ST NICOLAS, NEWBURY

HOME GROUP QUESTIONS

WEEK BEGINNING 3 SEPTEMBER 2006

WELCOME TO ST NICOLAS!

1. Some of the children at our church school were invited to design their own church or Christian building. Here are some of their comments:

"My church is beautiful and comfortable. It is friendly to everyone and open 24/7. You can come in and out whenever."

"You should come to my church because you get breakfast and if you do a crime or murder you go into the forgiveness hole and you are forgiven..."

"People would enjoy worshipping in this church because it is more cosy. The confession room feels less intimidating because it is cosy with comfy chairs, flowers and a kettle. Other than that (and the café) it is quite traditional."

"My church is holy and peaceful. You can have fun after services. It has a nice pond with fish."

"My church is quite plain. I think people would come to it because you can have a more personal relation with God. It is also very light, open and airy. I think this allows you to pray more easily. There is also a place where people can go to be quiet."

What comes across as being important to the children? Why do you think this is?

2. What is important to you in the design of a church building? Why?

3. What about the life of the church more generally? What features of our church life are important to you?

4. We describe St Nicolas as being about 'sharing the life of Jesus today'. What does this mean to you?

5. A few years ago, 'LIFE' at St Nicolas was expressed as Loving God, Involving everyone, Finding faith, and Enabling growth. What do these mean to you?

6. To what extent do you think the way we express what we're about is in line with the teaching of the Bible? Can you give examples?

7. 'If you find a perfect church, don't join it - you'll only spoil it!' (Billy Graham) Is he right?

8. What imperfections in the life of our church particularly bother you? Is there anything you can do to make things better?

9. As we begin this 'new year' in the life of the church, pray that we will be faithful and effective in all that God calls us to be and to do.

David Stone
4 September 2006