The tall grass gently bows and sways with the breeze, giving the appearance of someone walking up to the bench to visit. This old bench sits in the middle of a meadow surrounded by the tender green of spring. Years have gone by since it felt the warmth of two souls sharing their stories, or heard the laughing of someone with their head thrown back with joy.
Benches were made for relationships. They are made to share coffee and dreams of the future. They are made for sharing stories from the heart. They are made to hold us as we double over, holding our sides while laughter fills the air.
Do you ache for companionship, or to have a friendship with another woman who encourages you? Does you heart call for a group of friends to sit with you on the bench as your toes play with the grass beneath you feet?
(in)courage has benches for you to sit on with a cup of coffee and meet women who are much like you. Friends who understand the heaviness in your heart as well and who also laugh at the things you find funny. These benches are called (in)courager community groups.
(in)courager community groups are a Christ-centered safe place that meet for 6-8 week sessions throughout the year in small groups of 30 on private Facebook groups. It’s a place for new friendship to grow, and in some cases, become real life friends.
The groups are lead by women who have a heart for serving. These women are not trained professionals; they are like you and me. They are women who live their everyday life with joys and broken hearts, who find their strength in the Lord and joy in walking beside other women.
If you need encouragement or are ready to meet new friends, why not join us? Registration for our Spring 2014 session will open on Monday, May 19th. There are groups for nearly every stage of life and personal interest to encourage you where you need it most. You can learn more about the (in)courager community groups here!
Super Special Announcement
This session we’re going to do something new with our (in)courager community groups and the (in)courage blog. Two times each month during the regular spring session we’re going to host a link-up here on the blog. A place for you to share your story, to encourage other women as you’ve been encouraged in your group, and a time to connect with other (in)courage ladies who might not be in your small group! We’re so excited about this and hope that you’ll join us in linking up, even if you don’t join a community group!
All the Dates:
May 19th: Registration Opens
May 23rd: Link-up Post Kick Off! – Theme: The Power of Encouragement
May 26th: Spring 2014 Session Starts
June 6th: Link-up Theme: The Joy of the Lord is Our Strength
June 20th: Link-up Theme: Friendship – On Purpose
July 4th: Last Day of Spring Session & Final Link-Up! – Theme: Finding Freedom in Our Stories
Leave a CommentWe saved you a seat, right here on this bench, and we so hope you’ll join us.
Celine says
Community is vital to our lives both as people and women but especially as Christians. I am struggling to put into words just how much of an impact these groups have had on me during past sessions. I highly encourage you to mark the registration date on your calendar and sign up to receive the (in)couragers Community Newsletter (found on the (in)courager Community Group page). You do not want to miss out on this. God has laid you on the heart of these (in)couragers and they have been praying for you. Won’t you please join us.
Lindsay says
Really looking forward to this! Thanks for hosting and organizing, (in)courage!
Diane Bailey says
Lindsay, I’m excited you will join us! Friendships online can become friendships in real life through (in)courage.
Diane Bailey says
Celine, thank your for endorsement of the small groups. I agree they have made a big impact on my life and the lives of many women. Those who join are not disappointed.
Lyli @ 3-D Lessons for Life says
I am so looking forward to this! Girl time is the best time. 🙂
Diane Bailey says
Love you, Lyli. You always make me smile!
Misty says
I really need this!!! How exciting!
Diane Bailey says
Misty come and join us! Registration begins Monday, May 19.
Misty says
How exactly do you join? I must be missing something…
Diane Bailey says
Misty, Registration begins, Monday, May 19. Come back here and you will see where to begin.
In the post, there is a teal colored highlight, “(in)courager community group,” click it and find out more!
Lynne says
What is this I’m feeling? The stirrings of hope? I’m looking forward to this!
Diane Bailey says
Lynne, Hope indeed! This session is already showing signs of great excitement among the leaders. You don’t want to miss this!
Gaye says
I would so love to be a part of this but I am concerned about the time difference. I’m in Australia and sometimes it is 3am my time when someone is posting something. Is it still possible to be part of a group if you aren’t responding until hours after something has gone up?
Diane Bailey says
Gaye, that is the great thing about these sessions, you can meet at your convenience! The leader will put a comment on the group page to begin a discussion, and for the next few days everyone will comment and encourage each other as they have time to sit and chat. Sometimes it will be a live chat and sometimes you leave comment on your “bench” for others to find and respond. Come and try it one time with us! Also, we have women from all over the world joining in on these groups. I personally, have had women from South Africa and New Zealand in the same group with me. It works.
Gaye says
Diane, yay, this is so good to know. I will be registering and hoping to join a group! Can’t wait!!
Diane Bailey says
Gaye, Yea!!!
Rebekah says
The (in)courage community groups have been such a blessing for me for the past couple of years. I’m really excited about the next step in my journey with the groups and to see what this next session and season will bring. So grateful for the opportunity and for everyone who works to build such a beautiful community here.
Diane Bailey says
You are a treasure, Rebekah. We are thankful you are here!
Mya Clay says
This looks so exciting. I really feel God us leaning me towards some big changes in my life. So I could definitely use extra prayers and encouragement maybe just a listening ear. Does this cost anything? God Bless! 🙂
Diane Bailey says
Well, Mya, this is the place to be! There are many groups (benches) to choose from.
Alicia says
I soo need this!
Diane Bailey says
Alicia, on May 19, come back to (in)courage and find a group that will fit your place in life. You’re going to love it here!
Terry Gassett says
So excited I have “stumbled” upon you – look forward to connecting with and growing in The Lord with new friends.
Thank you for putting this together!
Diane Bailey says
Terry, we are looking forward to connecting with you as well!
Regina smith says
Diane….
I’m new to (In) courage …I will be co-lead for Angela Pelleman . My Arms are stretched my heart open wide…I’m absolutely drenched with love and admiration for the Ladies and their testimonies in this Group.. I asked God for increased territory at the beginning of 2014. I asked with a pure heart. (Smile) HE ANSWERED !!! .
I have never been drawn to groups of women like this in my life (I’m. 47) !!! I KNOW I’m supposed to be here, and I’m so grateful to God for his favor. I’m ready to grow some more in Christ and make some b.e.a.u.t.i.f.u.l..new friendships in the process.
Diane Bailey says
Regina, God is faithful, to hear and to answer.
This is what I love about (in)courage, it is inclusive no matter where you are in your walk, no matter what you have been through, there is someone who can sit on the “bench” with you and say, “I know what you mean.”
We are thankful to have you as one of the leaders this session!
Gayle Wagler says
I will watch for your registration May 19th. I want to be an encourager & believe God wants me to encourage others!
Diane Bailey says
Gayle, You are going to love it at (in)courage. You will be a wonderful incourager!
Tammy@MeadowsSpeak says
I am co-leading, with Amy Breitmann, for the first time a group that’s for women who do not have a church community. I am looking forward to encouraging eachother and finding ladies to come along side us!
Diane Bailey says
Tammy I love the heart you have for women seeking community!
Amy says
These groups do an amazing job of including women from all walks of life and I love the diversity of the group choices. I’m looking forward to co-leading a group with Tammy that reaches out to women who do not have a church community. I’m praying that women will be brave and trust our safe spaces to be themselves and receive love and friendship. We are so much stronger when we hold hands on this journey.
Diane Bailey says
Amen, Amy! Well said!
I love how you say, “We are so much stronger when we hold hands on this journey.” Beautiful!
tammy@meadows speak says
See what a great co-leader I have ^^^^, Amy says it so much better than I do.
Wendy J @ rockinwhatyagot.com says
So great! This will be fun!
Diane Bailey says
Wendy, I’m looking forward to the first day!
Bonnie Wallace says
Oh, Diane! I am just so excited about sitting on the bench with other mamas and dreaming about God’s purpose for the next season of our lives. The way God moves His love through this community is extraordinary.
Diane Bailey says
Bonnie, your heart to show love to women is so very touching. I am so thankful for you!
Simone says
Looking so forward to this! I am craving community!
Diane Bailey says
You and me both, Simone!
Beth WIlliams says
Who couldn’t use some encouragement each and every day? The community groups sound like fun and a good way to meet people with like interests.
I love talking with people and hearing their stories. Perhaps I can encourage them or they me!
Diane Bailey says
Beth, I know you are going to love these groups and the women in them. They are my heart!
Tara says
I am really looking forward to this. I will register May 19
Diane Bailey says
Yea, Tara! I’ll look for you!
Tara says
I have been trying to register but I am having trouble can you please help.