Get Involved
All are welcome to be a part of the ever growing and ever changing Bonfield Grand Prairie United Methodist Parish. Listed below are some ways you can get involved in our parish. These are just a sample of the many opportunities for you to be a part of the life blood of every hometown, the church. We believe that church is NOT just a one-hour trip to a building every Sunday morning; instead, we believe in the power of God to change lives through compassionate servant hood. We believe not just in changed lives but in transformed lives. We seek to be a relevant option for you and your family to find connection with other folks who want a better life for all of God’s people. If you would like to talk more about any of what we are offering, please call the church office at 815.802.9805.
Bible Study
Bible Studies are held at various times throughout the year. Each Bible Study has a different theme. Watch the Homepage of this website and/or follow our page on Facebook for information on any current or future Bible Studies you may want to be a part of.
Book Club
Do you enjoy reading? If so, the Book Club is the group for you! Each month we pick a book to read and then we get together one night that month to share our thoughts about the book. There are always snacks too! Watch the homepage of our website and follow our Facebook page for the current book and the meeting time each month. If you would like more information please contact Tricia Coffman at 815.236.3319.
Craftin’ Circle
Do you like making things? Join the Grand Prairie Craftin’ Circle! This group meets at the Ohrt Party Shed. Each time we meet we make a new craft. All are welcome. You do not need to be a member of Grand Prairie to join our group. This group is open to all ages. A portion of each craft fee is donated to a mission fund. Join us for fellowship, snacks, and crafting! Watch our Facebook Page for the next Craftin’ Event! For more information contact Tricia Coffman at 815.236.3319.
Journey – Prayer Group
Journey is a small group based on intercessory prayer (praying for others). This prayer gathering is open to men and women who enjoy spending time in prayer in a group. They meet every Monday morning in the Upper Room at Bonfield Evangelical UMC located on Smith Street in Bonfield.
Ladies’ GROUPS:
If you’re looking for a great group of Christian women to fellowship and serve the Lord with, one of the following Ladies’ groups is the group for you!
Martha Circle (Grand Prairie)
Grand Prairie’s United Methodist Women’s group is called Martha Circle. Each month’s meeting is hosted by a different member of the group. Meetings for this group are held every other month at various houses, restaurants, and other locations. Martha Circle helps with various church events throughout the year. This group also organizes and/or participates in outreach activities such as singing at nursing homes or preparing food for the Gift of God Street Church or Salvation Army. Members also donate time and/or money to various charities and people in need throughout the year. For more information contact Janet Boyer at 815.263.9566.
Sunshine Circle (Bonfield Evangelical)
The Bonfield Evangelical UMC’s Sunshine Circle meets every 3rd Thursday from February through June and then resuming in September. This group supports many different organizations and individuals. We support our community first if anyone is in need. We have one fund raiser in June to finance our donations for the year. We send one camper a year for the Salvation Army, we give canned goods to the Salvation Army, we support families in need at Christmas, and we help serve meals at the Gift of God Street Church. Each year is different because each year different people and groups are in need of help and support. For more information contact Donna Diefenbach at 815.932.6108.
Men’s Groups:
If you’re looking for a great group of Christian men to fellowship and serve the Lord with, the following Men’s group is the group for you!
Mission Opportunities
While not technically a small group, this is another opportunity for a small group of people to work together. At least once a year, our parish sends out a team to work with the underprivileged. If your idea of serving includes getting your hands dirty, then this may be the area of service for you. Please contact Pastor Julie at 618-658-0281, if you would like more information on mission team service.
Monthly Fellowship Breakfast
On the first Tuesday of each month at 8:30am, you will find church members and friends enjoying breakfast at IHOP in Bradley, IL. Each person orders and pays for their own breakfast and can share in the lively discussions. This group is open to anyone who likes a good breakfast, good company, and good conversation.
Prayer Shawl Group (knitting/crocheting)
A group of talented ladies has started a Prayer Shawl Group for the Bonfield-Limestone area. This group is for people who enjoy knitting or crocheting, or for people who would like to learn how to knit or crochet. The group makes Prayer Shawls, Pocket Prayer Shawls, Hats and other items for chemo patients and others who may benefit from an outreach of love and encouragement. They will also be making hats and scarves to donate to those in need this winter.
This group meets on the 1st Tuesday of every month at 7:00pm at Bonfield First UMC. You do not need to be a member of First Church. All ladies or men are welcome. So bring your knitting needles, crochet hooks, patterns and some yarn and come join this new group. If you don’t have any of these items, there will be plenty available for you to get started. If you have any questions, please call Dianne Wells at 815-933-4206.
Other Short-Term Groups
Not all gatherings are weekly or monthly. Sometimes small groups meet intermittently, so please check back here and follow us on Facebook for updates on many more possibilities of ways to get involved.