Just what is a House Group?

A House Group is made up of approximately 20 church families who are called upon to help with various tasks as required, during and after Sunday services.

How many House Groups are there?

Eleven.

Why 11?

There are 11 groups to cover each of the 11 months our church is open for services. Every group will take one turn per year, with a different month to look after for each of the next 11 years! That means no group will always work at Easter or Christmas, which are busier months to organize.

How will I know the house group to which I belong?

No problem. Your name will be added to one of the 11 House Group lists. The House Group Leader will contact you to welcome you, tell you which month your group will be responsible for, explain the tasks, and answer questions. 

Just how much work is involved?

We need volunteers for ushering, making coffee/clean-up, lighting candles, reading the opening prayers, counting the congregation and taking out the garbage. 

 Wow! That’s a lot!

It’s not so bad … you won’t be asked to do them all, just a few as you are able. If every member of the House Group does his/her part it doesn’t have to be an onerous commitment for any one person. And, you will be called on only for the month assigned to your group. Other groups will look after the other months.

And we only have to help for one month in the whole year?

That’s right!

How come we’ve gone this House Group route? 

You know the saying “Many hands make light work”? Well, House Groups allow us to share the work that needs doing in our church. No longer should we have the same people doing all the work all of the time. House Groups are a fair and equitable way to carry out the stewardship of our church. By dividing ourselves into House Groups we also get to meet and work with people who are part of our church family. Building community is a major goal of the program. By getting involved we also take ownership of our worship experience and our beautiful church.

What happens in the summer when the church is closed for a month?

Prior to closure for the summer break the co-ordinator of the House Group Program will ask some volunteers to collect the mail, and water indoor plants if necessary.

Could I get off the list? 

You are part of a House Group whether you participate or not. It’s important that you are part of our church family. But please remember that the House Group Program works only if each of us is willing to support it in whatever way we can. 

Who can I talk to if I need more information?

Just email the office, or call 586 – 3613 and the Office Co-ordinator can put you in touch with someone who can answer your questions.

September 2011