 These are difficult times for men, when we all need to support one another - especially men who profess to believe in Christ. In the Men's Group, guys have the opportunity to get together with other men to build strong relationships and grow together spiritually.
We want to introduce men to Jesus and see them become enthusiastic and excited by their faith, engaged in the Church and equipped to live today's life.
The Men's Group has a wide scope, meeting for socials in a non-threatening environment for non-Christians, biblical teaching in a 'home group' setting, through to a encouraging and challenging time over a annual residential weekend away.
Other avenues of Christian fellowship continue to feature on the Men's Group agenda. Regular breakfasts take place three or four times a year. These events provide an opportunity for the men of the town to feast on a hearty breakfast in an informal environment where they can network and feel free to discuss their beliefs, whether they have a Christian faith, follow a different faith, or none at all. Springtime generally sees an outing to the London Men's Convention where we participate in 6 hours of exhilaration. Imagine a 4000+ male voice choir - most of them singing in tune - and you're getting close to the experience - earth-moving. The next Men's Convention will take place at London's Royal Albert Hall on May 7th 2011.
Annual Men's Weekend away - two days of study, prayer, worship and recreation. An unmissable opportunity to sample some esoteric cuisine and to unravel such mysteries as the call to discipleship, the importance of focusing on what God intends for us, and how to operate a dishwasher.
At various times during the year we join together for a curry evening made in-house by Men's Group curry master-chefs.
As well as the events on the programme, Men's Group also organises the occasional squash night. So whether you haven't played for years or you play in a league it doesn't matter - come along and enjoy the exercise.
The Men's Group also hosts a men's 'home group', meeting at 8.00pm on Mondays in St Nicolas House (behind the church in West Mills) with a varied programme of Bible studies and times of prayer and worship. All are welcome. After the meeting, fellowship usually continues over the canal in the Lock, Stock and Barrel.
The Men's Group also supports the fabric of the church or, quite literally, shred it - as in the case of one cold December Saturday morning when a number of hardy volunteers descending on the churchyard and gave it a short back and sides - the like of which has never been seen before. Saturdays, for some of the group, also means an occasional session at Shoemakers Christian Bookshop where we help out behind the till once a month.
One of the great strengths of the Men's Group is the diversity of membership, combining old and new, mature and exploring Christians; all this supported by the common foundation of men experiencing similarly demanding lifestyles. We look forward to deepening our faith and understanding of Christ's purpose for our lives together as men here in Newbury.
Christian Vision for MenThe St Nic's Men's Group is affiliated to Christian Vision for Men ('CVM') which provides a lot of ideas and speakers that we have used and will continue to benefit from. Take a look at their website when you've got time.Anyone wanting to get involved in the Men's Group, or just keep up with what we're doing, should fill out the contact form here or contact us for more information.
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