CARE Groups

CARE Groups are what we call our small group ministry at Keystone. As the name implies, it is a place where you can “care” for one another. But CARE is also an acronym that stands for the intentions of our groups:

Community - a group of people with a common interest
Authenticity – a place where we can be real with one another
Relationship - with one another and with Jesus Christ
Encouragement - to spur one another on toward love and good deeds

We are a church of over 600 people, and with a church this big it is virtually impossible for good ministry to take place without CARE Groups. It is just so easy for people to slip through the cracks. Therefore we’d really like to see everyone actively involved in one of our CARE groups. You’ll notice that we don’t have weekly evening worship services here. That is intentional because we feel so strongly that you should be part of a CARE Group, we want to be sure you have time to do it.

Each CARE Group is unique, and further below you’ll see a description of each group, but generally speaking here’s what our groups are like…

Each group is between 4 and 18 adults plus children, and is led by a shepherd or shepherd couple, who has been specially trained.
Groups usually meet in a home, a setting that is more comfortable and inviting than at the ministry center.
Most groups meet twice a month, but some meet every week, and others only once a month. Meetings range from 1 ½ to 3 hours in length.
A Bible study of some sort is usually part of every meeting, but don’t shy away from a CARE Group if you’re not familiar with your Bible. The shepherds will help you, and you can grow along side of others who are also learning.
There’s a time of sharing and praying for one another. Uncomfortable with praying out loud in front of others? No problem, our shepherds are trained to be sensitive to that by not asking anyone to do anything that would make them feel uncomfortable.
Food and drink is also a part of each meeting… many groups have snacks, and some groups are eating full meals together.
Childcare varies from group to group, so be sure to read below to see how each group does that.
CARE Groups try to do at least two service projects a year, such as serving a meal at The Factory Youth Center, helping at Water Street Rescue Mission, yard work for a family in need, etc.
Social activities, such as miniature golf, hiking, biking, and weekend retreats are a fun part of each CARE Group.
Being in relationship and truly caring for one another is the best part of all the groups. You will have the opportunity to not only receive care, but also give it.

So, it looks like a good thing to be a part of. Right? But which CARE Group is right for you. Use the following descriptions of each group to help you decide. Then feel free to call the shepherds to discuss whether their group would be a good fit. Or if you need some help finding the right group, fill out an interest form available behind the welcome center, then Pastor Charlie will contact you to discuss what groups might be right for you.

Shepherds Keith & Betty Rohrer

Meeting in their home at 52 Poplar St., Gordonville (Intercourse)
On the 1st and 3rd Monday of each month at 7 PM
This group is for couples who are recently married with no kids (R-MNK)
They are currently studying Tim Keller’s book Gospel in Life
The group has not started doing accountability yet.
As a service project/activity, they have gone Christmas caroling at Conestoga View.
This group is a fairly new group, so now would be a good time to join.
If this group looks good to you, give Keith or Betty a call, because they have room for growth in their group. 717-768-7207 (home); 717-305-0587 (KR cell); 717-824-7407 (BR cell) Or email Keith at krohrer@keystonechurch.org

Shepherds Joel and Jennifer Robinson

Meeting in their home at 5309 Countryside Drive, Kinzers (Gap)
On the 1st and 3rd Mondays of each month at 6:30 PM
This group is multi-generational with an emphasis on Christian growth through study (Biblical and extra-biblical books). Also passionate about personal care/prayer and regular fellowship. They are open to singles or families of any age.
Currently the only children in the group are the three Robinson girls, ranging in age from 7 to 14, but the group is open to other children of any age. In the past the women of the group took turns leading the kids in a study of their own. They like the idea of including the kids in an opening worship time and perhaps having them experience the prayer time on occasion. The children join in for the fellowship time at the close of the meeting.
They are currently studying the book of Daniel using a study guide which emphasizes character and trust in difficulty. Future studies may include Stott's new book, Radical Disciple, Shadows of Christ in the OT by Clowney or The Joy of Fearing God by Bridges
The group is not currently doing accountability, but is open to growing in that area.
For activities or service projects the group has done a trip to The Fold, a Samaritans Purse Operation Shoebox project, and prepared a meal for The Factory.
Joel and Jen love the small group togetherness and are passionate about building relationships for the purpose of growing as disciples, showing genuine care for each other and spurring each other on in all aspects of life. They love small group ministry and have a real burden for seeing more people benefit from this grace provided by the local church.
If this group looks good to you, give Joel or Jen a call, because they have room for growth in their group. 717-442-0906 (home) Or email them at joelr@epix.net or jenr@epix.net.

Shepherd Brandon Fisher

Meeting at Keystone’s Ministry Center at 6 Pequea Drive, Paradise
Every Wednesday from 7 to 9 PM
This group is for single young adults without children
They are currently studying Tim Keller’s book Gospel in Life
The group currently does not do accountability.
The group has varied in size over the last couple years, but is currently fairly small.
The group is open to ages post-high through twenty-something. Currently most of the attendees are on the younger side.
If this group looks good to you, give Brandon a call, because there is room for growth in this group. 717-682-4850 Or email Brandon at bfisher@keystonechurch.org

Shepherds Tim and Jen Manthey

Meeting at Steve and Kiersten Hess’s grandparent’s guest house at the intersection of 30 and 741 in Gap
On the 1st Wednesdays of each month at 6:30 PM when they share a meal together, and the 3rd Wednesday of each month at 7 PM (no meal).
This group currently consists of married couples with young kids, but they are not restricted to that.
The children are not included in the regular meetings.
They are currently studying Francis Chan’s book Crazy Love
The group does an accountability time about once every three months.
For activities, they have done picnics, a Christmas party, and they are planning a cabin retreat.
If this group looks good to you, give Tim or Jen a call, because they have room for growth in their group. 610-857-1776 (home) Or email Tim at mantheytl1@yahoo.com

Shepherds Curt and Beth Ulrich

Meeting in the home of Chris and Julie Jones at 52 Apple Blossom Drive, Lancaster (near Lampeter)
On the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays of each month at 6:30 PM
They begin with dinner together rotating which couple brings the meal.
The group does not have a particular focus but seems to attract couples in their upper 20's to mid 30's with children ages 5 and under.
Children are included in this Care Group. After the meal, at 7pm, the children go into a separate room with babysitters (usually from Keystone) until 8:30pm. The group pays the babysitters each time. The children are usually included in service projects and get-togethers.
The group is currently studying Gospel in Life by Tim Keller.
They do accountability every two months in two groups separated by gender.
For service projects the group has done outside landscaping at The Factory House in Paradise, and they are looking into doing meals at The Factory this spring.
Self-described: “We.are.crazy. Fun and open group, but crazy. ;o) There are 11 (soon to be 12) children among us 7 couples, so it's self-explanatory.
If this group looks good to you, give Curt or Beth a call. 717-201-1765 Or email them at cbdulrich@yahoo.com

Shepherds John and Janet Esh

Meeting in their home at 5335 Southview Drive, New Holland
On the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays of each month at 7 PM
This group consists of families all with children at home.
The children are included in this Care Group. They meet downstairs, with the adults taking turns helping out with childcare. It’s left up to the person in charge if they want to do a lesson or activity with the children.
The group is currently doing a book study on Philippians.
Accountability is not done as a group, although there is some accountability that takes place between individuals in the group.
For service projects the group has sent packages to their missionaries and college kids in the group, went to a nursing home on several occasions, visited Gratz Sult, and did various other projects. Currently with the many younger children, it is difficult to involve everyone.
During the summer the group has 2 or 3 cook-outs together because they don't do a study over the summer months.
This group is already fairly large (14 adults and 20 children), so growth would be difficult, although John and Janet would not turn anyone away. They have discussed the possibility of multiplication into two groups. To discuss joining their group, call John or Janet at 717-354-2088, or email them at JESH354@comcast.net

Shepherds Nick and Lindsay Martin

Meeting in their home at 3203 Lincoln Highway East, Paradise.
On the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays of each month at 7 PM.
This group consists of young married couples with young children.
The children are brought along to the regular Care Group meetings once every other month where it is just fellowship and a dinner.
The group is currently going through the book Crazy Love by Francis Chan.
For accountability, at every regular meeting they have a share & prayer time (men & women split up) where they share from their hearts about their personal struggles.
For activities and service projects the group has served at House of His Creation, gone laser tagging, served at the Boys & Girls Club of Lancaster, done summer picnics, had a Valentine's dinner, and gone on weekend trips
This group is currently not open to new participants, but may be in the future. Feel free to contact Nick or Lindsay to discuss when they may be open to adding new participants.

Nick: 717-989-1059 nick.m@zimmermansroofing.com
Lindsay: 717-587-7949 nicklindsaymartin@hotmail.com

Shepherds Charlie and Liz Walter

Meeting in their home at 105 Buckingham Lane, Gordonville (Intercourse)
On the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays of each month at 7 PM.
This group consists of young married couples with no children or very young children. The original intent of the group was to focus on helping new marriages, but has recently shifted to a broader focus of spiritual growth.
Childcare is not provided at the meeting since there are only two very young children who can be held by their parents during the meetings, without being distracting.
The group is currently going through the book Crazy Love by Francis Chan.
They do accountability about every two months in two groups separated by gender.
For activities and service projects the group has served meals at The Factory, given Christmas gifts to a needy family in Gap, supported Sam & Tina Gordley, gone on weekend retreats, and had progressive dinners and game nights.
This group is currently fairly large, so not especially looking to grow any larger right now. However, there may be some changes in the near future including one of the couples leaving the area to prepare for Missions work. So if you are interested in joining this group, feel free to contact Charlie or Liz to discuss it.

Charlie: 717-768-7213 cwalter@keystonechurch.org
Liz: 717-768-8000 lizdwalter@hotmail.com

Shepherds Tom and Brenda Weaver

Meeting in the home of Charlie and Liz Walter at 105 Buckingham Lane, Gordonville (Intercourse)
Meets only once a month, usually on the 1st Sunday of each month at 6 PM.
This group consists of empty-nesters or those very close to having an empty-nest. Because everyone in the group is in about the same life stage, there is a good bit of mutual care and understanding for the typical problems faced during this stage.
Since this life stage does not include young children, childcare in not provided.
The group is currently going through the book Crazy Love by Francis Chan, being taught by Charlie Walter.
Accountability is not being done by this group at this time, however the study times, and share and prayer times are authentic enough to allow effective spurring to occur.
For activities and service projects the group has served meals at The Factory, gone on weekend cabin retreats, and had movie nights and game nights.
This group is currently fairly large, so not especially looking to grow any larger right now. However, the future could possibly hold some changes for the group, so if you are interested in joining this group, feel free to contact Tom or Brenda to discuss it. 717-354-7968 Tweaver3@comcast.net

Shepherds Dean and Jen Peifer

Meeting in their home at 555 Willow Road, Lancaster (near Greenfield)
Three times per month… Full families meet on the 1st Friday of each month at 6 PM. Just the women meet on the 3rd Friday of each month at 7 PM. The men also try to meet monthly, but the day and time varies.
This group consists of families with children of all ages.
Children are a part of this group as the schedule above describes.
More information about the group to be posted in the near future.
This group is currently fairly large, so not especially looking to grow any larger right now. But feel free to contact Dean and Jen to learn more about their group. 717-291-1605 peifers5@verizon.net

Shepherds Mike and Debbie Fisher

Meeting in the home of Cliff and Joyce Blank at 705 Hoffmeier Rd, Gap.
Two times per month.
This group consists of families mostly with older children.
More information about the group to be posted in the near future.
Feel free to contact Mike and Debbie for more information. 717-442-9227 mvf771@comcast.net

Shepherd (insert your name here)
Perhaps you are being called to start your own CARE Group. We are always looking to start new groups, and would be excited to talk to you about that possibility. Pastor Charlie will meet with you to discuss all that it entails to see if it’s something that would be a good fit for you. And if it seems like it is, we’ll give you all the training you need to shepherd the next Keystone CARE Group. Give Charlie a call… no obligation. 717-768-7213 cwalter@keystonechurch.org.