And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers (Acts 2:42).
So, what is a 242 Group?
Good question!
242 Groups play a significant role in our vision to Grow Together as followers of Christ. In fact they are the 'meat and potatoes' of how we do life together. We have christened our small groups as “242 Groups" a name generated by the description of Christian community life and outreach in Acts 2:42 – 47.
In our busy and exhausting world, we all have a need for significant friendships – long-term relationships where we can share our hearts and lives and be spiritually ‘at home.' We desire that 242 Groups enable the people of All Saints to:
Practice hospitality, opening home and heart to the other for the sake of Christ
Form solid, long-term stable relationships
Focus regularly on outreach (local and international) as a means of continually looking outward
Engage in Bible study and spiritual discussion to permit formation through God’s Word and Spiritual Friendships
Provide Mutual Service to one another through the use of spiritual gifts
Serve the church through volunteerism
Welcome newcomers
Provide Pastoral care & prayer for fellow members and respond to specific needs as they arise
Regardless of what gathers people into a particular 242 Group, each group is designed to become a primary means of spiritual formation for the adult members and regular attenders of All Saints Church.
What does a 242 Group Look Like?
They may be mixed gender, multi-generational or single gender. They meet in many forms and at many times according to the desires and needs of the group. Most groups meet in the home of the group leader, though that is not mandated. Almost all our 242 Groups meet every two weeks. Each group determines what they will be studying. This enables a level of flexibility so people can engage in Bible study or topical studies which fit the dynamics of the group. For example, some groups pick a book of the Bible to study together. Another follows along in the sermon series being preached on Sunday mornings. Another uses the Evening Prayer service in the Book of Common Prayer as a template for the Bible study, prayer, and worship. And another may be reading a book by N.T. Wright or going through the Experiencing God Bible study series.
All this is to say, 242 Groups are designed to be an important place where followers of Christ at All Saints Church can grow together.
How are 242 Groups Structured?
They are structurally flexible & creative. If you notice the column to the right, you can see the many groups, locations, meeting times, and group focus. A 242 Group may be centered around:
Life Station: Like our Young Marrieds and Young Adults Groups that focus on getting post college graduates together for community and spiritual formation.
Common ministry or task: Like our Men's and Women's Groups that focus on ministry to men and women specifically.
Common mission or outreach: Like our International Missions Group which, in addition to being a full-fledged 242 group that studies, prays, and worships together, also oversees our relationships with international ministry partners.
Geography: Like our Durham and Chapel Hill groups or our Chatham group, where people gather together near where they live.
As you can see, 242 Groups are flexible and dynamic while centered in the essentials. In the column to the right is a list of current 242 Groups. If you'd like help finding a 242 Group that is right for you, call the office at 919-357-3333 or email admin@allsaints-chd.org.
242 Group Schedule
There are groups now meeting far and wide - from Durham to Pittsboro.
Breedlove's Group - Chapel Hill: Every other Wednesday from 7 to 9 PM
704 Greenwood Rd
Chapel Hill, NC 27514
Contact Steve or Sally at 919-370-7633.
Burk's Group - Chapel Hill: 1st and 3rd Sunday's from 6 to 7:30 PM
306 Faison Rd
Chapel Hill, NC 27517
Contact Wesley or Jan at 919-967-3770.
Hyman's Group - Chatham County: 2nd and 4th Tuesday's from 6:00 to 8:30 PM
106 Town Lake Drive
Pittsboro, NC 27312
Contact David or Martha at 919-631-9564
Kirk's Group - Durham: Every Wednesday from 7:30 to 9:30
5501 Lacy Rd.
Durham, NC 27713
Contact Alex or Kelly at 919-405-2296.
Salmon's Group - Apex Holly Springs Group Meets in Apex every other Tuesday night at 7:30
Contact Rick or Kathy at 919-363-4694.
Samei's Group- Chapel Hill(International Mission Focus):
First - Third Thursday's from 8 to 10 PM
410 Simerville Rd
Chapel Hill, NC 27517
Contact Ehsan or Maija at 919-338-2033.
Tarlton's Group - Durham & Chapel Hill (Young Adults): Every other Wednesday at 7 PM
5518 Lake Elton Road
Durham, NC 27713