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Home Groups
Initially we were four friends who met informally to support one another in prayer and worship. We were all of a similar age so were able to relate very well to any problems or difficulties any one of us might be going through.
As time has gone by, God has added two new members to our group and we have been really encouraged as we have sought God’s will for our lives.
Gradually, our afternoons have grown too, as an average meeting seems to last about three hours! The format has gradually changed as the weeks have progressed but we always start with a ‘cuppa’ and lots of chat. This is sometimes followed by a meditation, discussion and worship/prayer an on other occasions we have been working through a Bible study. We have worked through the Spring Harvest study ‘Sermon on the Mount’ and more recently have been using a very good study from Willow Creek called ‘Overcoming’.
God has really blessed our time together, giving each one of us real encouragement in our faith.
Liz Cundy
For much of the year the group was much smaller in size, having divided to form a second group meeting on Thursday evenings. The studies of Paul’s letter to the Romans were completed and later we explored ‘Five Core Values’ – a set of studies of Biblical principles from the Baptist viewpoint. These helped to focus our minds on areas of responsibility which faced us as Christians in the Church and the World.
Towards the end of the year the leadership of the group was taken on by John and Diana Firth and some new members were welcomed. We continue to meet in the homes of various members, as may be convenient and at all times enjoy good fellowship together.
Charles and Gillian Voyle
Although this has been our first year as a Group, relationships and support for one another have developed very quickly and God has blessed our time together as we have followed J.John’s Study of the Lord’s Prayer. We have also explored one of the contemporary ‘Connect Bible Studies’, looking at what the Bible has to say about Game Shows.
Meeting on a rotational basis in each other’s homes, our evening usually takes the format of worship, prayer and Bible study and we are really blessed that most members of the group will take it in turns to either lead worship or take the Study, thus enabling each one of us to develop the gifts God has given us.
Numerically, we have thirteen people on our list but in reality there are usually about seven attending. This is partly due to couples with young families having to alternate their attendance.
Throughout the year we have enjoyed several social occasions together, sharing lots of food, fun and laughter. To summarize, it has been a really great year as God has led us forward and encouraged us in our faith.
Malcolm and Liz Cundy
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