advice--fellowship group at church

[bas019]

I've been going to my church for almost two years and the same fellowship group that whole time. I've never been very good with expressing myself in person or dealing with confrontation. I was hoping you guys could give me advice with how to deal with this. There are 8 of us that make up the group, three couples and two singles ( I'm one of the singles) and the other single person recently moved into a new apt. Now they want to throw a housewarming party. I'm all for it, I'm making curtains, but there is a part of me that is annoyed because when I graduated college and moved into my first ever apartment in January hardly a comment was made. I am also the only one without any family in the area and I often get forgotten when holidays come around and I end up spending them alone. My family lives several hours away and its too far for thanksgiving and easter and such.

Basically I don't know whether I should just accept this as being the way it is and deal with it or if I should share how I'm feeling. I don't know how to do it without making it sound like I'm a spoiled brat. While a housewarming party would be nice, that's not my motivation for sharing, I just want them to realize how I feel.

[MyFathersGirl]

I think it might be a good idea to say something.  Maybe you could say something at the next group.  You could tell them about how it seems like they are paying more attention to the group.  By saying "it seems" you aren't accusing them of doing anything, just letting them know how you feel.  It could be that they don't realize what they are doing.  If they don't respond and the group really is cliquish then you will know that it might be time to join another group.

[fassopony]

I would wait until after the house warming party, like a week or two and say something like this-

" Ya know, that house warming party was so fun, I really enjoyed it.  I really feel like doing social things like that is something I want to be part of, including the various holidays and other reasons for celebration".

Non-accusatory and just shares your feelings.  Now, if everyone ignores you, then discuss what is up with the lack of invites.  You also may need to initiate things first.  Throw a "practice 4th of July" picnic this coming weekend, small low key and fun, invite them.  Who cares if only 2 can come or all, doesn't matter.  GET OUT THERE!

If you need menu planning help let me know, my grandmother was a renowned hostess and I can throw a party for 50 in 3 hours flat.  GO!