I moved to Edinburgh in September 2011 from Fife, and started to attend the Almond Vineyard. David Hart encouraged people to attend a homegroup to meet other people and make friends. Eventually I decided to go to Max and Beth's homegroup. I am not great at going into gatherings or parties where I don't know people, so this was quite a difficult step for me to take.
The Almond Vineyard had made me feel very welcome anyway with a warm and friendly welcome each time I attended. The homegroup was no different. My first evening I left home early to make sure I got there on time, and with butterflies in my tummy I rang the bell.....and in I went. There were 8 of us the first night, different backgrounds and different ages - but all really kind and I felt relaxed. We had coffee, cake and fruit before opening the Bible and learning more about God’s plan for us. Everyone was normal and honest about the situations they were in, before we prayed for each other. It was very encouraging and I came away from there looking forward to the next one.
Last week I had the ‘flu and posted this on Facebook on the Friday morning. Beth and Bill (I have not met him) read my post and prayed for me. By the evening I was feeling much better and recovered fully over the next couple of days. I thank God for the Almond Vineyard and for new friends.
Ruth Smyth
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