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 awards and Paul Lawlor was also commissioned as Area Dean with Special Responsibility for the Redditch Mission Area.
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!
