Adult Ministry

Pause for Thought Health & Wholeness Home Groups Alpha Courses
Women's Fellowship Men's Fellowship Mothers' Union  

Pause for Thought

Home meetings held usually three times each month, once in a morning, once in an afternoon, and once in an evening. The number of people attending is usually about twenty, and for about three quarters of an hour the leader produces readings, meditations, music and prayers which concentrate on a religious theme. The sessions are intended to provide a period of quiet reflection and prayer. They are non threatening and non studious. Each meeting ends with light refreshments, and the whole session lasts no longer than an hour and a half. Anyone is welcome to any or all of these meetings. Details of the venues each month are printed in the Compass Parish Magazine and also appear on the monthly events page on this site.

Health and Wholeness

This is a service of Holy Communion held in Church at 7.30 p.m. on the third Tuesday of each month (except December). During the service there is a time of quiet prayer for remembering those people who are sick at home or in hospital, either known to us personally or to the parish corporately. This time of prayer also offers the opportunity for the laying on of hands at the altar rail either on the sick person themselves or on behalf of someone not present in Church. The whole service is an hour of peace and tranquility, followed by a short period of fellowship and light refreshments.

Homegroups

We at St.Mary's have recently set up some Homegroups. The goal of all of these groups is ultimately to get to know Christ better and to grow our faith together within a warm and friendly environment outside of the normal church services.

What is a home group?
A home group is a small group of people[6/10 persons] who meet together on a regular basis, usually in someone's home, to enjoy fellowship, build friendships, to grow their Christian faith and share what it means for them in their everyday lives. Small groups make it easier to get to know each other and provide support that isn't always possible in the larger church.

What happens in a home group?
It is anticipated that each group will follow the same topic every term and at the beginning there will be a similar structure for each meeting. After that groups may choose to pray together, be quiet together, eat together or whatever…! Don't let that put you off because no one will be asked to do anything that they don't feel comfortable with.

How often will the groups meet?
It is planned that the groups will meet fortnightly over three 12 week periods of the year. Groups will meet on different days and times to suit everybody. You don't have to go, and indeed you may not be able to get to every meeting. However it is beneficial for you and the group to go as many as you are able.

Why should I join a home group?
St. Paul tells us that the church is like a body, and although we are all different, we all have an important part to play in the life of the church. One aspect of church life is spending time with other members learning more about the Christian faith, how we put it into practice in our everyday lives, and supporting one another through prayer and offering practical help. You may say that you're not religious enough to do that, but no-one has all the answers and it is a real opportunity for everybody to learn together, no matter what their experience.

How do I join a home group?
A new list goes up in church and in the family centre just before a new term starts. Add your name with your preferences for days and times and you will be contacted and advised when and where they will take place. However it is much more important that you join a homegroup when you want to and so you are welcome to join at any time. Please ask one of the clergy and they will put you in touch with the appropriate homegroup.

Are there any home groups running at the moment?
Yes, we have four groups running on Tuesday lunch times, Monday, and Friday evenings. For more information contact Eddie Sands or one of the clergy.

 
Every 2 weeks on a Monday evening 7.30 pm 9 Tene Close
Every 2 weeks on a Thursday evening 7.30 pm 9 Tene Close
Every 2 weeks on a Wednesday evening 7.30 pm 24 Pondhills Lane
Once a month on a Tuesday lunchtime 11.00 am Venue Changes

Women's Fellowship

The Women's Fellowship (WF) currently has a membership of 72. It aims to provide a stimulating and varied programme of activities and talks for the female members of St Mary's Church. Occasionally we invite the men to join us. We meet twice monthly on a Tuesday evening in the Family Centre. The talks cover a wide variety of topics. These have included Interior Design, The Caves of Nottingham, Antique Jugs, Pyrography, The History of the Way we Shop, and Amold Past and Present. We have supported several charities financially e.g. Helen Garrod Breast Screening Unit, Air Ambulance Service and NSPCC as well as organising a Fashion Show to raise funds for the Family Centre Restoration Fund. We went on outings to Flintham and Hampton Court Palace and had Christmas dinner at Clarendon College. Three services were held in church to mark our opening session, Christmas and Easter.

For more information, please contact Margaret Richardson on 0115 926 7067

Men's Fellowship

The aims of the Group are to provide Christian Fellowship within the Group and the Church and to be active in the Personal Service for the Church. It is also to promote a feeling of Spiritual enthusiasm in its Members and to enjoy Comradeship within the Group. The Group usually meets on the last Friday of the month in the Family Centre at 7-30 p.m. when we have speakers on various subjects. During the year outings are also arranged to places of interest.

For more information, please contact Victor Ingall 0115 926 8753 .

 

Mother's Union

   
 

The Mothers' Union is a Church of England Charity originally for mothers within the church. Membership is now open to all men and women alike.

Apart from monthly meetings for our own members, St Mary's reaches out beyond the parish boundary. We have helped to send needy families for a weeks holiday on the East Coast, raised money to help the work of the Church overseas, supported the Mothers' Union Disaster Relief Fund and contributed to funding a literacy campaign in parts of Africa. On the left is a photo of the new Mothers' Union banner being dedicated.

Our meetings are held on the first Thursday of the month at 1.45pm in the Family Centre.

 
For more information, please contact Mary Norris 0115 926 5890

Page was last altered on 16 May 08

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