We connect with each other in CONNECTGroups.
True growth is not just about Sunday mornings. We believe that real growth happens when you are involved in community, not just sitting in a worship service.
To grow spiritually, you need to be connected relationally. A great way to do this is through a Church On The Trail CONNECTGroup.They are your key to developing healthy relationships with those who share your interests, or people who are dealing with similar life issues.
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CONNECTGroups are an opportunity to reach out to others, while growing in your walk with God.
CONNECTGroups meet in homes, businesses, restaurants, or other locations throughout our area. These groups change and begin at different times during the year, so you have the opportunity to explore different groups, or join groups at any time.
You'll never fully experience Church On The Trail until you lock arms and connect with others in the Body of Christ!
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Scroll down to explore the current CONNECTGroups and sign up for one (or more!) at the bottom of the page.
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MONDAYS
M2540
Topic / Audience: Outreach
Description: We are called to minister to the spiritual and physical needs of the homeless and at-risk community, and we meet them right where they are in Columbus! Our ultimate vision is to grow the kingdom by dramatically reducing the number of chronically homeless in our area.
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Time: Mondays at 6:00 PM
Childcare: No
Requirements: None
Leader: Ed Grifenhagen
Email: M2540@churchonthetrail.org
Tel. #: 706-681-2732
Location: 3406 6th Avenue, Columbus, GA 31904​​​
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TUESDAYS
The Theology Program
Topic / Audience: Bible Study / Everyone
Description: Most simply put, The Theology Program is a mission to reclaim the mind for Christ by equipping people to understand and defend the Christian faith. We will walk through theology (study of God) and apologetics (defending the faith) in a fun and impactful way. You will learn theology biblically & historically. We want you to understand what you believe and why you believe it.
If you have ever asked these questions, then this is the program for you: How do we know what books belong in the Bible? Do all religions lead to God? Why does everyone seem to interpret the Bible differently? The doctrine of the Trinity—can someone please explain this to me? So many translations of the Bible... Which one do I use? What about those who have
never heard about Christ, can they still make it to heaven? Why does God allow bad things to happen? Can we be sure that Christ rose from the grave?
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Time: Tuesdays at 6:30am
Childcare: No
Leaders: Jay Bishop & Misi Abdo
Email: Jekiel.A.Bishop@gmail.com or MAbdo10@hotmail.com
Tel. #: 631-310-7964 or 706-457-3099
Location: Midland Starbucks or Church on the Trail (6200 Macon Road)
Requirements: Theology Program workbook / Bible / Notebook
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Christ and Coffee
Topic / Audience: Women’s / Bible Study
Description: Christ and Coffee is a women’s Bible study that strives to transform our hearts and minds to be more like Christ and to be witnesses to those around us. “Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable His judgements, and His paths beyond tracing out!" Romans 11:33 NIV
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Time: Tuesdays from 2:30-4:30pm
Childcare: No
Leader: Joann Freeman
Email: JVFreeman@yahoo.com
Location: 6200 Macon Road (Church On The Trail)
Requirements: Bible​​​​
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Beauty Marks: Healing Your Wounded Heart
Topic / Audience: Women / Prayer / Fellowship / Topical
Description: “Everyone has experiences of shattered dreams and has suffered some pain. Some scars are visible, and some are hidden deep inside the heart.” Join us as we walk through a study of our Beauty Marks-scars on our physical selves as well as our internal selves to find healing in Jesus. Linda Barrick walks through experiences of abandonment, forgiveness, and release and how in those moments, we can find peace in God and transform our “scars” into beautiful marks of victory. We will share in open discussion and learn how we can lean on God and each other.
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Time: Tuesdays at 7:00pm (Zoom and in-person)
Childcare: Yes
Leader: Niki Bamba-Joiner
Email: niki@churchonthetrail.org
Tel. #: 706-615-8930
Location: Zoom and in-person
Requirements: Beauty Marks: Healing Your Wounded Heart by Linda Barrick
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WEDNESDAYS
The Gospel of John
Topic / Audience: Everyone
Description: Join us for a deep dive into the Gospel of John. This is an ongoing study of John that started in the Fall of 2023.
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Time: Wednesdays from 6:30-8:30am
Childcare: No
Leader: Ed Grifenhagen
Email: Ed@churchonthetrail.org
Tel. #: 706-681-2732
Location: 6200 Macon Road (Church On The Trail)
Requirements: Bring your Bible
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Growing in Faith: Ladies Evening Bible Study
Topic / Audience: Bible Study / Women / Fellowship
Description: Ladies join us for this Wednesday evening bible study in Psalms that offers intriguing questions, inspirational stories, and poignant reflections to take readers deeper into God's Word. In Life Lessons from Psalms, you'll study the prayers and poetry used in the early church. Written by a variety of people, some are heartfelt cries of anguish, others plead for God's help, and still others are full of praise. Let them become your prayers as well. Then afterwards join us for a 4-session Bible study titled Joy to the World which brings participants on an Advent study celebrating the good news and great joy found in the Christmas story. This study will help all participants delight in Jesus' birth and joyfully anticipate His return. This will include a video series.
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Meeting Time: Wednesdays at 6:30pm
Childcare: No
Start/End Dates: Starting October 2nd
Leaders: Anne Webb & Britni Merva
Email: adwebb@greenwoodland.com or merva.britni@gmail.com
Tel. #: 706-575-4178 or 706-570-1189
Location: 9050 Jackson Rd., Midland, GA 31820 (Anne Webb’s home)
Requirements: Life Lessons from Psalms and Joy to the World (Advent book with Video)
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Colossai Inductive Bible Study
Topic / Audience: Everyone / Bible Study
Description: An exciting, hold on to the seat of your pants journey through the book of Colossians. Join us as we show how easy it is to use the Bible to understand the Bible, empowered by the Holy Spirit. All ages, genders and marital statuses welcome!
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Time: Wednesdays at 7:00pm
Childcare: No
Leader: Andrew Keith & Stephen Jensen
Email: andrewjkeith@icloud.com or stephenmatthewjensen@outlook.com
Tel. #: 772-302-0101 or 909-435-8108
Location: 2444 W Britt David Rd #212, Columbus
Requirements: Bible​
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THURSDAYS
Men’s Coffee Connect
Topic / Audience: Men
Description: Coffee Connect is a connect group exclusively for men 18 years of age and older. We discuss a wide range of topics related to growing as Godly men by connecting with our brothers in Christ Jesus. We adhere to our church’s central tenant of “No Perfect People Allowed” to create welcoming, supportive, and friendly atmosphere.
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Time: 6:00-7:00pm
Childcare: No
Leader: Carl Wright
Email: Production@churchonthetrail.org
Tel. #: 423-421-2078
Location: 6200 Macon Road (Church On The Trail)
Requirements: Bring your Bible!
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Young Married Couples
Topic / Audience: Bible Study / Family / Marriage
Description: Young married couples coming together to grow in their relationship with the Lord and each other by doing Life Together.
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Time: Thursdays from 6:00-7:30 PM (1st and 3rd Thursdays)
Childcare: No
Leaders: Billy & Erin Vivian
Email: Bvivian7@gmail.com or Ejacq932@gmail.com
Tel. #: 443-438-0928 or 757-620-9423
Location: 7947 Glen Valley Drive, Midland
Requirements: None
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2 Chronicles
Topic / Audience: Bible Study / Everyone
Description: In 2 Chronicles, we jump onto the roller coaster ride of the history of Israel, focusing primarily on the reigns of the kings of Judah, from Solomon to the fall of Jerusalem. The book emphasizes the spiritual and moral consequences of obedience and disobedience to God. Through the stories of these kings—both their successes and failures—we see God’s desire for His people to worship Him alone and follow His commands. Studying 2 Chronicles helps us understand the importance of faithfulness, repentance, and the consequences of turning away from God. It reveals the patterns of revival and reform that occur when leaders and people return to God, offering valuable lessons on how we can pursue spiritual renewal in our own lives.
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Time: Starting September 19th at 7:00pm
Childcare: No
Leaders: Ed Grifenhagen & Tom Woodward
Tel. #: 706-681-2732 or 727-642-8574
Email: Ed@churchonthetrail.org or Twoodward@trinitycollege.edu
Location: 6200 Macon Road (Church On The Trail – Mission Coffee House)
Requirements: Bible​
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FRIDAYS
The Breakfast Club
Topic / Audience: Men / Bible Study
Description: As part of our Men's Ministry, Trailblazers, The Breakfast Club is a weekly, ongoing, year- round Men’s Bible study. Bring your Bible and let’s dig deep into the Word! Coffee and a sense of humor are also welcome!
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Time: Fridays from 6:30am-7:40am
Childcare: No
Leader: Lonnie Freeman
Email: onhimrely@pm.me
Location: 6200 Macon Road (Church On The Trail)
Requirements: Bring your Bible
Joyful Hearts
Topic / Audience: Outreach / Missions
Description: Joyful Hearts provides a devotion, fellowship, and communion to residents of Oaks At Grove Park, an assisted living and memory care community. Our mission is to remind the attendees they are loved, and that God is always with them. We hope to bring those that don’t know Christ into a saving relationship with him.
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NOTE: Since we are invited by the facility, the Fridays will vary.
Time: Twice a month on Friday from 2:30-3:30pm
Leader : Joann Freeman
Email: jvfreeman@yahoo.com
Location: 1479 Grove Park Dr, Columbus GA 31904 (The Oaks at Grove Park)
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Rolling Angels BUNCO
Topic / Audience: Women Only / BUNCO / Fellowship / Recreation / Prayer
Description: All women are welcome! You don’t need to know how to play BUNCO. We share food, laughter and good times. We meet the 3rd Friday of each month at Church on the Trail.
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Time: 3rd Friday of each Month at 7:00 pm
Childcare: No
Leader: Patty Freeman
Email: freemanpa72@gmail.com
Tel. #: 706-662-7741
Location: 6200 Macon Road (Church On The Trail – Mission Coffee House)
Requirements: None​
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SATURDAYS
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Ladies Life Recovery
Topic / Audience: Recovery / Women
Description: Christ-centered 12-step program for recovery from addictions, depression, anxiety or other issues. This Group may help with the healing process.
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Time: 9:00-10:30am
Childcare: No
Leader: Peggy Williams
Email: pegwilliams18@yahoo.com
Tel. #: 706-339-4629
Location: 6200 Macon Road (Church On The Trail)
Requirements: Life Recovery Workbook and Journal
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Family Photography
Topic / Audience: Family / Recreation
Description: With Fall just around the corner, Family Photography is a COTT Connect Group starting this Fall and running through the end of Spring 2025 that encourages and inspires anyone who’s interested in capturing God’s creation through the art of photography. The group is open to everyone, particularly families who love the outdoors, and are looking for a way to connect with other families and friends in a meaningful way through physical activity and personal creativity. No prior experience is necessary, other than an appreciation of God’s Kingdom! Participants will be encouraged to share their work through a closed social media page on Facebook or other platforms.
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Meeting Days: 3rd Saturday of each month / Starting October 19th
Meeting Time: 10:00-12:00 pm
Childcare: No
Leader: Carl Wright
Email: Production@churchonthetrail.org
Tel. #: 423-421-2078
Location: 6200 Macon Road (Church On The Trail)
Requirements: Digital camera or cell phone camera / leader has cameras to lend.
Crafters Connect
Topic / Audience: Fellowship / Women
Description: Join us once a month to create a fun craft project. We post the craft we are doing and let you know the cost of the supplies, which we provide. Ladies, enjoy a relaxing and fun time crafting with other ladies while building lasting friendships with each other. You do not have to be a crafty lady, we will teach you how to make the project and help as needed.
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Time: 10:00-12:00 pm
Childcare: No
Leaders: Lynn Wright, Heather Orenstein and Jessica Domenget
Email: wrightintn@gmail.com, Orenstein.heather@gmail.com or Onehousewife20@yahoo.com
Tel. #: 423-421-5231 or 678-863-0494
Location: 6200 Macon Road (Church On The Trail)
Requirements: Small fee per craft ($5 to $10)
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SUNDAYS
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Trailblazers Sunday Men’s Gathering
Topic / Audience: Bible Study / Men
Description: Why not? As brothers in Christ, together let’s find, strengthen, and sharpen our own uniquely individual, God-given strides. If you feel isolated, hung up in sin, or you recognize a complacency in your life… another man in our church family feels the same way. Why not make a change? If you have been through any amount of life, bearing some scars or having made some mistakes, but you know victory through Jesus Christ… another man in our church family needs your counsel. Why not pour into another? Pursue God alongside other men, as we examine what Biblical masculinity looks like, and other topics, in a variety of ways. Let’s see what God can do when a group of men gather, committed to making an impact for His kingdom. We will periodically read through a book, walk through a study, or dive into the Bible. Don’t do the journey of Authentic Manhood alone. Let’s face the battle together!
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Time: Sundays from 8:00am – 9:00am
Childcare: No
Leaders: Stephen Jensen
Tel. #: 706-718-8634
Email: Trailblazers@churchonthetrail.org
Location: 6200 Macon Road (Church On The Trail – Conference Room)
Requirements: Bible or current book
Table Talk Supper Club
Topic / Audience: Sunday Message Discussion / Everyone / Fellowship
Description: Join us the 2nd Sunday of each month to share a meal and fellowship together. We use the Table Talk from the sermon that day to guide our discussion or whatever is placed on our hearts to discuss. Adults only including couples and singles. Best way to grow our relationship with each other is to gather together in Christ.
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Meeting Days: 2nd Sunday of the month (subject to change)
Meeting Time: 5pm - 7pm
Childcare: No
Leaders: Lynn Wright & Nancy Brim
Tel. #: 423-421-5231 or 706-566-2912
Email: wrightintn@gmail.com or nbrim48@gmail.com
Location: Nancy Brim’s House (4779 Champions Way, Columbus)
Requirements: Bring a dish or dessert to share! Meals are planned and a sign-up form is sent out for you to bring a dish.​
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4:12 Student Ministry
Topic / Audience: Students
Description: Our 4:12 Student Ministry is a place where students build deep friendships, experience God and share their faith with others through fellowship and mission.. 4:12 is a gathering of 6th – 12th grade students. We discuss topics that are relevant, fun and most important – stuff that matters to the students, like friends, parents and school. 4:12 is a place to develop, grow and strengthen a relationship with God, hear relatable messages, play games, grow relationships with peers and learn from caring adults. We have several activities planned throughout the semester, to include a service project each month.
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Time: 5:30pm – 7:30pm
Email: Students@churchonthetrail.org
Tel. #: 706-718-8634
Location: 6200 Macon Road (Church On The Trail)
Requirements: None
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Monthly
COTT Men
Topic / Audience: Men
Description: Ongoing Group focused on building relationship through monthly community service projects and recreational events.
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Meeting: Monthly
Time: TBD
Childcare: No
Leader: Don Webb
Email: Don@greenwoodland.com
Tel. #: 706-577-9922
Location: TBD
Requirements: None
The Grove Women of COTT
Topic / Audience: Women
Description: The Grove is an invitation for all women to gather monthly as we worship, learn, and celebrate the greatness of Jesus together. Come and grow with us as you find breathing room for your soul and experience a God-inspired message just for you!
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Meeting: Monthly
Time: TBD
Childcare: No
Leader: Anne Webb
Email: Anne@greenwoodland.com
Tel. #: 706-575-4178
Location: TBD
Requirements: None
Mission Team
Topic / Audience: Outreach
Description: Meet with Mark and the Mission team to see how you can get connected with Waddell Elementary and the neighborhoods surrounding our church location.
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Time: 12:00pm
Leader: Don Webb
Email: Don@greenwoodland.com
Tel. #: 706-718-8634
Location: 6200 Macon Road (Church On The Trail)
Requirements: None
First Responder Mission Team
Topic / Audience: Outreach
Description: Ongoing Outreach to and support of our First Responders – Police, Fire and EMT.
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Meeting: Monthly
Time: TBD
Childcare: No
Leader: Don Webb
Email: Don@greenwoodland.com
Tel. #: 706-577-9922
Location: TBD
Requirements: None
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