Saint Mary the Virgin
The Ancient Parish Church of Prittlewell,
Southend-on-Sea, Essex
First Published May 2015 Mobile Version . Last update Nov 2018
KHT. Text and Pictures Copyright © St Mary's Prittlewell PCC. No
part of this web site may be reproduced without prior written
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Home Groups
"Let us consider how to stir up one another
to love and good works, not neglecting to
meet together, as is the habit of some, but
encouraging one another, and all the more
as you see the day drawing near.
" Hebrews 10:24.
Home Groups are a vital part of Church life -
they give us the opportunity to gather in small
groups to study the Bible, discuss aspects of
our Christian faith and pray. We currently have
two home groups. One which meets during the
day and the other in the evening, both meet
every two weeks. These groups are an
expression of the unity we share in God, as
they are an opportunity for us to share life
together as Christians. Each group has its own
'flavour', but each session begins with a prayer,
followed by a discussion on the Bible or aspect
of Christian faith. We always end by praying for
one another, our Church, and wider national
and international issues. Afterwards we have
time for fellowship and chatting about life in
general.
Home Groups offer us a needed context in
which we can learn to trust and grow, a context
in which we can love one another, exhort one
another, speak to one another, honour one
another, receive one another, watch over and
care for one another. It is more difficult for us to
develop our faith if we limit ourselves to
services and church events. The Bible instructs
us in Acts 2:42 (NRSV) that,
The Fellowship of the Believers
42
They devoted themselves to the apostles’
teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of
bread and the prayers.
We see that the full implementation of God’s
plan requires a small group setting. These
small groups, are therefore a vital part of God’s
plan. Just as the early church often met in
homes, so too can we. It is interesting that the
vast majority of growing churches today have
some kind of home group network in place,
through which new people are added,
strengthened and developed for the purposes
of our God.
If you would like to know more about the Home
Groups please contact the Rev. Paul Mackay
or Rev. Jacky Lindoe