News from All Souls - June 2008

The next few weeks will see one of the most significant changes in the life of All Souls for some years – the beginning of our monthly Home Groups.

Making Connections
Home groups in All Souls have a straightforward aim. They're not focused on Christian learning or bible study, nor on evangelism or the organisation of new events. They are, very simply, to be a place to get to know fellow Christians, beyond the hubub of Sunday morning church, as we share food and prayer.

The response to launching these groups has been pretty remarkable (nearly three-quarters of All Souls adults!) and we've been able to create seven groups right from the outset – I suspect there'll need to be more over the coming months. Groups will be getting going in a fairly fluid way initially, before we settle into a “first week in the month” pattern by the Autumn.

What to Expect
A Home Group evening will centre on food – whether thats 'pudding and coffee' or a three-course feast - the only agenda is the chance to spend time with other members of All Souls in a way which enables us to go beyond 'Who/How are you?'.

There will then be a short time of reflection and worship – perhaps a bible passage to listen to and think about – followed by time to pray. Leaders know that praying for others (and being prayed for ourselves) isn't something that everyone's familiar or comfortable with and they'll go out of their way to make it a positive and accessible experience for everyone. We'll be praying for one another, for the church and beyond.

Looking Ahead
Alongside Home Groups, the other part of our small groups' plan is to offer a regular pattern of “short courses” (like Digging Deeper, the marriage course, Why Jesus? etc.) in between Home Group weeks. Watch out for news of what will be running in the Autumn as that gets going properly.

On the Move
In the meantime, we're praying for Charles, Charlie and their family as they move here from Oxford for Charles to start as our Curate. His first Sunday with us will be 29th June. Do please plan on being with us that day and staying on for a church barbecue lunch to welcome them. Don't miss out on this opportunity to pray for them as a family and for Charles' ministry as Curate here.

See you soon!