• General discussion on concerns/problems in our lives;
• Fellowship and learning from each other a deeper understanding of God;
• Leadership is Olwen but there is no conflict for others to take the lead;
• Study material - sermons' scripts/tapes, gospel learning packs.

• Normal Tuesday meetings (1st an 3rd each month);
• Band Concerts;
• Social occasions;
• Sometimes go for a walk.

The group is small but this does not mean we cannot expand; however, it is important that the Group feels comfortable to discuss confidential issues, and that its members are committed to fellowship and understanding.

Benefits of being in the Group:-

• Growing in the Lord.
• Learning/experience environment.
• Social group with real fellowship.
• Mutual support - without fractious elements.

There have been many issues, which we have discussed, shared and prayed openly, in confidence involving, serious illness, family relationships, work situations and crisis involving elderly family members. We have been able to use the fellowship as a vehicle to widen

It is likely that our fellowship, because of its small size (only 3), is different from other larger groups whose individuals might not open up the real concerns which are underneath the surface and which can more often than not be helped by sharing and praying. It takes trust and confidentiality to benefit from the close relationships in a group. This part of the fellowship might take half the evening but it makes the Bible study all the more worthwhile.

We do though see 'listening' as a ministry.

However, when we do study the bible passages it

We have worked through the series on Faith Sharing and find ourselves feeling challenged.

Why? I guess it`s because, we feel that we do not do enough to share our faith.

We must be ever vigilant to opportunities to share a word, a caring hand, or thoughtful action, which provokes others to ask, is there something in this Christian way of life that makes a person do things differently to theirs.

As a group we are small but very rich in spiritual strength, and we would like to welcome others. The atmosphere is relaxed, and we enjoy studying God's word together.

Future: Bob B is taking us through Revelations during our September and October meetings.

Do not despise these small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin'.
ZECHARIAH 4 v 10a (S.R.B. version)

Yes! We started small... three people to be exact.

As His word says, "Where two or three are gathered in His name, He shall be in the midst". In His time the Lord blessed our faithfulness with His faithfulness, and we have grown to nine/ten people to date - with a mixed age-range from twenty to mid-sixties, and from three different churches!

So the group benefits from a wide range of experiences and, dare I say, opinions - which sometimes lead to somewhat lively and interesting discussions.

For study-material we have been using Rev Paul Wilson's sermon-notes - where, yes, we deviate and sometimes red herrings come in - but personal experiences are also shared about the ups and downs of life, and how God has helped us through.

This is an important part as it encourages and builds each other up in our faith. Prayer is also an important part, where we begin with prayer, with a longer time at the end, about issues shared and raised. Apart from the occasional week, we continued meeting through this summer for those who wanted to.

This year, Nathan B, one of Knutsford Methodist Church's uni-students, contacted me as he was looking for a bible group for the summer. He brought his brother, Jason, along when he was home. So it was right we carried on meeting and it was a real blessing and encouragement to have them both with us ... even for a short time.

We also enjoy the more informal evenings we hold occasionally - to relax. One of the rare fine early summer evenings we went on what one could call a prayer-walk around the river near where I live - enjoying the beauty of God's creation. It was so lovely and peaceful. It was very fitting to sit on a bench and pray, giving thanks for God's goodness and beauty all around us.

The group also enjoys the faith-supper evenings, where we not only bring and share food, but also share a spiritual nugget that has happened - which is always very special and encouraging.

My prayer for all of us is that we will each discover and fulfil God's vision for our lives, and we will each continually experience the love of the Lord Jesus, come to know Him better and trust Him more.
Jeremiah 29 v 11.