SMALL GROUPS & CLASSES
Below find a list of small groups and connection opportunities in our hybrid mode of church life.
Small Groups in Hybrid Church Mode
Most groups are able (and eager) to welcome new participants. A few groups are currently full, but if you see a group you’re interested in, let us know. When an opening comes up, we can let you know; and knowing of your interest also helps us to explore expansion options (like trying to start a new group with a similar focus). Most groups have a set of regular attenders and others who come occasionally.
In addition, you’ll notice some groups are identified as support groups; this means participants do more personal sharing and participation requires commitment to confidentiality and other group norms. If you are interested in one of the support groups, let us know, and we’ll arrange for an interaction with the group facilitator first to explore participation.
Our pastoral team coordinates small groups; for each group a member of the pastoral staff is listed as a contact person. If they don’t facilitate the group directly they will forward your inquiry to the facilitator.
Virtual and Hybrid Small Groups and Classes
While some of our groups meet in-person, many are virtual (Zoom) or have both in-person and virtual options. The description for each class include details of how they meet, plus the codes IP (for In Person), V (Virtual), or VO (in person with Virtual Option) are shown to quickly find a class that fits your attendance preference.
Throughout the year we’ll also offer limited-time classes on topics of interest. Classes will be hosted by Blue Ocean pastors or lay people and feature teaching by a combination of staff and guest speakers. Some classes will meet in person, and most will include a virtual option via Zoom. Classes (including sign up information and Zoom link) will be announced in advanced during the church announcements and in the weekly updates.
GROUP NAME |
FACILITATOR |
WHEN |
DETAILS |
|---|---|---|---|
Ongoing In-Person, Virtual, and Hybrid Groups |
|||
| Youth Group IP (Middle & Senior High) |
Daniel Reaume | Before Church on Sundays, 10:30–11am In Person |
Contact the office. |
| St. Lavender’s Gathering IP | Emily Swan | After church about once a quarter In Person |
A group of lesbians looking for connection. We have lunch together at a local restaurant after church. Contact the office for info. |
| The Next Page V Book Group |
Emily Swan | Weekly, Tuesdays, 10–11am ET Hosted on Zoom |
Contact the office to get the link. |
| Tuesday Tea-Time V | Diane Sonda | Every Tuesday (except 2nd Tuesday of the month), 3–3:30 pm ET Hosted on Zoom |
Conversation with a 3-minute guided meditation to close; contact the office to get on the Zoom Invite email list. |
| Theology on Tap IP Book Group |
Lisa Ruby | Fourth Thursday of the month, evening In Person |
Reading/discussing an eclectic selection of books of theological interest. Contact the office. List of past books Updated: Books for 2025 |
| Parent Allies VO Support Group |
Jim & Madelyn Cosens & Nancy Broadway |
Third Wednesday of the Month, Dinner at 6:30 for local attendees. |
Affirming parents supporting each other and LGBTQ friends from nonaffirming families. Contact the office to explore attending. |
| Men’s Support Group V |
Barney Judge |
Alternating Saturdays: Second and Fourth Saturday of the month, |
Offering support for men who want to improve-expand their emotional intelligence. Contact Barney Judge to get on the email and text invite list (email the office if you need his contact info). |
| Film Club IP | Dave Nelson & Tim Vaduva | Third Saturday of the month at Nelson’s home in Ann Arbor | Join us one evening a month to watch a film together. Date, time and film will be announced in church and the weekly updates for a couple weeks before the next planned meeting. |
| Parents of Young Kids IP | Emily Miner | No regular meeting time | Meetups and play dates arranged through a group chat. Contact the office to be added to the group. |
| Earth Care IP | Tim Vaduva | No regular meeting time | Events throughout the year include family field trips, projects, and community events that are announced via the weekly updates and announcements. Contact the office if you’d like to get in touch with Tim for more information. |

