Groups

Prayer and Study Groups

There are a number of adult prayer and study groups which generally meet for a short series. They are varied and can include prayers and studying the Bible. The groups offer:
• An opportunity to be with Christian friends in a more relaxed way
• A setting to learn more about living as a Christian, hearing from the Bible and from one another
• A safe place of acceptance and trust in which we can talk about the challenges we face
• A ‘homebase’ for caring and mutual support

A recent Lent Group was focussed on everyday life and discussed topics ranging from sexuality to war and poverty. Each meeting began with a simple supper, then there was a talk and members broke off into smaller groups to continue the debate before re-forming for a final talk. These are always advertised well so keep a look out if you are interested.

Life Groups
House groups were revived in the autumn of 2017 and called 'Life Groups'. They met on Tuesday and Thursday evenings there were usually 8 - 10 attending each group. The evenings began with coffee and opportunity for people to talk about what God has been doing in their lives, or any 'good news stories'. The groups moved on to a bible study and discussion. The group then prayed together to close the meeting. In the autumn they read through Paul's letter to the Philippians, and in the New Year they reflected on the Sunday's readings. In the summer the groups followed a published 'Your Course' investigating Easter, and the impact the resurrection might have on our lives. 

The following was written by a member of the group on Bringing the Bible alive! "This autumn we have had a valuable series of home meetings of the Tuesday Life Group. This has comprised Bible study of Paul’s Letter to the Philippians led by Derek relating its meaning to our lives and the world around us today. In our small group we have come closer together through the opportunity of open and rich discussion in a non-threatening atmosphere. The group felt that this has been an enjoyable and inspiring time, giving us the opportunity to give thanks for our blessings, share concerns, and pray for ours and other people’s needs.  All this has enabled us to benefit considerably from this experience, and we hope that others in the congregation may like to join us or another group in the future."
 

A Lent Study Group		A life Group

Social groups

Connections
A community-based project, primarily for older people, was launched in February 2018 and is held on the first Tuesday of the month from 11.00 - 12.30. Everyone is welcome and can enjoy fresh coffee, homemade cakes, friendship and support. Meeting in church, it provides a great opportunity to meet people in a safe environment. Co-ordinator Coryn Robinson said: "We welcome anybody who is free to come along to chat about our ideas and maybe contribute some of their own. We want people from the wider community to participate, so feel free to share the information with friends and neighbours!" The plan is for a constantly changing range of activities to form part of each meeting, with everything from craft demonstrations and games to speakers.

St James’s Film Club
Going to the cinema has suddenly become a lot more local. St James’s has launched its own film club, making full use of the big screen and wonderful sound system. The idea came from PCC member Josh Webb, and his family have now joined forces to offer the full experience, which includes sales of popcorn, drinks and snacks. There are cushions if the pews prove too uncomfortable! 

St James's Theatre Club
An outing of some sort is organised occasionally and the aim is to get people together to have some fun during the week.  Right from the start it was a great success, with the response being very positive. Now that it is a regular fixture in St James’s social diary, people look forward to an evening out with old or newly acquired friends. If you’re interested in joining them, please see the notice board at the back of the church or contact Peter Hale on 020 979 9287. If you need a lift to the theatre, this is no problem as there are a number of people willing to drive. Everyone is welcome!

Gardening Club
A new Gardening Club was formed in 2018 and made a start on sorting out the churchyard. The initial phase included clearing and planting up the area on the car park side of the west porch. 
 

Connections	The start of the Film Club	The Gardening Group

Music groups

Church Choir
The church choir supports the congregation regularly, though not every week, at Parish Communion services. In addition to the hymns, it sings at least one anthem, usually during the administration of Holy Communion, and sometimes an introit. The choir also leads the singing in the traditional Carol Service and takes part in many special services throughout the year. Find out more on the page The choir.

St James's Players
​This instrumental ensemble leads the music during the All Age services, accompanying the hymns and playing processional music at the end. The group also plays any other music needed during the service. It has supported the music in some special services, such as the Carol Services and Confirmations. Find out more on the page St James’s Players.
 

The choir singing an introit	St James's Players	The choir singing an anthem

Groups for children

St James's Ark Playgroup
The Ark is a playgroup for carers and under-fives, which is Christian based and non-educational. It takes place in church on Monday mornings during term time from 10.15 - 12.15. There is a large regular clientele, some occasional visitors and new people are always welcome. £2 per family is charged with about 25 children (30 max) usually attending per week. Find out more on the page St James's Ark.

The Shell Seekers Sunday School
This is a lively, caring group for children aged four upwards, run by a range of adults from the church. The name is inspired by the shell that represents our church's patron saint, St James, and the fact that we are all seeking to further our knowledge of God and his love for us. The children meet during term time and always start and end their sessions in the church with the rest of the congregation so that they are included in the church service itself and feel part of it. Find out more on the page The Shell Seekers Sunday School.

Uniformed Groups
Although the uniformed groups are not strictly Church organisations, being 'open groups', they nevertheless sometimes attend the church parade All Age services. They carry their flags in a colourful parade through the church and sometimes read lessons, say prayers, assist with Parish Breakfast and so on during the Services.  

Contacts:
Brownies and Guides: 08001695901 Girlguiding.org.uk, Scouts: 3rdhamptonhill@richmond-scouts.org.uk, Richard Moody on 020 8286 6918

Find out more

Groups through the years 
 

Some of the uniformed groups	St James's Ark	Shell Seekers Sunday School