Dear All

18 people so far have replied to the anonymous Home Group Survey I sent out, nine who are in groups and nine who are not. Thank you so much,

Things you like about groups:

• Getting to know people, learning together and deepening relationships
• I enjoy being with people and looking at the bible .
• I value the fellowship
• Sharing things that have been good in the week and maybe not so.
• Sharing Passages from the Bible which leads to conversation and questions”
• Sharing thoughts and knowledge

Thank you for the issues that you raised through the survey. Here are some thoughts:

I don’t like groups

I do you get you. Generally, I find groups a bit intimidating. However, we learn so much from being with others in a group. Jesus formed a group with his disciples and I imagine that was uncomfortable for some of the members. I wonder whether you would consider whether small groups might be good for you [and your presence might be good for others].

Matthew tells us Jesus said “For where two or three gather together in my name, I am there among them”. This seems to be a direct encouragement to small groups. St Paul says “Accept one another.” [Romans 15:7], and “Bear with each other.” [Colossians 3:13].

We are required to try to love our neighbours as ourselves. A man called Michael Harper wrote “Community is never easy. It means to allow yourself to be known as you really are …”

No group is available that I am interested in

Would you be willing to start one yourself or request someone else to start one?

It’s hard to make a regular commitment

It depends to a certain extent on what the group is doing as to how important that is, but no group is going to expect you to attend every meeting or even every other meeting.

I want a discussion group

‘Questioning Faith’ might possibly suit you – Wednesdays in January starting on 3^rd Jan at 7:30pm at the Rectory.

I want current affairs and how they link with beliefs

The commentary and questions in the book ‘100 Stand-Alone Bible Studies’ [used by some groups] sometimes examine the link between specific themes in particular Gospels and current issues. If you joined a group, your interests would influence the approach.

Zoom is best for me

Bible Book Club is on Zoom.

I like sharing ideas and thoughts with the group. Nothing else.

That sharing is important in itself.

I would like more prayer but that seems not so easy

I think you should raise that with the group and see how others feel.

It would be nice to have a few more people

Yes. Some people see it as a sign of the health of the church.

If you would like to know more, please speak to a member of clergy or Richard Myers – rjhmyers@yahoo.co.uk

I pray that God will bless you and please pray for our small groups.

Blessings

Lesley