2026 Spring Semester Youth Apologetics

New topics in a new year! Designed specifically for youth, this 7-week course will equip students with tools to cultivate a resilient faith in Jesus, helping them defend and advance the gospel. This course is hosted by ECC Youth and facilitated by Mark Lamontia, and we encourage all middle and high school students to engage with it! This group will meet on Thursday nights at ECC from 6:30pm-8:30pm starting February 19th. Topics will include: human evolution (Adam and Eve), the miracle of man, What does Genesis 1 say?, how Jesus does the miracles, artificial intelligence, What is the right religion? (other religions/cults).

• Thursdays from 6:30-8:30 pm
• Ephrata
  70 Clay School Rd Ephrata, PA 17522-9734

Adoption/Foster Support Group

This group is designed to be a time of building relationships, encouraging one another, and lifting each other up in prayer.

• Monthly on the third Sunday from 6-8 pm
• Ephrata

Adult Singles Fellowship

Welcome all single adults, ages 30 through 50. Our goal is to provide care, connection, and community for single adults. Expect to have a time of fellowship and connection with one another. Times and locations will be announced ahead of time.

• Times and dates will vary depending on event and gathering

Anthony & Andrea Long

Our mission is to deepen marriage relationships, and our walks with Jesus through group discussions. This gives you a chance to partner with your spouse to share what God has shown you in life so far.

• 2nd and 4th Wednesdays at 7pm beginning 2/11
• Myerstown

Apologetics: Defending your Faith to Anyone

This apologetics course is designed to equip individuals with the skills and knowledge needed to confidently defend their faith in conversations with anyone. From historical arguments for God's existence to evaluating the reliability of the Bible and addressing the complexities of morality and the problem of evil, participants will gain a solid foundation for articulating and defending their beliefs.

• 8 weeks on Monday evening from 6:30–8:30 beginning February 16
• Main Campus

Artificial Intelligence | Wisdom, faith and the future with this advancing technology

An apologetic lecture examining the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence and its future trajectory. In one evening session, we will explore the moral and ethical challenges A.I. presents and how a Christian understanding of humanity and truth guides a faithful and hopeful response.

• Monday, February 9 from 6:30–8:30 p.m.
• Main Campus

Bible2School

Passionate about sharing the Gospel in our schools? We invite you to join this purpose group which will invest in the next generation by launching a release time program at Clay Elementary. Want to learn more about the Bible2School program? Click here https://www.bible2school.com to learn more or email ciara@ephratacommunity.church with questions. Sign up below—we can’t wait to see what God will do in our district! Once you sign up, we’ll set up a quick get-to-know-you conversation. It’s a fun way for us to learn more about you, answer your questions, and make sure this group is a great match before officially welcoming you in!

• Meeting weekly, day to be determined/
• Ephrata

Dale Martin - Men's Prayer Meeting

A men’s prayer group is a gathering where men come together to seek God’s presence, pray for one another, and intercede for the needs of their church community. It’s a space to foster unity, encourage spiritual growth, and support each other through the power of prayer.

• Every Saturday at 7 am
• Ephrata

Dean and Jaina Shirk

We’re a kid friendly connect group in Manheim Central. We hope to connect over fellowship and prayer. No childcare is provided but kids are welcome.

• 1st and 3rd Wednesdays at 6:30 pm beginning 2/4
• Manheim

Desiree Wagner & Teri Sclafani

Come build connections as we examine the week's message and share the impact it has on our lives and faith while sharing prayer support.

• Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. beginning 2/4
• Denver

Doorway To Freedom

For women only. Join us for a transformative book study using Doorway to Freedom by Rebekah Crossgrove. Together, we’ll explore scriptural truths that reveal how Jesus walks with us through life's messes, leading us into emotional and spiritual healing. Discover your true identity in Christ and learn how your past does not define your future. Step through the doorway to freedom and into the abundant life he has for you. We will begin another group starting in February 3 and meeting for 10 weeks. Please purchase the book, "Doorway to Freedom: Walking out of Abuse and Trauma into Victory and Healing" from Amazon and I expect the study guide to also be available soon there as well. Note: we have cats that like to join us on occasion - just a heads up if you have allergies.

• Tuesdays from 6:30-8:30 beginning 2/3
• Akron

Elevate and Celebrate

A safe place to connect with other women, build relationship, and mutually edify one another from the truth of God's word.

• 1st & 3rd Tuesday from 1-2:30 pm beginning 2/3
• Lititz

Freedom

It is for freedom that Christ set us free. These words are penned by Paul in Galatians 5:1, and Jesus, in John 10:10, declared His purpose to bring abundant life to humanity. Picture this—living a life of not merely existing, but embracing the freedom designed by God for you. Regardless of life's challenges, freedom is attainable through Christ, and this Group is here to guide you in experiencing it.

• 7 weeks on Thursday evening from 6:30–8:00 beginning February 19
• Main Campus

Fresh Start | Loren & Lisa Miller

This group is designed for those who are newer to ECC, typically within the past year, who are looking to build meaningful relationships in a welcoming and warm environment, with conversations centered on building community.

• 2nd & 4th Tuesday at 6:30 pm Beginning 2/10
• Lititz

Healing Prayer

This group will feature ongoing training in all aspects of healing – physical, emotional, and spiritual. It will be a combination of Bible study, book study, and lecture, all centered on practicing prayer and ministering to others. As you gain experience praying for the sick, your confidence in praying for healing will increase.

• 2nd & 4th Mondays at 6:00 pm beginning 2/9
• Akron

Hearing God Through Your Dreams

Join us to explore the teachings of the book, Hearing God Through Your Dreams by Charity Virkler Kayembe. We will learn the scriptural keys of dream interpretation, apply them to our dreams, and share our interpretations as we meet together.

• 2nd and 4th Monday at 7pm beginning 2/9
• Ephrata

Hope For The Journey

This group meets to encourage and uplift women who have experienced or are experiencing infertility, miscarriages, or stillbirths. We support each other through prayer and build each other up in the love and peace of Christ and his word, aiming to connect women as they walk forward through their motherhood journey together.

• Meeting March 5th and May 7th
• Ephrata

Hursh / Showalter Group

We meet to build community, eat food, and discuss the message. We have a friendly Labrador for anyone with allergy concerns.

• 1st & 3rd Sunday at 5:30 pm beginning 2/1
• Lititz

Jim and Jean Bednar | Biblical Citizenship

We are following an 8-week video series from Patriotacademy.com, to learn about our Christian heritage in the USA and how to function as a Christian in today's culture. Please register at: https://www.patriotacademy.com/biblicalcitizenship/ Go to: "Find a Class" Scroll down to February classes and choose this class. A textbook will be available to purchase for $20

• Every Tuesday from 7-9 pm beginning 2/10
• Lititz

Joel y Paula Chemes

¿Buscas un grupo para crecer en la fe y conectar con otros en español? Nuestro grupo ofrece un espacio acogedor para la oración, la confraternidad y la conversación profunda. ¡Únete a nosotros y vive una comunidad vibrante centrada en la Palabra de Dios! (Looking for a place to grow in faith and connect with others in Spanish? Our group offers a welcoming space for prayer, fellowship, and deep discussions. Join us and experience a vibrant community centered on God's Word!)

• Todos los jueves a las 6:30 PM (Every other Thursday evening at 6:30 PM) Beginning 2/5
• Ephrata

Living Out Purpose

This women's group's purpose is to help one another find clarity in our giftings as we grow together in our walk with the Lord and character. Our main focus will be on using lectio divina as we read select passages from scripture with the intent of experiencing a deeper encounter with God through his word.

• 1st & 3rd Monday at 6pm beginning 2/16
• Ephrata

Living the Overcoming Life

This group is focused on studying and applying the principles of Malachi 3:16-17.

• 1st & 3rd Wednesday at 7 pm beginning 2/4
• Manheim

Local Community Outreach

Our group sets up local outreach opportunities to reach the lost in our community. Whether we are serving with a local ECC ministry partner or engaging in service projects, treasure hunts, or street evangelism we’re just looking to love and share the gospel with those around us. We will set up outreaches once every quarter (spring, summer, fall, and winter). The day, time, and location will vary based on what we are doing for that specific time. All ages are welcome to join on any outreach we offer! We are families with young kids. By joining this group you are not committed to every outreach, but this group gives us a way to send you the information about our outreaches. We are expectant to see how the Lord will move and use us.

• Quarterly Meetings - The day, time, and location will vary based on what we are doing for that specific quarter.

Lunch, Laughter, and Life Together - In ECC Café

Join us for a time to fellowship over lunch while meeting new friends. We meet in the ECC cafe.

• 2nd & 4th Tuesday at 12:30pm beginning 2/10
• Ephrata

Marlin and Sharon Harnish Connect Group

Join us for an encouraging time building relationships and dialoguing around the weekend message.

• 1st & 3rd Tuesday at 7 pm beginning 2/3
• Stevens

Marysue & Jennifer | Sharing the Gospel in Everyday Conversations

Join us if you have a heart for the lost and want to learn how we can share the gospel without fear. Let's share our stories, learn simple ways to share and experience the joy of leading others to Christ.

• Thursday Mornings from 10 to 12 beginning 2/5
• Ephrata

Men Of Valor

Join us as we journey together to understand and manage our thoughts through the wisdom of God's word. Guided by Proverbs 23:7 and 2 Corinthians 10:4-5, we'll support each other in recognizing and addressing non-Holy Spirit thoughts by responding with scripture, just as Jesus did. Together, we'll strengthen our fellowship and grow spiritually, deepening our faith and connection with one another.

• Every other Tuesday at 6:30 pm
• Lititz

Men Walking In Freedom Together

We are men who commit ourselves to authentic connection, accountability with other like-minded men, and living in integrity and freedom while trusting God with the process of forging our calling. “May integrity and uprightness protect me, because my hope, Lord, is in you.” Psalm 25:21

• Every Monday at 7 pm
• Ephrata

Men's Activity Group - Paul Artale

This group is meant to provide an opportunity to meet new folks and/or get to know folks better. Kick-start your connections with other men in the church body to build relationships, encourage one another, and enjoy some fellowship (Heb 3:13 & 10:23-25). You are welcome and encouraged to bring others beyond our church body. This group is for men of varying ages with a minimum age of 18. See the event page for the next event. If remotely interested, join the group by connecting online, and you will receive notifications and reminders about upcoming events. Join us as you can. Registration or RSVP to events is preferred, and you will receive notifications if signed on with the group; however, it is not necessary in most cases. You can just show up. Feel free to call, text, or email for more information.

• Meeting times and locations vary

Men's Fellowship Breakfast

Encouraging and lively conversation. Make new friends and enjoy great food!

• Saturday morning at 8 am
• Ephrata

Men's Group | Ben Groff

Join to build relationships with other men in a relaxed atmosphere.

• 2nd and 4th Thursday from 7-8:30pm beginning 2/12
• Schaefferstown

Men's Group | Ken Noll

This group is a welcoming space for those who want to grow as leaders in their own lives and homes, equipping you to lead yourself well and intentionally guide your family toward a healthy, faith-filled life

• Thursdays at 7pm, beginning 2/5
• Ephrata

Mom's Time Out

We are a community of moms in all seasons of this journey: new mamas to veterans. Our desire is to connect women with God and others as we enjoy fellowship and friendship.  We meet second and fourth Tuesdays, February through May. Childcare is provided by donation for all our sessions except park play dates. Registration for individual sessions in not necessary unless otherwise noted. Please feel free to reach out with any questions or prayer requests.

Outreach In Ashland, PA

We invite you to join us as we reach out to the town of Ashland and the surrounding areas. At least two Saturdays a month we hold a DBS (Discovery Bible Study) in out home in Ashland. Other weeks we do various outreaches in the community including things like home and nursing home visits, playing in the park with local kids, going on prayer walks, and helping neighbors with house projects or yard work. There are also various festivles that take place in the area that we attend to be able to pray and minister to people. Once a month our Outreach in Ashland team meets together in our home to share dinner and testimonies as well as pray for each other and the advancement of the kingdom in Schuylkill County.

• Schedule and locations will vary based on activities.

Pastoral Care | Budget Counseling

Join this group if you would like to help families and individuals within the ECC community with basic budgeting and financial management.

Pastoral Care | Care Outreach

Join this group if you have a heart to reach out to those who share prayer needs and requests on Connect Cards. We write cards and make phone calls, providing encouragement, comfort, and prayer.

Pastoral Care | Meal Ministry

Join this group if you would like to help provide meals to families in need of support.

Pastoral Care | Premarital / Marriage Mentoring

Join this group if you're interested in providing premarital mentoring for engaged couples and offering support to revitalize marriages.

Pastoral Care | Prison Ministry

Join this group if you would like to be part of a team that ministers the love God and hope of the gospel to those in prison.

Pastoral Care | Service Projects

Join this group if you have a heart to serve those in need with small projects around the house or help with moving. Whether it's fixing a leaky faucet, painting a room, assembling furniture, or assisting with packing and relocating, your willingness to lend a hand can make a significant difference.

Pastoral Care | Visitations

Join this group if you have a heart to visit those who are in hospitals, nursing homes, or are homebound. Help provide emotional and spiritual support through friendly conversations, prayer, and simply being present.

Pastoral Care | Widows and Widowers

Join this group if you have a heart to support and care for those who are navigating the loss of a spouse.

Pursuing God

Join us as we chase after God together. We often read through books on a variety of topics, such as spiritual gifts, intercession, and discernment. All are welcome! Come have your faith built and your friendships deepened.

• 1st and 3rd Sundays at 6:00 pm beginning 2/1
• Akron

Rodney and Linda Reed: Fellowship Potluck Meal

Enjoy the friendly company of others around the dinner table as we do life together. Children welcome!

• 2nd Friday of each month at 5:30 pm beginning 2/13
• Lititz

S.H.A.P.E.

S.H.A.P.E. helps you discover how God uniquely designed you for a specific purpose by exploring your Spiritual Gifts, Heart, Abilities, Personality, and Experiences. In this group, you will gain clarity around how God has wired you and how that design fits into His greater mission. Through reflection and discussion, you will leave with a clearer sense of calling and practical next steps to live it out.

• 6 weeks on Thursday evening from 6:30–8:00 beginning February 19
• Main Campus

Sexual Integrity 101 for Men

We all desire sexual integrity, whether it’s for ourselves or others. But we struggle with knowing where to start. This 8-week video course is a great place to start! Each 40–50 minute video session includes a deep dive into the factors that contribute to unwanted sexual behaviors, interviews with experts in the field of sexual health, testimonies of those transformed through a safe, grace-filled process, and practical tools and strategies that lead to lasting health Small group leaders will be facilitating this video course for men, women, students, pastors, lay leaders, parents, and more. It’s for anyone who wants to find freedom from the effects of unwanted sexual behaviors or betrayal, or increase understanding of sexual addiction in order to support a loved one struggling. This course will show how shame and grace affect the healing process, give understanding of addiction and betrayal trauma, and get you started on the path to sexual health.

• 8 weeks on Monday evening from 6:30–8:00 beginning February 16
• 
  60 Clay School Rd Ephrata, PA 17522-9734

Sexual Integrity 101 for Women

We all desire sexual integrity, whether it’s for ourselves or others. But we struggle with knowing where to start. This 8-week video course is a great place to start! Each 40–50 minute video session includes a deep dive into the factors that contribute to unwanted sexual behaviors, interviews with experts in the field of sexual health, testimonies of those transformed through a safe, grace-filled process, and practical tools and strategies that lead to lasting health Small group leaders will be facilitating this video course for men, women, students, pastors, lay leaders, parents, and more. It’s for anyone who wants to find freedom from the effects of unwanted sexual behaviors or betrayal, or increase understanding of sexual addiction in order to support a loved one struggling. This course will show how shame and grace affect the healing process, give understanding of addiction and betrayal trauma, and get you started on the path to sexual health.

• 8 weeks on Monday evening from 6:30–8:30 beginning February 16
• Main Campus

Sonship: Men Walking in Fellowship with God and Others

Join a supportive group of men committed to deepening our identity in Christ and strengthening our connection with the Father. Using the Thrive Discipleship curriculum, together we will walk in the freedom that God intends for all men in their minds, wills, and emotions.

• Every Thursday at 6:30 pm beginning 2/5
• Ephrata

The 360 Challenge

Are you ready to experience a deeper, more tangible relationship with God? The 360 Challenge is an immersive, discipleship experience that brings your faith to life. Over the course of six weeks, we’ll go on a powerful journey to help you grow in your connection with God, understand your one-of-a-kind design, and boldly step into the calling God created just for you. For more information visit the360challenge.org Note: We will be going through the official 360 Challenge curriculum which costs $111 per person. To join, first join the ECC group. You will hear more instructions about how to sign up for the 360 Challenge curriculum from Amy and Jamie.

• Thursday evenings, March 19 through April 30
• Ephrata

The Gathering Warriors - Young Adult Men's Group

This group is open to 18- to 28-year-old men wanting to study the bible and find encouragement in community. We plan on meeting at different members of the group's houses so locations will vary.

• 1st and 3rd Thursdays at 7pm beginning 2/5

The Work of the Spirit

This Group explores who the Holy Spirit is and how he actively works in the life of every believer today. This course grounds participants in Scripture while creating space to recognize, respond to, and partner with the Spirit’s leading for transformation, empowerment, and fruitfulness. Through teaching and practical application, you will grow in confidence to walk daily in step with the Spirit.

• 6 weeks on Monday evening from 6:30–8:00 beginning February 16
• Main Campus

Understanding our Covenant with God

It’s the basis of our identity in Christ. It’s the reason for “the hope that is in us.” It’s the “crimson thread” that ties together the various parts of Scripture. It’s the covenant—a word used over 300 times in the Bible. In the ancient world, covenant making was a social arrangement of convenience or necessity, obligating two parties to show “lovingkindness” one to another. At its heart, a covenant was a bond in blood, the establishment of a binding, legal relationship with no exit clause. Covenant partners died to their rights to independent living, becoming functionally one in the process. The shock of the Bible is that God himself has entered into covenant with the human race. With “uplifted hand,” he swore on oath to keep his Word, even upon pain of death. In this course, we explore this dynamic mega-theme of Scripture, which guarantees the eternal love and faithfulness of God to his people.

• 6 weeks on Thursday evenings from 6:30–8:00 beginning February 19
• Main Campus

Win With Money

Are your financial decisions leading to increased stress or to greater freedom? Jesus spoke about money and possessions more than any other topic because they powerfully influence our hearts and lives. In this series, we’ll learn to think differently about money as we explore six key life decisions that lead to financial freedom, purposeful living, and a life marked by Christ-like generosity.

• 6 weeks on Thursday evening from 7:00–8:15 beginning February 19
• Main Campus

Women of Faith Bible Study - Young Adult Group

Come out to build relationships with other young adult women while we discuss different Bible passages.

• 2nd and 4th Mondays at 7 pm beginning 2/9
• Stevens

Women's Bible Study – Joshua by Jen Wilkin

Join a welcoming group of women as we dive into Scripture and explore the book of Joshua and a book study written by Jen Wilkin. Along the way, you’ll build meaningful friendships and find encouragement to grow in faith together.

• 1st and 3rd Fridays from 9–11 am beginning February 6
• Lititz

Women's Luncheon

Join us for a women's group potluck every 5th Sunday following the second service. This is a wonderful opportunity to build community and foster meaningful relationships. Come share a meal, connect with other women, and enjoy a time of fellowship and support.

• Fifth Sundays of the month at 12:30 pm
• Ephrata

WOVEN - Women of Valor Engaging Now

Woven will explore a Hebraic and biblical perspective on women's roles. God designed women to guide, direct, and supply the boundary conditions for their men and families. We also seek the Lord's heart through deep intercession.

• Every other Tuesday at 6:00 pm beginning 2/3
• Ephrata

Young Married Connect Group

Our mission is to deepen friendships, marriage, and our walks with Jesus through group discussions, guest speakers, and game nights! We encourage group participation so come prepared to lead one of our meetings. This gives you a chance to partner with your spouse to share what God has shown you in life so far! Childcare is provided.

• 2nd and 4th Tuesdays at 6:30 pm beginning 2/10
• Denver