Throughout the week members of Christ Church are meeting together to pray, learn, grow and support each other. This page describes just some of the many ways in which this happens.

Home groups

An extensive network of home groups has grown up over the years. Each has its own way of doing things, but all provide an opportunity for Bible study, prayer and fellowship in an informal environment. Most people who are members of a home group would confirm how helpful they are in enabling us to grow as Christians.

Anyone who wants to join a home group would be best advised to speak to a member of the church leadership so that the most suitable group can be found.

My story: Graham

"One of the best things about home groups is the atmosphere of trust. New and experienced Christians can explore their faith together and know that no-one will be criticised for giving the wrong answer."

"We can also support each other through good and bad times. I was particularly grateful for this during my father-in-law's period of illness. Sometimes we can give each other practical help, such as when someone moves house."

United prayer

Every church needs to pray together, and in a church such as ours which is going through so many changes the need could hardly be greater.

All the home groups have times of prayer for each other and for the church as a whole. Several times a year, a combined prayer event is held on a weekday evening for all church members.

While the building project was in progress, a weekly prayer meeting was held to support it. Once the building was completed, this group continued to meet, praying more generally for the life and work of Christ Church, and this has now become a monthly Saturday morning event. Another weekly meeting is held to pray for people in special need. Other special prayer events are arranged from time to time to address specific needs, a recent example being 24 hours of prayer for guidance and finance for the appointment of a youth worker.

Informal fellowships

Men and women

The Coffee Break group, primarily intended for women, meets on weekday mornings.

The Men's Fellowship meets on a Saturday morning every other month, with a full English breakfast being followed by a discussion on a topic of current interest. The Saturday meetings alternate with a programme of social events.

Older people

The weekly Lunch Club provides a much-appreciated meeting point for over a dozen people. They get together at other times too, for summer outings, a Christmas "special", shopping trips and more.

Many thanks are due to the leaders and helpers who make all this possible.

My story: Joy

"When I first joined this church, having a small group to identify with made it much easier to settle in. In my home group it's not just about studying the Bible, but about growing as Christians through everything we do together, whether 'spiritual' or not."