Life Groups
Liz Adcock co-ordinates this ministry and is available to advise on which group is best suited to your needs. The format of each one varies, according to the people within it and the day and time they meet but the unifying feature of all the groups is the firm belief in the need for strong, supportive networks of people within the fellowship. Not all meetings are formal study sessions - they also include social evenings such as meals, ten pin bowling, outings, barbeques and quizzes!
We currently have nine Life Groups meeting within the church. They meet at different times and on different days to suit people's needs and to ensure they are accessible to as many of the church family as possible.
A number of groups are looking for new members and would value any one who is interested coming along to see if they might find a home in the group. If you are interested please contact Liz to find out which groups are most needing new members.
- ERIC
- Nomads
- Tekna Photos
- Church Based Life Group
- All for One
- 5:1
- SPARK
- Cell-U- Lites
- "?"
ERIC/ERIC+
ERIC is the church life group for young people meeting fortnightly on a Wednesday between 19:30 and 21:30. ERIC grew from a Youth Alpha Course run in 2004 and now has approximately nine young people attending. ERIC is open to young people in school year 8 and above.
ERIC+ formed a couple of years ago when some of the ERIC members reached 18. ERIC+ also meets fortnightly on a Wednesday on alternative weeks to ERIC and has about seven members in their late teens and early twenties.
A typical evening at ERIC can entail a short time of worship, games, a bible study, sometimes watching an excerpt of a film, a prayer time and of course a cup of tea, a cake and some chatting. We have also been on several outings including a Delirious concert and the Ultimate Event at Alton Towers and we are looking forward to camping at Soul Survivor this Summer.
For more information regarding ERIC please contact Lindy & Matthew Binder (01455 230635) or Laura Pratt. For more information regarding ERIC+ please contact Paul or Joy Gilliver (01455 233246).
Nomads
According to the dictionary the word NOMAD means "one of a people that wanders about seeking pasture for their flocks". Well, although we're not quite that literal, we do wander from home to home for our life group get-togethers - in search of God's purpose for us. We are a group of about 11 people who meet fortnightly in a very relaxed atmosphere (comfy chairs, warm rooms, coffee and biscuits). Being part of the group has brought many benefits to each of us. Not only have we been able to delve deeper into God's word, but we have also been able to strengthen and nurture friendships, share many concerns and joys, and pray supportively. We have tackled several topics since we began, most recently looking at the book of James, discussing the many pertinent and challenging aspects of his writings. One thing that is continually being affirmed is that we all acknowledge our need to carry on our search for God's guidance and purpose, and sharing this aim with Nomads life group encourages us to do so.
Tekna Photos
This group have been meeting for a fair number of years now BUT have undergone many metamorphosis stages, so the group that now meets under the name, is not the one that took the name on, a number of years ago! Tekna Photos is just greek for 'Children of the Light'. We wanted a name that would remind us that at heart we are all children, striving to learn more about our faith. We also find ourselves using the phrase 'it's all greek to me!' on a regular basis.
Recently, we have been studying some York Courses (published by the ArchBishop of York). These are short 6 week courses focussing on a variety of issues. Last year most of the group spent a week at Lea Abbey in Devon. It was a great experience for us all, an incredible mix of beautiful surroundings and spiritual nutrition. Some of us are planning to return in the summer of 2008.
We are a real mix of new and older christians, with a wide experience of life and faith. Meeting in a variety of homes (due to pet allergies!) As a group we would very much like to receive some new members. Come along and meet with us and see what you think, we won't be too offended if you decide not to join us!
The Church Based Life Group meets at 10.30 am on Tuesday.
After a cup of Coffee and a chat we have a Bible Study when we are encouraged to share our thoughts and opinions. We then have a time of open prayer usually for The Church and for any concerns of the fellowship and any other relevent topics.
5:1
We are a small but feisty group of six who meet most Thursday nights 7:30pm to 9:00pm. The name 5:1 is from the Bible verse in Romans chapter 5 verse 1 'Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ…'
Our aim is to learn together how to grow in our faith and our love for the Lord and experience God's peace in our lives. We do this by sharing His word and learning how to apply it to our everyday circumstances.
God continually challenges us though our studies and with His grace we are able to lead a more balanced and fruitful life. Of course that's what we are aiming for but God's not finished with us yet. We are a work in progress!
S.P.A.R.K. Strength...Prayer ... Alliance .... Release ... Kinship....
As a result of the "40 days of purpose" project, this group stayed together and continued to read and explore scripture; beginning by reading through the New Testament. We are now, three years later, almost at the point of completing the Old Testament.
This group is a true cell group with life, movement, and growth. Several people who were originally involved have gone on to take their learning and growth to others, and we have been blessed by the addition of new people.
We look for a deeper understanding of God`s word and a desire to learn more. We are " building up and becoming mature." We have evidence of the gifts of ministry as in Ephesians 4 :11-13. In our time together we have seen healing, reconciliation, encouragement and an outpouring of love in action. Where there is life, people will be drawn. LIFE IN THE SPIRIT.
Cell-U-Lites
A group of around 10 women who meet on a Tuesday morning every week during term time. We enjoy spending our time with a variety of study courses - some more easy going than others depending on how the groups is feeling!
At the moment we are studying Genesis in depth and are grappling with issues such as the creation, caring the for world, our relationship with God and each other, other faiths and our response to them.
At other times we choose to do something a little lighter and have studied topics such as growing in confidence, a listening course and of course other books within the bible.