Each year people from all over Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire gather for The Two Counties’ Service.

Open to all, this is our opportunity to worship God together, to celebrate and renew the covenants we have with each other, and to learn something about projects that are running between our churches.

Held on a spring Sunday evening we have held this in various churches, though we try to find one that is easily accessible to most people. The service is mostly organised by a local “Churches Together” group and highlights the sort of work they are sharing together as well as areas of concern and interest to us all. Local Christians also have an opportunity to contribute to the worship.

The leaders of our various denominations make this Service a priority and in the course of it publicly reaffirm their own commitment to their personal covenant with each other.

In 2010 we are planning a service in Nottingham at Mansfield Road Baptist Church  for Sunday April 18th, 6.30pm.

Make it a date!

Central Methodist, Chesterfield,  venue for the 2009

Two Counties’ Service

Many thanks to Revd Gordon Webb and the Methodists of Chesterfield who with other local Christians organised the 2009 Two Counties’ service.

Those in Central Methodist church, which was as packed as the programme, heard an address by the Revd Stephen Poxon, current president of the Methodist conference, witnessed drama by young people, heard choir items, and learned about a developing partnership between local churches following on from “Hope 08” activities, and also about the work of Pathways, a local day centre for those who are either homeless or rootless.

(Pathways provides support, advice and refuge for homeless and rootless people and those with no fixed abode in Chesterfield and the surrounding area. It works in partnership with the public, private and voluntary sectors and supports those who are disadvantaged or suffering from a variety of physical, social and emotional needs.)

There was as always also a chance to witness the regional Church Leaders

renew their Covenant and for all present to follow their example by putting their names to our covenant for all churches and Christians in the two counties.

An offering taken on the night amounted to £703.35 and was divided between Pathways and Ashgate Hospice.

Peace on Earth and Goodwill to all? - Carols, music and drama for all, in preparation for Christmas.

Sunday 6th December, 3pm, St Peter's Church (next to Marks and Spencer), Nottingham NG1 2NW.

Led by Paul Heppleston of the Iona Community, with local school and church choirs; drama and singing for all

Charlotte Marshall of Christian Aid will speak about Bethlehem

Collection in aid of Christian Aid.  All welcome!