Who We Are
“The body of Christ, working together, using different gifts under the guidance of the Holy Spirit builds a healthy church where each is valued and affirmed. Some gifts and tasks are more visible than others, but seen or unseen, each is a vital part of the whole. I thank God for all of you and for the part you play in the ‘body’ praying that you will be blessed by God in all you do for Him” (Revd. Sue McKenzie, Groby URC Annual Reports June 2012).
Minister
Groby United Reformed Church is an exciting and dynamic Church of all ages and lots on offer during the week. It is a privilege and joy to have been called by them to serve as the minister. I really look forward to working with the Rector and people at St Philip and St James as the two Churches in the village continue to work closely together. – Rev’d Paul Ellis
Elders
Elders are the Church leadership, dealing with all aspects of the running of the church, both practically and spiritually. Elders’ meetings are held monthly throughout the year, with ad-hoc special meetings called as necessary, and an annual ‘Away Day’.
Elders’ elections are held every year and the Church membership gives prayerful thought, seeking God’s guidance as to who should be elected to serve as an Elder for 3 years.
Once elected as an Elder a person is always an Elder, but they can be either ‘Serving Elders’ or ‘Non-serving Elders’.
Every third Tuesday of the month the Elders lead ‘Talking to God on a Tuesday’, an hour-long prayer meeting held in the Church.
Church Members
A Church member has the right to vote at a Church meeting, influencing the decisions and direction of the Church. Whilst anyone in the congregation is welcome to attend a Church meeting and have an input to any discussion, only members can vote.
Y.Church
Y.Church leaders plan Sunday morning teaching and activity sessions for children of varying ages based on the Scripture Union teaching materials, Bubbles (under 5 years), Splash (5-8 years), Xstream (8-11 years) and Grid (11-14 years). Each year children in Y.Church get involved packing shoe boxes for Samaritan’s Purse ‘Operation Christmas Child’ Shoebox Appeal, as well as leading their own Christmas Nativity Service as part of the Christmas celebrations.
Pastoral Care Group
A group of Church folk with a calling to care for the pastoral needs of the fellowship. Offering comfort to the sick, lonely and bereaved, they give of their free time to meet the needs of others in the Church who might be in need of some help and support during a difficult time. Prayer forms a major part of their support, knowing that God will always be there through the storms of life.
Mission Group
The Mission Group oversees how the Church supports the work of Tearfund, a charity working in partnership with Christian agencies and churches worldwide to tackle the causes and effects of poverty. The Church links specifically with the work being undertaken by Tearfund in Cajamarca, Peru. The Group helps the Church support Fair Trade and understand worldwide issues of justice.
Home Groups
People are encouraged to attend one of our Home Groups, who meet every 2 weeks, where they can learn more about God and delve deeper into the Bible, exploring their faith and understanding with others. We currently have 3 groups: ‘Grace’ and ‘Everyday Life’ who meet on alternate Wednesday evenings and ‘Salt & Light’, who meet on alternate Thursdays.
Noah’s Ark
Meeting on Monday mornings during term time Noah’s Ark offers a range of activities for adults with children to meet together in a Christian environment. Their artwork has pride of place on one of the notice boards in the Church hall. Why not take a look the next time you are in there.
Plus many, many more…
Bible Reading Notes, Christian Aid, Church Magazine ‘Contact’, Painting Group, Pulpit Supply, Church Secretary, Knit for Charity, Churches Together in Groby, Extend Governing Group, Youth and Children’s work volunteers etc. etc.
So, whatever gifts you have, there is a place for you here.
