fenton Moorhead, Robbie Hall, Mike Hepola, Ned Gable, Beth Brotherton from WYFF 4, Kristin Dawsey and me. The DVD is easy to use and the teachers will provide insight into all of the tough questions from each passage. The study is straight forward and leads to practical application of the principles.

If you haven't had a chance to attend, there will be a Host Briefing after each service on Sunday, March 15 as well as a Host Orientation on Tuesday, March 10 (tomorrow!).

Check out Perry's book: HERE.

God bless,

Allen White

Adult Discipleship Pastor

Small Group Connection This Sunday

In case you missed it, Brookwood is doing a small group connection following each service this Sunday, January 4 to connect folks in groups for the Contentment Revealed study. If you are starting a new group or have room for new members, please meet me in Pod D at 9:00 am for some instructions.

This Connection is only for groups participating in Contentment Revealed. If your group wants to participate, but you did not attend a host briefing in December, we will have a kit for you this Sunday.

See you there!

Allen

Contentment Revealed Books -- Special Deal

Hey Folks,

I know that Christmas is right around the corner, then New Years, then our new series is somewhere around the corner after that, but I wanted to make you aware of a bargain on our Contentment Revealed devotional and adult study guides.

Now through January 4, 2009, the bookstore will be selling the Revealed devotional for $8.75 and the Adult Study Guide for $5.00. We were able to get a special clearance price. There is a limited quantity at these prices. After this supply runs out, the next shipment will be $2-$3 more per book.

As I mentioned in the Host Briefings, the student and children's books will be offered at no charge through Varsity, Wired and Brookwood Kids.

Stop by the bookstore soon!

Merry Christmas,

Allen White

Contentment Revealed Briefing

This Sunday is the last of our Contentment Revealed Briefings. This study will follow along with Perry's series January 11 through February 2, 2009. Stop by Pod D after any of the services this Sunday, December 14 to get your free kit with all of the materials.

Allen White