Once a month our network of Westville Churches meets, and this month it was WMC's turn to host the gathering. We shared breakfast and then spent some time talking about life together in our respective church communities. One pastor shared a story of a member who had suffered the tragic and unexpected death of her husband. The pastor commented that on receiving the awful news, the very first people she reached out to were the members of her home group. That's quite something, isn't it - clearly that group had become family to her. I know that some of you have experienced this sense of extended family through your small groups too.
On Sunday we talked about how our ancestors in the church and in early monastic communities gathered together around a shared rule of life to seek the zoe life of God together. We can't all become monks or nuns, but a commitment to group life makes a world of difference if we're serious about being formed into the image of Christ. We cannot do this alone. As the proverb says, "if you want to go fast, go alone; if you want to go far, go together". As promised on Sunday, we have sent out an updated list of small groups on the WMC WhatsApp group this week and would be happy to help you find a group that suits you. Also, if you aren't in a group, look out for our next Alpha course which will be starting in a few months.