Wednesday @ 10:30 am
Rumoured to be the largest midweek communion gathering in Coventry Diocese, members of this group are full of faith, with loads of experience, excellent when praying, and they love their Lord and love each other. Not only that, they often share their faith with others too. This community was one of the first to show the church how to reach and serve a particular network of people, building a sense of family and welcome over many years, seeing several new people growing in faith. Before COVID lockdown, they regularly had 45-50 attendees, and even now, socially distanced and wearing masks, over 30 are attending regularly (Government guidelines [see this link] are being followed. But please note, after 6th January until further notice the church building is closed). Although the age range varies, many are senior citizens, which means that there are a few things that some can’t do anymore. Despite the natural limitations of age and occasional illness this family of Christians continues to share together in many positive ways, growing in their knowledge of Jesus, often sustaining other areas of church life with faithful prayer. And it is a plain fact that many are living longer because this community sustains them with love.
One feature of their time together is the common experience of God’s presence. The large team of clergy who shape and lead the services often say that the Spirit of God is very much felt in these special times. Through the familiar words of the communion service, with faith raised by inspiring teaching, this informal and friendly gathering is often a place touched by God. Members go home feeling blessed - through affirmed friendship and the strength of God’s Spirit.
“Openness to newcomers and real friendships are two great characteristics of St John's, and perhaps especially of the mid-week community. Take time out of your usual activities to spend time with God and your Church family....and not just on a Sunday! Be encouraged and nourished by the preaching of God’s Word and by the friendship at coffee time. Share your joys and your concerns with people who really care for you.”
Catherine Pennington
“We love the Wednesday morning service and the amazing people who attend it. Helping to lead has certainly enriched our own spiritual journey and has also enabled us to see God at work within peoples' lives. This is a loving, vibrant, spirit filled service. Prayer, warm friendship and caring support make it very special indeed.”
Jackie and Steve Prestwich
The team who facilitate this community are made up of clergy and lay people, with the weekly service primarily run by the clergy and community members reading and praying. The lay facilitators help to organise and shape the ongoing life of the group, building friendship within the community, integrating new faces carefully and crafting the biblical themes for each term. Some organise the layout of chairs and books, others look after the sound desk. All of them attend sensitively to these precious members of our church.
Interested to find out more?
All are welcome to visit at 10.30am on Wednesday and see what a lovely experience Midweek Community is. We are always looking for others who God is calling to serve in this special community.
Midweek Community Team:
Rev. Andrew Attwood, Rev. Jane Mullaney, Rev. Mary Rai, Catherine Pennington, David Hewitt, Geoff Whiteman, Sam Whiteside.