Life Groups in St Andrews and St Michaels
We are encouraged by Scripture to meet together and to grow in faith. We do this in our corporate worship but often we need more. House Groups are essential in encouraging Christians to grow and to learn, and to support each other. The groups each have a leader, in some cases acting more as a convenor, in others more actively leading the group. The groups have different "characters" and the short notes below were written by members of each group and reflect how they see themselves.
If you feel that you would like to join a group please speak to Andrew or Beryl.
Mary Townend's group
We are 'over 50's', welcoming and committed to learning the Bible truths and to growth. We try to find ways to apply this to our daily lives and to support each other and our church through what we learn. If you would like to go deeper into the scriptures you are welcome to join us
On a typical evening we start with coffee and biscuits while we chat and share news. We then study the Bible using a booklet for the book or perhaps a particular theme, and close with a time of prayer.
Our group of 7 people meets fortnightly, on Tuesday evenings, at 7.30pm - the venue moves round the members' homes, as invited.
Megan McGranahan's group
We are prayers, encouragers, spiritual combatants. We are fighters - we support each other and wrestle with the problems of the members of the group. We read the Bible and relate it to what we experience in everyday life. We learn from each other. Members are currently all working women, some from Horton, some from Wraysbury.
On a typical evening we pray, do examen (share what we are grateful for and not grateful for; whether, where and how we have experienced love in the past week); explore themes relating to the Christian life (recently studied women of the Bible); study the Bible (most recently the book of Psalms); we pray for specifics and we intercede. We have had "bolt-on" prayer evenings when members of the group have faced special needs. We are currently journaling to enrich our spiritual life.
We meet on Fridays, 8pm-10pm at Megan McGanahan's house in Horton.
Beryl's Wraysbury Group
We are a largely retired persons' group who meet of an evening. Retirement is not obligatory! At present, members are drawn from the congregation of St. Andrews but again, this is not obligatory.
On a typical evening using visual or written material, we study a topic of Christian behaviour, promoting discussion, preceded by snacks/refreshments or in an interlude.
We usually meet on a Thursday evening, 1930-2200. The venue has been one of the member's houses, as convenient. The leader has typically been the Lay Minister but leading by other members would be welcomed and is encouraged.
Horton Group
We are our church family. On a typical evening we eat together, share concerns, study the Bible (various studies) and share concerns.
In the Winter we meet on Friday mornings followed by lunch (out) 1100-1230 then lunch. The venue moves around the group.
Alison Maitland's group
We have found that we share a common concern for each person in the group (perhaps because we all have caring responsibilities in our everyday lives). So sometimes we provide support to someone, and at other times we benefit from the support of the group. We are also interested in linking the church to the community and are prepared to be active in doing this.
The group meetings are informal, chatty, but also reflective with space for prayer. We always plan our session, but are happy to go with where the spirit leads us and the needs of the group, linking back to the bible to support us.
We meet every other Sunday from 7.30 until 9pm.