Every other Tuesday morning for the past few years, with some gaps caused by holidays or illness, a small group of parishioners has met in the home of one of its members. We arrive in time for coffee and conversation before a moment of quiet and a prayer marks the beginning of our study session. That is a rather grand term for a time that consists of looking together at our faith, and also our doubts.

Sometimes we concentrate on a book in the Bible or another work, sometimes we have a leader, at others we don't. At the moment we are having a very interesting time thinking about miracles. For me the group provides a wonderful 'supplement' to my worship in church as we can consider questions that may have arisen during a service where there is usually no opportunity to ask. We probably don't fmd an answer - Brian has sometimes come to help us - but the exercise of communal thinking has helped me to formulate my own beliefs far more clearly and has sometimes proved revelatory.

Needless to say some sessions are better than others and that often depends on the level of preparation or thought we have given to the meeting. What is always available is the friendship and empathy that comes from a group such as this. It can take a long time to get to know people when you just see so many different faces on Sundays and being a member of the group has certainly made me feel far more at home in St. James.

We do need two or three more people to join us and if you would like to give it a try you will be made most welcome. If you are interested please speak to me after church or mention it to Brian or Julie and they will tell you more. If Tuesdays or mornings are no good to you, why not start up another group perhaps in an evening. I am sure it would be worth your while.

Source: Marion Dewey, The Spire Magazine - 2003 November