Thanks to everyone who came last night for the first SofaChurch meeting. Andy and I were just delighted with how it went.
We had hoped that the meetings would be a place where people would feel comfortable just being themselves and that that atmosphere of 'realness' would allow good friendships to develop. It was amazing to see just that happening last night, even in the first meeting when we didn't really know each other very well.
We'll keep this blog updated each week, so that there's a rough record of what we've been doing.
So - this week. We spent the first half hour working out how the coffee machine worked and chatting, then Andy outlined his ideas for SofaChurch. We then spent the rest of the evening sharing questions that we have about Christianity/the Church. Hopefully these will form the basis of some of the future meetings.
As Andy said last night, we're very keen for SofaChurch to not be 'our thing'. For one thing, with little Minnow on the way we're very soon not going to have time for it to be. It would be great if everyone felt a sense of ownership of the group.
There's absolutely no pressure at all to get involved, but it's worth remembering that the more people who do volunteer to organise socials/lead discussions/present ideas for worship, the more varied SofaChurch will end up being (and more reflective of a true family, with all it's differences).
It'd be great if we could make SofaChurch a place where people feel happy to have a go at taking an evening, without worrying too much about what others will think. There are so many ways of worshipping God and we can all learn from each other, however conventional/whacky the idea. Bear in mind too, that this will be easier for some than others, depending on personality type. I know I want to have a go at leading an evening, but I'm sure that I'll lose sleep the night before doing it!
Do leave your feedback. I'm always telling the runway kids 'It's your group' to get them to suggest things they might like to do, and this is even more true of SofaChurch. :o)
3 comments:
I loved it - thank you everyone for making the first meeting so chatty and enjoyable! I was a bit scared we were all going to sit in silence, looking at each other! *grin*
I feel really fired up and enthusiastic about these meetings, and the mixture of serious talk and frivolous chat (and the occasional pizza!) sounds brilliant.
Now I just have to decide what to bring for 'show and tell' next week - I said I would do it so I could get it over with, but I don't have a clue what I'm going to say yet!
When I first heard about sofa church I thought it was a great idea,I had been feeling likeminded as far as provision for folk my age at church was concerned.
I am really excited now we've had the first meeting.
Loved the room,it looks fantastic!Enjoyed munching on the yummy cookies and brownies and last but by no means least it was so good to meet everybody and hear their thoughts and feelings on the way sofa church will move forward.
I didn't say very much at the first meeting but I'm hoping that with time I'll become a little more confident in joining in.
Looking forward to next week.
Hi Andy & Susie - yup we very much enjoyed it.
In time I'd like to volunteer to do an evening, and construct a worship experience to take up half hour or so - but probably in the New Year, as I have some big projects underway.
Will be in touch!
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