Page 27 - Summer 2016 Contact issue 38

Laser Groups
Billy and I have been in Marie’s Laser Group
for approximately 12 years now, so in a way that
speaks for itself ! We thoroughly enjoy it and I feel
we have a good mixture of social and study time
(really enjoy our outings).
The hospitality from Marie and David is always warm
and friendly and we have a great mix of people in the
group with different life experiences. We are free to
talk about anything and everything and know it will
be kept confidential. We also look out for and
encourage one another which we both feel is very
important, within the church family.
Billy and Karen Marks
I joined the laser group as I was struggling
with my faith and needed some help and guidance!
Norman did a service about the importance of Laser
groups and that sign-up sheets were available, and I
felt it was time to sign up. Â I saw a new group which
didn’t look too big or intimidating, so my husband
and I spoke to Stuart and put our names down. I am
so thankful that the Lord guided me to this group
because from there I have been learning and growing
in my faith. It even helped me to finally take the next provides the opportunity on a fortnightly basis to meet
step in my faith and receive Communion for the first
time! My laser group has changed so many things for
me, particularly the strong friendships I have
developed which continue to grow. and views that sometimes I wouldn’t have considered
Deborah Johnston
We enjoy being in the Laser Group as it is a
chance to study the Bible together and get different
people’s perspectives on the passage. We particularly
appreciate the opportunity to pray together for each
other’s needs. The Laser Group is where we can do
life together with a group of people in a trusting
environment.
Chris & Kirstie Wilson
We really enjoy leading our Laser Group. Over
the past 18 months, we have studied the life of Elijah,
the book of James and we are currently in the middle
of a 12 part study on Christian Character. Discussing
these topics, as a group with different opinions and
insights, has really helped us grow in our faith. Â
Caring and praying for one another is an important
part of our group; each time we meet we share
updates on prayer requests and it has been
wonderful to see how God has moved in and changed
many difficult situations. We are very thankful for our
group and the friendships we are developing together.
Stuart & Stephanie Beattie
I consider laser groups a vital ministry within
High Kirk, as it helps develop relationships amongst
the church family, as we grow deeper in biblical
knowledge and in turn our love for God.
It’s sometimes very difficult, almost impossible, to get
to know a large amount of people in a congregation
as large as HK. However by becoming part of a small
group we can form bonds and lasting friendships with
a few people, whereby we can offer encouragement
and support to one another. Being an active member
of a laser group is extremely important to me as it
with fellow Christians to study the bible, spend time
discussing issues around a specific passage of scripture
and also to pray. It’s great to hear different opinions
myself. Having this ‘safe’, informal, yet confidential
place to ask questions, (possibly over a cup of coffee)
and grow in faith is so important. Equally no question
is too stupid to ask and it’s by coming together and
asking a range of questions that we have grown deeper
together as a laser group. Also having a few people
on which to call upon, should I require prayer, or even
just to chat about an issue with is so valuable. Laser
groups are also all about sharing fun times outside of
the small group setting too. Our group have enjoyed
social nights’ together, hanging out, playing games,
sharing food and have even attended the wedding of
two of our laser members. What a fabulous day we
had, one which we’ll never forget!
Laura McKeown