Inspired and Going
The whole team came together on Saturday at Lavington School, near Devizes, to help facilitate a day focusing on mission, and how to connect with the local community as a church. It was an excellent day, and thanks go to Danela, and a team of assistant curates from across the Area, who coordinated and produced a wonderful day.
After some opening worship, and a bible reflection from me on salt and light, we were inspired by a keynote address by The Rev Andy Bowerman, the Team Rector of Wareham, who gave accounts of his recent mission initiatives in Bradford [the one up north!] where he was asked to set up a church for those who do not go to church. He set up a café, and imaginatively engaged people through his love of food, and his wonderful gift of hospitality. Check out the website http://gracesite.wordpress.com/those-were-the-days-%E2%80%A6/archbishop-of-canterbury-visits-vicars-saltaire/ Andy also has been chaplain to Bradford City FC, and has some wonderful creative ideas for his new ministry in Wareham – including the purchase of an ice-cream van for next summer.
The 90 or so people then went off to workshops which included some tried and tested ideas, and some new ones, including the Open the Book scheme; Fun Church; Story Telling; Linking with the Community; Mission Action Planning, etc, etc.
We closed the day with some more worship, chatted about the sparks that we will try to carry with us back into our parishes, were encouraged by Bishop Stephen’s summing up, and left one another with promises of prayers, and keeping in touch to see where we can make a difference. A great day – watch out for it next time!
