Last Wednesday, I crashed a barbeque organised by the 20-30’s Home Group cluster. I think I’m the only person who was aware of the fact that I was actually gate crashing. Everyone just assumed I was supposed to be there. So not really gate crashing then. It helped that I brought my own meat to put on the grill and had a camera to take loads of photos
The 20-30's cluster is made up of small groups that meet mid weekly for bible study, prayer, building friendships etc. These groups are loosely based on geographical location and age group – the assumption being that you will have common interests. I’m a big fan of Home Groups – especially if you are in a large congregation because you really get to know people. All of my closest friends, I first met in Home Groups.
But how come I am 33, and not part of a 20-30’s Home Group cluster?
Well, when I joined St B’s, I asked the Home Group coordinator to assign me to a Group. I was 30 at the time, and was placed in a group of people in their 30’s, which I subsequently discovered was not part of the 20’s – 30’s cluster, in fact we did not appear to belong to any cluster at all!!!
As I become more involved in St B’s, I’m making friends with people from the 20-30’s cluster (mainly in their 20’s). We like the same music, use the same slang (courtesy of my previous youth work experience), they socialise regularly (something I really need at the moment), and most importantly they all think I’m 27!!! (I don’t correct them)
My home group bless them, are lovely and even though I do not socialise with them on a regular basis, I wouldn’t leave to join the 20-30’s cluster. It’s enough that I can attend the cluster events – it's the best of both worlds really.
What was I saying before I got completely side tracked there? Yeah… the barbeque!
For someone who is sworn off men, I’m certainly not doing very well keeping my mind off them. Steve was there looking fabulous as always (or buff… as he likes to say). I also met a guy called Tom…
A bit of history
When I was at University, part of a prophecy I received was that someone called Thomas would have a significant impact on my life. The prophecy also said that I’d be married within 4 years time and set up a ministry with my husband, my old church would be rebuilt to have 4 balconies and that I’d be an evangelist. Well 11 years have gone by, to my knowledge my old church still has just the one balcony and as for evangelism… I won’t even go there!!!
Methinks the ‘prophecy’ is definitely obsolete, n’est pas? It still doesn’t stop me from getting excited whenever I meet a ‘Tom’…or when I read a book by a ‘Tom’; and probably explains why I like Tom Cruise? There aren’t many Tom’s out there.
I engaged in small talk with Tom but nothing caught my attention; so after the obligatory 5 minutes, I employed my usual strategy, which is, suddenly look behind him
“Oh you calling me?” glance at Tom apologetically “Must go and talk to so and so. Nice talking to you”
Also a guy called Jonathan intentionally came up to talk (very rare for an English guy to do that- usually happens to me in Italy, but never here). He was a nice guy, a bit interesting.
Just realised I didn’t meet any new girls at barbeque
