Connect groups
Let us help you get plugged in!
Loving
Connecting
Restoring
Serving
We're here for you outside the church building when you need a hand!
We encourage everyone to join a connect group to help build like minded friendships.
our Connect Group leaders

Hunter Chandler
My name is Hunter. I'm married, a mom of four, with a love for cooking and baking. I have a huge heart for children and pouring confidence and love into the ladies around me. I'm a girly-girl, who loves mani/pedis, shopping, girl talk, interior design and obviously Jesus. My goal for the group is to deepen our relationship with Jesus and other women on a spiritual and personal level. Who doesn't want to make new friends and grow at the same time? My Connect Group will be meeting on the 2nd Thursday of each month. Philippians 2:2

Cassie McMillan
My name is Cassie. I'm a dog lover, Dominoes Mexican train player, casual runner and self titled McMillan grill champion. Have you heard it said "Money makes the world go round?" Well in the Spiritual world "Faith makes the world go round!" Hebrews 11:6 says this... And without faith it is impossible to please God. If you are a female 18+ to a senior saint I would love you to come and learn to walk in mountain moving faith. My Connect Group will be meeting on the 2nd Monday of each month at 6:30pm.

Emilio Cornelio
My name is Emilio, I am into playing basketball and carrying Jesus to Blount Co. My Connect Group is for Teenage guys looking to have fun while growing in their faith and relationship with Jesus. Please get in touch with me to find out when and where!

Brent & Heather Raper
We are newlyweds just married this past year on July 3rd, 2020. We have a blended family that includes Brent's daughter and Heather's daughter and son. We both have been serving in various ministries here at RIO East for about 10 years. We both work full time and have been with our businesses for about 20 years each. Our goal for the group is to help people grow in Jesus, grow in their marriage/relationship and in their gifts and talents. Our Connect Group is geared towards adult couples who are married or in serious relationships. We will be meeting about 1-2 times a month with discussions, fellowship and ministry opportunities.

David Reesor
Hi, my name is David, I am a husband, a dad, lead guitarist on the worship team at RIO East and a Soldier in the US Army. I'm into hiking, eating good food, riding motorcycles and involving Jesus in all of the above. Our Men's Group is called Chasing Lions and is open to teen boys and adult men. We will be focusing on accomplishing goals, dreams and doing God's will for our lives. Sometimes what God speaks to us scares us, but it is our responsibility to pursue what He tells us to do. Please contact me for meeting dates and times.

Keith & Pattie Kuhn
Hi, We are the Kuhn's!
Pattie and I have been married for over 30 years. We enjoy camping, traveling to see our Grandkids and Pastoring the Gap Group at RIO East. We love people and want to help men and women to find their purpose in the Lord. We meet in our home and would love to have you join us as we all grow in Jesus! We gather together and have a meal and then split off and Ladies will have "Girl Talk" with Pattie and guys will have "Garage Talk" with Keith.

Gavin Williams
My name is Gavin. I love talking to people about Jesus! I was born into a conservative Christian family and grew up in church. This gave me a solid foundation in the word of God. Although I have had difficult times such as my parents divorce my God is no quitter and He wasn't finished with me! As time went on I found out what it truly means to have a relationship with Jesus and I'm happy to share it with anyone! My Connect Group is primarily for any young men 18 and under who want to grow in their walk with the Lord while being surrounded by a safe and supportive group of friends. Reach out for times and places we will be meeting because it will vary.

Katrina Williams
My name is Katrina. I'm a teaching major, youth leader, baker and sister with 4 brothers! I have a passion for sharing the love of Jesus based on His undeniable reckless love for me. My Connect Group is primarily for any young ladies 18 and under who want to grow in their walk with the Lord while being surrounded by a safe and supportive group of friends. Reach out for times and places we will be meeting because it will vary.

Robert & Debbie York
We are a couple from eastern KY who have been married for 50 years. We have served our Lord for many years in various capacities whether it be preaching, teaching, cleaning, painting, on various boards and leadership roles we have chosen to serve God in whatever He places before us. Contact us about being included in our continued walk with the Lord and find support ,friendship and prayer warriors that will be there for you. Our Connect Group will be meeting about twice a month and would love you to join.