‘Brothers in Alms’, the Men’s Group of the Benefice, meets in the evening of most Tuesdays of the year at the homes of some of its members. Regular meetings begin with a welcoming cup of coffee or tea and some news-swapping (men don’t ‘gossip’) at around 7.45 pm before we sit down for a discussion, which may be on a theme chosen by the host, or a session from a more structured course of Bible studies. Either way, the conversation often takes unplanned diversions to topics prompted by the discussion – everyone is free to raise points which interest them and the group, and the result is always an entertaining, often thought-provoking, and sometimes very moving,  conversation. We aim for an environment in which each of us can feel absolutely safe to discuss anything which matters to them, whether personal or concerning today’s news and today’s society, and relate what we discuss to the message and teachings of Jesus. And like Jesus, we often find that humour and laughter are great catalysts. Prayers are often said for Group members, friends, family and the wider world, and we are looking at plans for reaching out to the local community through social action.

We also arrange purely social occasions, such as men’s breakfast meetings with a speaker, going to pub quizzes, curry nights and boat trips.

We offer fellowship, mutual support and the opportunity to learn from one another’s life experiences and points of view in an open, friendly and secure setting. There is no formal membership – if you would like to see what we are like and what we do, contact Tim Berry for details of our forthcoming meetings.

‘How very good and pleasant it is to live together as brothers in unity!’ Psalm 133, v. 1