Harpenden Matters

(Formerly Harpenden Women's Prayer Lunch)

Harpenden Women's Prayer Lunch is an ecumenical gathering of ladies from all the Harpenden Churches who meet every 2 months or so over lunch for fellowship, worship and prayer. Originally the vision of Reona Joly and Margaret Smith, the group started 13 years ago and now attracts up to 50 ladies. The venue is generally one of the local churches, with worship very ably led by Sara Iouannou and Jenny Goulding. This is followed by a short meditation led by a member of the hosting church, after which ladies gather into small groups for prayer, go on a prayer walk round the town, or pray individually in a quiet corner of the building. Each church has hosted the event about 3 times over the past 13 years.

The Christmas meeting this year was a breakfast rather than a lunch, with the ladies from YWAM providing a delicious breakfast of cereal, fruit, rolls and coffee. A dramatic reflection on the Christmas story was enacted by Sarah and Maggie and we were given a tangible reminder of the wonder of the story in the gift of a decorative star (the Star of Wonder) to hang on the tree!

Next year, there will be some changes to the event. It will be renamed Harpenden Matters and men as well as women will be invited. A simple bread and soup lunch will be provided and the venue will be either Wesley's coffee shop in High Street Methodist Church, or Christchurch Vaughan Road. A speaker from a local church will be invited to speak about a project their church is involved in, and this will be one of the topics for prayer.

The next meeting of Harpenden Matters will be on Monday 25 January 2010, 12.30 - 2.45pm at Christchurch Vaughan Road. Those who are on the mailing list will receive details, which will also be posted on this website.

If you would like further information about Harpenden Matters, or details of the next meeting, contact Sarah Sewell on 01582 713155.