Monday Evening Home Group (Lakehaven)
The Monday evening home group meets at Lake Haven in a private home on the 2nd and 4th Mondays of each month and over dinner at the Palm Court Hotel restaurant when there is a 5th Sunday in the month.
There are 5 regular members of the group which was originally started as a group specifically geared to the needs of newer Christians who did not know a lot about God or the bible but who wanted to know more on a regular “non-threatening” basis. The aim of the group is to provide sound biblical teaching in a welcoming and loving environment.
Tuesday Morning Bible Study (Wyong)
This group of about 11 parishioners meets at 9.45am each Tuesday morning in the parish hall. The group is usually led by the Rector and on many occasions includes 2 members of the St Cecilia’s congregation who join the group after their morning Mass. This works well and gives the group an added dimension. The morning commences with fellowship enjoyed over a cup of tea and a scone and the bible study commences as soon as all are present. The group aims to grow as Christians by listening, discussing and being challenged by different ideas and experiences and to foster Christian fellowship in a non-threatening atmosphere as they discuss and ponder God’s word. The studies can be in book form or DVD with points for discussion. Either way, the group is encouraged to prepare for the morning by completing some written work during the preceding week. This is then discussed and compared during the morning.
Thursday Morning Home Group (Berkeley vale area)
This is a long standing group who meet in private homes and who have become very close knit and supportive of each other over many years. 12 to 14 persons attend regularly and of this number 3 are from other churches in the area. The morning starts with tea or coffee and members provide their own lunch which follows the formal part of the morning. It has always been the intention of the group to work and grow together as they study God’s word and to support each other in any way possible. They have a most effective prayer chain and use this when any member is in need of special prayer or comfort and this works well and is very much appreciated. The group does not use any of St James’ facilities and is self funding and supporting.
Thursday Evening Home Group (Wyong)
This group has been operating for many years and meets once a week on Thursday evenings in private homes. There are 9 regular members of the group and sometimes as many as 11. The ”nibbles” at these evenings is so good that it would be considered foolish not to attend.
The group has blended into a well knit family where each and every one is encouraged to contribute during the regular Bible Studies. The intention of the group is to provide Bible Study and general Christian support. Prayer starts and ends each evening and participants are encouraged to support each other and to share difficult and testing times as well as to give thanks for blessings received. Bible Studies tend to follow a set programme for which there are books allowing and encouraging some preparation before the meetings, hence the expected individual contributions. These books are purchased by individual members of the group. The group uses the facilities provided in the hall and in the kitchen but provides its own light refreshments and course materials.
Northern Home Group
The northern home group meets every second Wednesday at a private home in Blue Haven. The aims of this group of 8 parishioners is to gain a clearer understanding of the bible, to get to know each other better and to support each other and to support their families through prayer. During 2010 they studied the books of Acts, focusing on John Stott’s informative booklet “Acts, Seeing the Spirit at Work”. It was an enlightening programme for them all and they were challenged and progressed their understanding. The group is self funded and does not use any parish facilities or equipment.
Younger Mum’s Bible Study
This group meets once a fortnight at St James and attracts up to five young mums and their children. The group meets to give Mums an opportunity for fellowship within the church community with the added advantage of learning more about the Bible and what it means in today’s world. The group meets over a cuppa and the children are encouraged to make use of the toys and facilities provided in the parish hall.
Younger Men’s Bible Study
The men’s bible study group may be small in number but they have a huge dedication to what they are trying to accomplish. The men meet every second Saturday at St James at 8.00am – a time which enables those who work and especially commuters to gather to study God’s word. The number can vary between 2 and 6 and they are always hopeful that others will feel the need and join them. The aim of the group is to study God’s word and to pray for each other. They use the hall for the meeting and the kitchen for a cuppa. No financial support is needed from the parish and the group does not, presently, include anyone from outside the church family.