Churches in Redditch gathered for a special service on Sunday to celebrate working together and forming a new Mission Area. During the service, the High Sheriff of Worcestershire presented some…
The High Sherrif, Charles Moyle presented awards to those who had been involved in developing the Redditch Christmas Toy Appeal which this year enabled 600 children from 250 families to receive Christmas presents. Elaine Whitfield was presented with a special award for her leadership of the campaign and the work she had done to encourage all the Redditch churches to get involved.
Charles Moyle said: “It is only with commitment that a community can pull together. The Redditch Christmas Toy Appeal is a great example of how when a community comes together with a shared purpose, it can have real impact. The Appeal was a beacon of hope and shows how the spirit of Christmas and the power of community can bring joy and lasting change.”
During the service Bishop Martin commissioned Paul Lawlor as Area Dean of Redditch and Bromsgrove with special responsibility for the Redditch Mission Area. He offered a reflection on the reading saying: “It is important that we sometimes take a step back to get the bigger picture and take time to listen to Jesus through prayer and reflection. We can’t always tell where the harvest will be or where growth will come, but by working together and listening to Jesus we can be a power for good and for God in our community.”
Archdeacon Nikki and Paul Lawlor explained the journey towards forming a Redditch Mission Area, which was started with a series of consultations in 2021. They explained that it will be very informal and relational, enabling the 13+ worshipping communities to work together collaboratively.
Paul said: “We all long to see more people come into a relationship with the living God and that’s what the Redditch Mission Area is all about. All of the churches across Redditch and the surrounding villages from Alvechurch and Feckenham to Tardebigge will retain their uniqueness and know what God is calling them to do and be, but we will also be able to work together, for example sharing administration and ministry to children and young people. There are around 95,000 people in the new Mission Area, and currently only 3% have a connection with a church. Together we want to facilitate, enable and share in God’s mission across this greater Redditch area.”
After the service, all those present moved to the church hall to enjoy a glass of fizz and some specially produced cakes!
St Peter’s CE Academy and St Peter’s Church in the Saltway Team have been awarded a silver Church and School Partnership Award recognising the close relationship between the church, school and local community.
This year’s Church of England Advent and Christmas theme focuses on the first and greatest Christmas gift of all: the gift of God being born as one of us in Jesus Christ.
An article from Archdeacon Mark for December editions of parish magazines.
The Muslim-Christian dialogue group in Lye, Stourbridge, arranged a litter pick on 31 October to clear up two local streets.
A new singing group for children will launch at St Peter’s Centre at Pedmore Church on 15 November, 10 years after Singing Angels originally began at St Andrew’s Church on the Straits.
Bishop Hugh visited Cropthorne with Charlton C of E First School on 3 November to share in their collective worship and meet with the children.
Approaching 5,000 poppies will again be on display this year both outside and inside St Mary and All Saints Church, Kidderminster as a solemn reminder of the sacrifices made by those who served and continue to serve in armed conflicts worldwide.
Last weekend, Bishop Alan Winton confirmed candidates from the parishes of Gornal and Sedgley and Kingswinford at All Saints’ Church in Sedgley. We asked the candidates from All Saints to tell us about their journey to confirmation and the difference their faith has made to their lives.
St Andrew's Church in Netherton launched a weekly Wellbeing Café last month to provide a safe and warm space for…
On Sunday 18 October, we gathered with great joy to celebrate and give thanks for those working with Children, Young People and Families across the Diocese.