It is quite likely that your local church works together with other local congregations in something known as “Churches Together in xxx”
What do they actually do? Many are responsible for joint action such as Christian Aid collections, support of local charities or outreach events. They may plan shared services or organise study groups at some point during the year. Many have a very active involvement with their local community.
Of course, all groups can get into get into the rut of regular routine - but many are looking to develop their work.
The County Ecumenical Development Officer writes:
What do they actually do? Many are responsible for joint action such as Christian Aid collections, support of local charities or outreach events. They may plan shared services or organise study groups at some point during the year. Many have a very active involvement with their local community.
Of course, all groups can get into get into the rut of regular routine - but many are looking to develop their work.
The County Ecumenical Development Officer writes:
Recently some groups have been glad to think through with me the direction of their work – is it doing any more than repeating a familiar set of events? Is it enabling increasing knowledge of each other and fellowship between our traditions? Is it assisting the mission of the church or just adding another meeting to a busy schedule?
Some Anglican and Methodist churches have been exploring what it means locally to have a national agreement between their denominations.
Christians in some areas are considering the possibility of linking not just single congregations but whole deaneries and districts in local covenants.
As always some churches are planning to enter into new ecumenical partnerships, strengthening their life and witness.
Hopefully yours is looking to discover the mission dimension of ecumenism, the prime purpose of all of our activity.
And as always, I am more than willing to provide pastoral support for you or any of your local leaders and people when you have difficulties or uncertainties about the future in any of these contexts.
Do give me a call!
Contact me on cedo@churchestogethernottinghamshire.org.uk
or ring 01332 705078
Churches Together Groups
One group Litter-picking
For Hope 08