Small Groups and New Programmes at St Peter's on Willis in 2012
Interesting things are happening at St Peter’s on Willis :
Theology in the Pub: a new group of people in the first half of life meets monthly at the Southern Cross to chew the fat on issues of life, society, theology and ethics. The contact person is Mary Little: mfl83@yahoo.com
Jazz at St Peter’s: If jazz is your thing, contact Richard Norman who is exploring options for Friday gigs or Sunday jazz worship in the new year: Richard.Norman@vuw.ac.nz
Is Faith Credible in the 21st century? Christianity for many today is an unknown reality, or perhaps hedged around with stories from Sunday Schools days that make little sense in the modern world. In 2012 a group will be formed to openly explore all the questions you have in mind. Contact Richard Randerson: randersonjr@paradise.net.nz
There also already exists a variety of interest groups at St Peter's. Some of these involve discussion and prayer. For example:
Horizon Group
The Horizon Group has been in existence for a number of years. The members (currently all women but men are more than welcome to come along) meets fortnightly on a Thursday afternoon for a stimulating and enjoyable discussion of a particular book chosen by the group at the beginning of the year.
The books the group has studied so far are:
- The meaning of Jesus by Borg and Wright
- Following Muhammad by Ernst
- What is Anglicanism by Holmes
- The Heart of Christianity by Borg
- Introducing the Missional Church by Roxburgh and Boren
- Engagement 21 by Richard Randerson
Don’t feel you need to wait until the next book is chosen to join as the group readily welcomes newcomers and, speaking from personal experience, it is very easy to join part way through a book as it were. And speaking of books, it should be emphasised that the group does not stick rigidly to discussing the "book of the day" but they also explore and discuss a variety of other topics that people bring up.
Contemplation Group
Every three weeks (on a Thursday evening) Lois Holmes runs a completion group. This group practices meditation and silence with reflection and a sharing of the experience. If you are interested in attending please contact Lois on (04) 570-2003.
Friday Night Reflections - Holding on to the Silence
These were started in 2011 and will continue in 2012 as organised by our Deacon Ron. There is a series of monthly meetings. They are held on the fourth Friday in the month in St Peter's Undercroft at 5:15pm for a 5:30 start. The evening will start with soup and rolls, juice and hot drinks, followed by a time of reflection. Everyone is welcome. Conversation, convivial company and contemplation ... it is a great way to end a week/month. A gold coin donation towards the cost of the meal is appreciated.
Holding on to the Silence readings and collects can be found on our website under the particular week of the month or via the Holding on to the Silence 2012 Introduction page which also has links to the Daily Office.
The Prayer Group
At the 10 am service on every Sunday except the third in the month, prayers are offered on these six themes -
The church;
the world;
the community;
the sick, suffering and needy;
those who have died and those who mourn;
ourselves and our ministries.
If you would like a prayer to be offered, please send your request to St. Peter's Deacon,
Rev. Dr. Ronald Atkins, Tel 04 383 8816; email: rs.atkins@paradise.net.nz or office@stpetersonwillis.org.nz
For those interested in music there is the Choir. A way to both enjoy yourself and bring enjoyment to the congregation. Click on the earlier "choir" link to be taken to the information page.
Then there are groups for people interested in history and research:
Oral History Group
This group began from the need to collect oral history associated with the Parish. At the moment it is undergoing a bit of a change. When I have new information I will add it here and let you know in the “latest updates” page.
Cleaning Group
Can you spare an hour every six weeks or so to help clean the church. The cleaning takes place either on a Friday night or Saturday morning - all equipment supplied. It is a good way to know the ins and outs of the building. to meet other people and to gently keep fit without the exorbitant fees of gym membership.
Gardening Group
Again, an hour or so every six weeks to help tidy the garden.
Greetings roster
Like meeting people? Welcoming them into the church? Do you remember what is was like when you were new and unsure and how appreciated a friendly face greeting one at the door was? Would you interested in taking a turn as a greeter or like to know more about what is involved? ...
...
For further details on any of the groups above contact either the person listed by that group or the office at St Peter’s on Wills (either telephone (04) 3828-486 or email office@stpetersonwillis.org.nz) to be put in touch with the convener.
And if you have any thoughts about a group that isn't there but that others may be interested along with yourself again, contact the office at St Peter’s on Wills (either telephone (04) 3828-486 or email office@stpetersonwillis.org.nz). There's nothing to stop a notice being put in the bulletin asking for expressions of interest.