HOME FELLOWSHIP 5

The very first Home Fellowship came into being in the early 1980's with just 6 people – Sheila Allen, Sue Crane, June Millward, Shirley O'Connor, Joan Waugh and Diana Wright who felt the need for a Bible class and Christian home group. The Revd John Morgan came quite regularly to bring us Holy Communion. A reverent time and greatly appreciated by all who participated. Word of the group spread, numbers grew quickly, until we had need to find another house with a larger lounge for our meetings. It finally became obvious that, due to the increase in numbers, we would need to split into 2 groups. This happily continued until we had 9 Home Fellowship groups.

Home Fellowship 5 came into being on 21st May l986 with 6 members at the first meeting and 13 at the second who continued to meet regularly. We met at 100 Golf Links Road fortnightly, always aware of the Aims of Home Fellowship to pray together, read and learn from the Bible, share our faith, be aware of the needs of others, encourage each other in Christian growth and share the Good News. Numbers increased, especially when we met weekly as a discipline and preparation through the weeks of Lent. It became a tradition that we went together, as a group, on Ash Wednesday, to celebrate Holy Communion with others at St. Marks. A very precious time.

Looking back we have amazingly studied all the books in the New Testament some more than once and also quite a large number from the Old Testament, always marvelling at the greatness and power of God.

We have grieved together over the years at the loss of dear ones and now, for health reason numbers have depleted. Sadly we held our final meeting on 19th March, 2003. After 17 years of faithful attendance this was a most reluctant and painful decision, but with God's constant guidance we know our faith will continue to grow in strength. He has been so good to us and we have much to thank Him for we never cease to thank and praise Him. Ours is a simple faith and we trust God at all times.

On a very personal note, I would like to thank most sincerely all those lovely and dear Christians who have supported me over all these years. It has been a wonderful time for me knowing them and sharing their lives and love. God bless them.