Games Community was started with the support of St Paul’s, in October 2018, after I felt led to start a community-focussed Games Group. This idea came to me whilst at a summer New Wine Festival. I don’t consider myself particularly confident or entrepreneurial, but I had a strong sense that God spoke to me, to be bold in taking a step forward in this venture.
In truth, I was nervous and excited about the unknown. I hadn’t done anything like this before and I literally had no idea who, if anyone, would turn up on that first Thursday. People did come and it was a great success and the group has thrived in relationship, growing in number and also expanding into the full Saturday Games days since.
6 Years on, and with a pandemic in the middle, where some of us played online board games together, I look back knowing that God held me in those early excited ideas and also during the times when numbers dwindled- it wasn’t and isn’t always an upward trajectory! He held my uncertainty, my lack of confidence, my social awkwardness and even my excitement for the what if - and I kept going.
When we started the Games Days (the first being early Feb 2020!) again I needed encouragement, this time from a good friend who also attends the group. Running a full day Games Day was again daunting, but it felt like there would enough interest and a wider community to connect with (including local families). Since then we have done a total of 10 Games Days!
I am thankful for the community that is ‘Games Community’ as it is today. Some of us are from the start in 2018, some are new, and some have joined along the way and some have moved on. Friendships have been formed, laughter had, a highlight on an evening for when people are lonely and needing connection. And of course we play games! We range from 20's to people in their senior years. I love the diversity.
I wrote more about the origins and journey of games community for me, because I recognise that God and those around me built a small idea I had in a camping field, into a community of people. To me that is a thing of beauty. Perhaps take some time to pause, to look forward as we enter Spring. Allow God space to spark an idea or way in which you can be involved at St Paul’s, or in a community programme. You may be surprised at what happens after that first step. Or maybe you are the encouragement someone needs to do something new – step forward with that person.
Games Community runs each Monday 7pm – 9:45pm in the Jubilee Room. Whether new to games or experienced, everyone is welcome. More info on our Facebook page or contact Jonathan.collett@btinternet.com
On Saturday 15th February, we are running our 11th Games Day at St Paul’s! 10am-6pm. Last Games Day we had over 80 people attend, and it was a great atmosphere. Why not come and play a board game or trade some Pokémon cards (Pokemon is 12-3). Family friendly and a great way to start the Half Term holidays. Hope to see some of you there!