Homegroups 2003

St Luke's Church has a network of Home Groups, where people meet, make friends, and find help and support in developing a mutual understanding of their faith.

New Home Groups are where the key values of the Christian life are worked out.

The A to E key values are:

All involved - every member of the group is involved in the ministry, not just the leaders.
Becoming Disciples - a process by which members learn to apply God's word to their daily lives.
Creating Community - Home Group is not just about attending meetings, but sharing our lives within the group and building firm relationships.
Doing Evangelism - reaching out in caring service and witness.
Encountering God - meeting with him and expecting a release of his presence and power.

What is a Home Group?

Each Home Group will develop its own character and no two groups are exactly alike, but they will all grow from the five key values.

They will also have a similar structure, but each time they meet will be different. The Home Group usually lasts two hours and will normally be weekly, with breaks for the holidays.

Each session will have four sections:

Welcome - a chance for everyone to relax, have a cup of tea or coffee and begin with an 'icebreaker.' This is a question with a light-hearted edge that helps lead into the programme, such as: 'What is your favourite time of day and why?' It's surprising what you learn!
Worship - a time to unwind, come into God's presence, listen, praise and pray, e.g. listen to music, read a psalm, look at a picture.
Word - a time to understand the Bible and discover what it says to our group and our individual lives. The focus is on application and helping each other to live out the truths we discover - it can lead into a time of prayer.
Witness - a time when the group look outwards both in practical service, in praying for our family and friends, and supporting each other in our daily activities. There is also a good social element, where friends are invited.

Home is where the heart is ...

Why, when and where?

Small groups have been at the heart of the Christian faith since Jesus chose 12 disciples. The early church grew from small groups meeting in people's homes. Today, throughout the world, small groups are the building blocks of the fastest growing churches. They are offer called 'cell churches', because the nature of a living cell is to multiply - and the small group has all the characteristics of a church. Our Home Groups carry on this great tradition.

The Home Groups meet either on Tuesday or Thursday, some in the afternoon, but most in the evenings. They meet in members' homes, where there is always a warm welcome ... as well as plenty of fun and laughter! We want the Home Groups to grow and multiply, so that everyone has the opportunity to be a member.

Find out more ... print out and fill in this form and put it in the box at the back of church, or hand it into the Parish Office or e-mail your name, address and telephone number to the office, details here.

Home Sweet Home

What does being part of a Home Group mean? Here's what some people said:

An opportunity to share my daily worries with others.

Meeting like-minded people in trying to understand The Bible.

A place to receive prayer and strength to then go out and love and serve the Lord Jesus in my daily life.

Sharing triumphs and disasters in a friendly and non-threatening setting.

A time to be still and listen to God. A time to enjoy the company and support of other Christians.

To receive encouragement when I am under pressure at work.

January 2003
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