Life Groups

Life Groups, at RHV, are the best way to get connected and find friends at River Heights Vineyard. Our Summer semester of Life Groups will begin on June 14, 2026.

During this semester, groups will be doing a variety of things to grow in connection with each other and with God. We hope you will take the opportunity to find a group that fits your summer schedule.

VARIOUS DAYS

#V1 - FOREST BATHING
Dates:
Thursday, June 18 & Sunday, July 19 (attend one or both sessions)
Time:
5:30-7:30p
Location
: South Valley Park - Meet at the large pavilion.
We will be on or just off paved trails so we can accommodate people with mobility needs such as walkers or wheel chairs.
Leaders: Deb Estrem (651) 307-2959
Description: I will host 2 Forest Bathing events. Thursday June 18th and Sunday July 19th - attend only one or both - you choose. Bathe in the goodness of God's creation with certified Forest Bathing Guide Deb Estrem. During this time we will take a slow deliberate walk in nature at South Valley park staying on or close to the paved trail to accommodate people with mobility issues. We only walk about 1/2 mile and spend the rest of the time interacting with nature through guided meditation and other techniques designed to slow your mind and open your heart. Bring a lawn chair if desired. I do have pads for people if you choose to sit on the ground. This is an outdoor event, please dress appropriately for the weather.

MONDAY GROUPS

#M1 - MONDAY MEN’S GROUP
Time:
9:30a
Location: River Heights Vineyard Church (6070 Cahill Aenue, IGH)
Leaders: Claire Peterson (612-300-2917) and Jeff Pelletier (651-492-8540)
Description: We use the previous day’s sermon for discussion each Monday morning. This is an onging group and you may join anytime.

TUESDAY GROUPS

#T1 - TUESDAY MEN’S BIBLE STUDY
Time:
9:00a
Location: We meet at different host homes in Inver Grove on a rotating basis.
Leaders: Jon Marsden (651-226-0975) jon@riverheightsvineyard.org
Description: We will be exploring the Apostle Paul's First letter to the Corinthians. Paul is urging his hearers (including us!) to look at living every area of life through the lens of the Gospel. We are excited about getting to know each other better and knowing God better. We'd love to have you join us. We meet each week all year long. We are exploring 1 and 2 Thessalonians in January. 

WEDNESDAY GROUPS

#W1 - BAKING WITH EDE (MONTHLY)
Time:
1:00-3:00p (June 17, July 15, August 12)
Location: River Heights Vineyard Church (6070 Cahill Aenue, IGH)
Leaders: Ede Sanasack (651) 455-4545 (landline)
Description: Join me for an afternoon of baking favorite cookies and bars. We will have time to enjoy them together. Bring a container if you would like to take some home.

#W2 - SUMMER SLOW CARE (Bi-weekly)
Time:
6:00p
Location: Meeting in various host homes
Leaders: Hopewell    (917) 657-2785    hhodges@umn.edu
Molly White   (563) 505-1905 mwhite111117@gmail.com
Description: Good news: God loves us and wants to give us friendships, fun, and good rest! This winter, join us for Slow Care Life Group. We'll share a simple dinner (potluck style), a quick devotional, and then choose solitude or conversation while we work on hobbies or crafts. We will rotate between different host homes this semester.

#W3 - THE PRAYER COURSE
Time:
6:30p
Location: River Heights Vineyard Church
Leaders: John Hodges
Description: Join us for an 8-week summer series exploring prayer! Just like Alpha, this course will include video teachings and discussion around tables, and then time to practice what we learn. If you are curious about how prayer connects to your life, if you are looking for resources that will help grow your relationship with God, or if you have taken Alpha and are wondering what would be a good next step, please join us Wednesday evenings at 6:30pm!

THURSDAY GROUPS

#TH1 - WOMEN OF A CERTAIN AGE
Time:
10:00a
Location: Meeting various homes and parks in the area.
Leaders: Kim Charpentier, Gay Narron
Kim Charpentier (651) 485-3800    kacharpentier@gmail.com
Gay Narron            (952) 457-4023   mgnarron@gmail.com
Description: Our group wanders from home to home and park to park in the summer. Join us for a casual summer gathering each Thursday at 10:00a. The location will vary each week and we will email group members with a reminder of the location.

#TH2 - PRIME TIME SUMMER BBQ (July 9 & August 6)
Time:
6:00p
Location: Meeting at the Leick’s Home: 8377 Claymore Court, IGH
Leaders: Dave & Janeen Leick
Dave: daleick@hotmail.com
Janeen: janeen.leick@gmail.com   (651) 323-0774
Description: The Prime Time group will be going casual again this summer with a BBQ at our house. We will provide the main dish and drinks. Please bring an appetizer, salad, side dish or dessert to share. We will be meeting on Thursday, July 9th and Thursday, August, 6th.

FRIDAY GROUPS

#F1 - Shared Meal Fridays (June 19 & August 14)
Adults & Teens Welcome
Time:
6:00-8:00p
Location: Jon & Sue Marsden’s Home
7352 Boyd Ave E, Inver Grove Heights,
Leaders: Jon & Sue Marsden
sue@riverheightsvineyard.org (651) 226-0921
Description: You are invited to join us for a shared meal in our home on Friday, June 19 & August 14, 6-8pm. As the dates approach, we will email you with the menu and you can select something you would like to bring. We look forward to welcoming you!

SATURDAY GROUPS

#S1 - Empowering Parents: Queen Bees & Wannabees
Everyone Welcome
Time:
9:00a
Location: Chris and Becca Buntjer’s Home
415 20th Ave S, South St. Paul, MN 55075
Leaders: Becca & Chris Buntjer
becca@riverheightsvineyard.org    (260) 224-0488
Chris:  (651) 269-4115
Description: "Queen Bees and Wannabees" by Rosalind Wiseman is the book Tina Fey read which inspired the script of "Mean Girls." For any parent who has ever struggled to understand their teen or pre-teen's world, who has ever not known how to start a conversation on bullying, harassment, honesty, vaping, or sex, this secular book is a fantastic starting point. Each time we meet, we will discuss the book, talk about how the topics relate to our faithfulness, and pray for each other. Breakfast will be provided at each meeting.

Meeting dates:
June 20, July 11, July 18, Aug 1, Aug 8, Aug 15, Aug 22

#S2 - Backyard Grill & Grow Nights
Everyone Welcome
Time:
6:00p
Leaders:
Pete & Taylor Benedict
pete@riverheightsvineyard.org   (651) 274-8264
Taylor: (651) 216-5561

Taryn Curtis & Chris Wilson
Taryn: taryn.c2025@gmail.com    (763) 461-3284
Chris: ingolfslandwilson4@gmail.com   (612) 715-4196

Meeting at Taryn & Chris’ home:
427 20th Ave S, South St Paul, MN 55075

Description: Join our Backyard Grill & Grow Nights, a relaxed, summer life group hosted in Taryn Curtis's backyard. This group is open to all ages—adults, teens, kids, and seniors—and is designed to be simple, low‑pressure, and welcoming. We'll meet once a month (June, July, and August) from 6:00-8:00 p.m. for a backyard picnic with grilled hotdogs, simple sides, and dessert. Everyone is invited to bring one potluck dish to share. The focus is on fun, food, and friendly conversation, with a short 10-15 minute spiritual element each time (like a short Bible verse, a simple story, or a guided question about gratitude, community, or hope). This group is perfect if you want to connect with others at church without a heavy weekly commitment. It's especially great for families and older adults who enjoy a casual, outdoor setting. Come once, come every time, or come when you're in town—everyone is welcome!

Meeting dates:
June 6, July 11, August 1