Home Group Christmas Meal

Many of our home groups undertake social activities together, as well as their primary purpose of Bible study and prayer. Nothing builds up friend ships more than eating together. This Friday a number of home groups met together for a Christmas meal at Brown's in Allandale Road – where good food and conversation was had by all.

Barbecue Season

About two thirds of St Paul’ church members are linked to a Home Group. These vary in the day and time that they meet to suit their members, but most meet fortnightly. They are opportunities for Bible study, prayer, discussion and mutual encouragement, as well as joint social activities.

Many take a break for the peak summer months, but often join in a barbecue before they do so. One example is shown here.

Everyone will be very welcome to join one when they meet again in September.

Home groups thriving

I was thrilled to hear two very significant pieces of good news at the home group leaders' meeting last night. Graham Woodard, who co-ordinates our home groups, has visited all leaders and shared the results of his conversations.

Graham reported that there are now 74 members regularly involved with home groups and a further 15 'social members' who keep in touch. This is a very high proportion of our church's membership and I'm sure that opportunity to develop supportive friendships, to learn and study, and to pray together is a significant part of the life of St Paul's. I'm really grateful for the gifts and work of the home group leaders, who pastor, teach and encourage so effectively.

Another piece of news to rejoice over is that the group of thirteen who participated in the Alpha Course and formed a follow-on group have now decided to continue together in the Autumn. So we now have another home-group, that's eight altogether.

New Tuesday Group

Six people met for the first Tuesday Group in the Barnabas Centre, which is a really encouraging start. This group is an addition to our regular house-groups, which are already a great way to get to know people better and to learn more about the bible in a friendly, non-threatening way. All are welcome to join the new Tuesday group, which meets between 1.30 and 2.30pm, particularly those not in a home group already. See Jill Williams in church (or call her on 2712337)for more information.