What is a cluster?

One way to connect with God and others in The River  is in something called "Clusters". A Cluster is a regular gathering of people with similar interests and needs that experience God in ways that fit who they are. The goal is to help people encounter God and be in extended family type relationships with folks with whom they naturally connect. 

Clusters form around a specific mission. Some form around specific relationships, —i.e., a group of young parents may form a cluster of all young families. Other Clusters form around a kind of activity—for example, a passion for feeding the hungry or to pray together.

How often do Clusters gather?

Clusters based around specific relationships usually gather once a month. Activity-based Clusters gather whenever and wherever they decide, based on the activity. 

What do clusters do?  

Clusters serve their neighbors together and enjoy each other's company. How they do that varies, but it always fits the personalities of the people in the Cluster. One cluster may wish to talk and share a lot, while another may wish to serve God without a lot of conversation. Clusters do different activities, but the focus is always on serving others and on relationships with other people and with God.

What does a cluster look like?

They look like a group of friends spending time  together. They are not intimacy groups, and you  won't have to do anything that makes you  uncomfortable. You will, however, meet some  great people that you will hopefully connect with.  Most of all, we hope you will encounter God.

What clusters does The River have? 

The River's Clusters are listed below. Find one or more that sound appealing and contact the people listed for more info.

• The Abbendingo Cluster includes the Abbendingo Praise Band and anyone enjoys music (sacred and secular). This cluster meets to "jam" Saturdays at 5 p.m., followed by dinner and discussion of a religious topic. Anyone is welcome to sing and play, or just sit and listen. You can contact John at schultzjb@mindspring.com and 678-778-9510. 

• Family Cluster: This cluster is for families with young children (i.e. not yet teenagers). It is a gathering where parents and children alike can enjoy themselves, help someone out and find people they connect with in a 'cookout' type atmosphere. Go to the Recent News page for when and where.

• Teen Cluster:  This cluster is for Teenagers. Teens connect with other teens, as well as adult mentors and Georgia Tech students, on service projects where they don't just learn the bible, they live it. Go to the Recent News page for when and where.

• Nooma Cluster: for younger adults and older teens.  Gatherings are every two weeks. For more information, contact Matt by email or on his cell is 334-444-1625 (we're not sure why he doesn't have a cell with a local area code, but he really does live in Roswell!) .

• Habitat for Humanity Cluster: This Cluster is for adults who want to serve God by building a house for a needy but worthy family. To read about the family, click here. The home being built is in Milton, very close to Fry's Electronics on Route 9. Work began March 8, email Frank for more information.  You can dowload an info packet, the schedule, directions, and waiver.

• Middle School Cluster: This cluster is for middle school youth. It will hopefully be starting before too awful long, but there are no definitive plans at this time.

Who leads the Clusters?

Is that it? Just people 'hanging out'?

You'd be amazed at what happens when people simply spend time with God and with each other. Some of the most powerful moments in Jesus ministry came from just spending time with people. Experience tells us that from these gatherings, relationships will emerge where folks will serve together, pray for each other, and care for each other in times of need. Jesus ministry was all about relationships, and ours is too, because that is when God is most at work in our lives!
 

Do I have to be in a Cluster to be a part of the River?

It is not our place to tell you how to find community, but we know that everyone needs it. Our goal is to help you find the right community for you, and Clusters are a great way to do that. If you need to connect another way,  we will do our best to help you find what you need.

E-mail: info@wadeintheriver.org

An ELCA Community