What do House Groups Do?

Each group decides on its own programme, and this reflects the members’ needs and interests. The range of things which the groups have done include the following:

• All groups share the aim of helping one another to grow in faith and in confidence as Christians, and to be a source of mutual support and care.

• Meetings typically begin with tea/coffee, an exchange of news and a recollection of the last meeting.

• Most groups follow a course or a themed programme using material supplied by organisations such as the Bible Reading Fellowship or Scripture Union. The general aim is both to increase familiarity with the Bible and to show how its teaching applies to present day situations.

• A group may decide to focus on specific topics, eg care in the community, euthanasia, asylum seekers, baptism. A member may lead the discussion, or a guest speaker may be invited.

• St Mark’s also has some video material, eg on prayer, family reconciliation, how to make sense of God etc. and some groups have used this.

• There is a tradition that groups contribute to special events in St Mark’s eg Holy Week.

• All groups include social events in their programme, including visits to cathedrals, National Trust houses and gardens etc., and they may also undertake some community activity, eg assisting the housebound with transport and shopping.

Joining a Group

Being a member of a House Group is an important part of being a Christian. Joining a group doesn’t mean signing up for life! It is quite OK to visit a group on a taste-and-see basis. Each group has its own character, and it is important to feel at home.

If you are not a member of a group and would like to join, it is suggested that in the first instance you speak to the Revd. Frany.

Alternatively, you can speak direct to one of the House Group leaders (see below).

HOPE	Leader: Clive Frampton Tel:8660 3173 Meeting day: second Monday of the month
OPEN DOOR	Leader: Pat Teasdale Tel: 8773 1173 Meeting day: fourth Thursday of the month
SNAKES AND LADDERS	Leader: George Legg Tel: 8660 2579 Meeting day: last Thursday of the month
HAPPY FAMILIES	Leader: Richard Gunning Tel: 8395 4782 Meeting day: second Wednesday of the month

*Happy Families is made up of people from both St Mark’s and St Swithun’s