The Windsor Methodist Church Men’s Group - although the Church has had a regular Ladies’ Club, until Rev. David Smith instigated one, there has not been a Men’s Group in recent times.  Those who first constituted it would have wished it comprehensively to include those in employment.  The limited number for whom it would have been practical in an evening or weekend has confined it to those in various stages of retirement.  So it meets on the second Monday morning of each month in different members’ homes.  The host provides light refreshment and initiates an informal discussion on a subject of his choice.

It has proved to be a very stimulating gathering so that its members’ enthusiasm has ensured regular attendance of around ten members of diverse work and life experience.  It has been an especial benefit that David Smith has almost invariably been present.

It has been said that when men get together the conversation revolves around politics, religion and sex and so it has proved to be.  Such issues have been related to the role of faith in connection with them.  Conflict in the Holy Land, the Economic Crisis, Genetic Manipulation, Faith Schools, and some incorporation of Sharia Law into English Common Law have been among the political issues discussed.  The future of the Church, Patterns of Worship, Ecumenism and Inter-faith, and the inter-relation of ethics and religion have been religious matters under consideration.  With some of our children and grandchildren in relationships outside marriage, we have grappled with the nature of marriage in a world of readily available contraceptives and both partners in full-time employment.

Although there is often widespread agreement, we do not seek to reach unanimous conclusions.  We have all felt, however, that we have broadened and deepened our understanding of such issues and been enriched in our thinking by the different views exchanged.  The meetings have enhanced our ability to follow the great commandments – “to love God with all our minds” and “our neighbours as ourselves”.