‘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.