Bethany Evangelical Congregational Church in Tamaqua is offering a number of growth groups starting in October. Most are free, but a few have a fee for materials.

A six-week study session, "Redeemed," will begin at 1 p.m. Oct. 3. Sessions will be held at Laurel Run Commons on Pitt Street in Tamaqua. Bettye Bannan will lead the group in an exploration of the Book of Ruth.A women's group, led by Sarah Snibbe, will begin meeting at 6:30 p.m. Oct. 4. Meetings will then be held on Tuesdays, at the same time, for a six-week period. Using the apostle Paul's Letter to the Corinthians, the study will dig into answers on how to get along with others, dealing with disagreements, differences and divisions. It's an opportunity to find ways to have peace and harmony despite a disagreement.GriefShare, a support group for anyone who has lost a loved one, will begin Oct. 5. Sessions will be held at 7 p.m. on Wednesdays. Group leader Alex Pena offers a biblically based, nondenominational ministry for people who are mourning.Growing Older and Wiser will also begin Oct. 5. Sessions will be held at 1 p.m. on Wednesdays for a total of nine weeks. Charles Reaman will help participants navigate their way through the book, written by Dale and Sandy Larsen, which offers a biblical perspective on aging and growing wiser through the years.Scenic Sundaes will be led by Pastor Kevin Roberts. Following a brief devotional, participants will travel to the Lehigh Canal on Oct. 23 and Locust Lake on Nov. 6 for a scenic autumn walk. This study will combine the beauty of nature with exercise and fellowship. After the walks, the group will meet for ice cream.The men's group will begin meeting at 6:30 p.m. Oct. 26. Led by Don Ressler, this men's fraternity is designed to bring together Christian men in a safe, comfortable setting where they can share their challenges and concerns.Membership Matters is a four-week course designed to give participants an understanding of the importance and purpose of membership. Led by Pastor Roberts, sessions will be held at 6:30 p.m. on Thursdays during October.For more information, or to register for a group, visit online at

www.bethanyec.org. The church is located at 223 E. Broad St., Tamaqua.