Rooted in Jesus - "Knowing Jesus Personally"
Home groups are small groups which meet every week in people's homes. They are crucial to the life of our church and every member of St Philip's and St James' is encouraged to join one.
Home groups form a fundamental part of our mission to deepen our relationship with Jesus and empower us to live and work in all the fullness of God.
Home groups help their members to become more 'rooted in Jesus' and in the family of the church. Being together we grow in our spiritual gifts, through Bible study, prayer, worship, pastoral care, evangelism, mission and of course socials.
We recognise that people are at different stages in their Christian journey and we are very happy to welcome each and every one into the life of our groups.
Much prayer and thought goes into deciding which home group will be the right one for you. If you would like to join a home group, please contact the Parish Office (parish.office@stphilipsandstjames.org)or fill in a welcome leaflet available in church and return it to the Parish Office.
Home Group Leaders
Clusters
"Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another's feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. I tell you the truth, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them." John 13: v14-17 (NIV)
Home groups are places where we can experience good Bible study, pastoral care, prayer and fellowship, but there can be less emphasis on mission, evangelism and social justice - hence the initiative of Clusters.
Clusters are groups of three to four home groups who are encouraged to pray and seek God's guidance as to where He might be calling them to go out into the local community and share the love of Jesus with others.
Among other activities, our clusters help to organise local events, serve our community by handing out candles and cards at Christmas, as well as research the prayer needs of people in our local streets, and pray for those needs, on a regular basis.
Our outreach, through clusters, helps to support our work towards the stated aim in our mission statement of being 'fruitful in mission and service', and we will continue to pray for new opportunities to share God's love with others.
We do, of course, also realise that many people witness the love of Jesus in other places during the week, such as in places of employment and further afield, and this is supported and encouraged.
If you would like to learn more about clusters, contact the Parish Office (parish.office@stphilipsandstjames.org).