Thomas Steet, Portadown
North western district
Thomas Street has been on a subtle journey of growth over the past 12 to 18 months. New families have joined the church, and during that time, around 15 people have come to faith in Jesus.
In September 2023, a monthly gathering called “Gather” was launched to strengthen the sense of community. While not a new concept in church life, it quickly became a meaningful gathering for the congregation. Once a month, on a Friday evening, everyone brings food to share, and time is spent eating together, praying, and worshiping. Sometimes a speaker is invited, other times someone shares their journey of faith, and on some occasions, the evening is simply devoted to conversation.
The impact has been significant. Many who initially attended Gather have since begun coming to Sunday services and engaging in other church activities. Attendance at Gather typically ranges from 40 to 50 people, with new faces appearing each month from both inside and outside the church.
Plans are in place to introduce “Scatter Groups,” small gatherings of four to five people who will meet between Gather sessions. These groups will provide opportunities for connection, prayer and encouragement.
At the heart of this growth is the Methodist Church in Ireland’s vision, which challenges the church to think about how they can help one another be more intentional followers of Jesus.
As the community deepens its understanding of God, love for Him and for one another continues to grow. The introduction of Scatter Groups is expected to strengthen these connections further, encourage spiritual growth, and help identify future leaders within the church.
