Finding Home~ Kath Brownell

I was asked to write something about being new to joining a home group at St. Luke’’s. While I was thinking about it and walking, I noticed a young visually impaired boy confidently holding the arm of a school support worker walking out of school towards the park. The support worker said to the boy “if that’s what you would like to do, then we will certainly do it”. It literally moved me to tears. Free from the limitations of the classroom this boy was able to choose the agenda, albeit briefly. It moved me because we know that the classroom presents limitations for many youngsters today and interestingly, we had been discussing this ‘at home group the previous evening. It clarified something for me about home groups within churches. They are such a valuable way of allowing us all a brief moment to express ourselves, tell our stories and listen to other peoples’ stories outside of the limitations of a large church service on a Sunday.

So, to my home group experience. I have attended St Luke’s Church now for 3 years but still feel like a newbie! Firstly, how welcoming the church is on Sundays, especially with the coffee time allowing an opportunity to chat after the service. Thank you to everyone who has provided me with a cup of tea and has noticed me and spoken to me. I can’t tell you how much that meant in those early days and still means now. All social organisations create special friendships over time, so for newbies it can feel a bit daunting. Initially, I was very happy to take a bit of a back seat in church on Sunday, soak it all up and work out whether I wanted to come back next week. But gradually I needed a bit more, I wanted to belong rather than to just visit and this is exactly what my home group offers; the freedom to learn, share and care through conversation and prayer, with cake and biscuits! We can explore our faith further, release ourselves briefly from the messy clutter of our lives, grow closer to God and those who we worship with. We gradually gain greater confidence in sharing our wants and needs alongside listening to others. Just like the boy and his mentor outside the school gates.

So, have you been thinking about giving a home group a try? If you are unsure, maybe have a conversation with Sue Harris who coordinates the home groups. Or ask others if they are in a home group to find out more. You could try it out as a visitor before making any decisions about whether it is right for you. There is a wealth of experience in the church to help so just get the conversation started….

It comes highly recommended !