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Church in Action
... in Parishes throughout
the Diocese
One of the aims of Hope08 Belper is to get young people involved
in acts of kindness and practical service which make a difference
to the community. Litter-picks are a simple, but effective means
of doing this. On a blustery Saturday in March around 30 young
people aged 11-18 gathered for a game of rounders before being
provided with bags, pincers and gloves to tackle the town.
In
all, 20 black bin bags were filled by the young people before
they met up at the Leisure Centre for chips. A prize was awarded
for the most litter collected. As one collected commented: “A
fun and eco-friendly way to serve the local community.”
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out more about Hope 08 Belper >>
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In March a brand-new set of front doors
were flung wide open to welcome friends, neighbours and the simply
curious to the extended and refurbished
United Church of All Saints. The building was closed from last
September, but the church, which is a Methodist and Anglican
ecumenical partnership,
is now well equipped to meet 21st century needs.
The whole project
could not have been done without the sale of the chapel, a major
grant from Biffaward and several smaller grants, but the support
of village people, as well as the local congregation, has been
indispensable. “We
can’t thank people enough for their interest and good will,” said
minister, Simon White.
At St Wilfrid’s, West Hallam, 1st Sunday at Four was started
just over twelve months ago. This venture came out of a year of
thinking, sharing and praying about the way forward, and was crystallised
at the Diocesan Day of Prayer in 2006.
People gather at 4pm in
the Village Hall to share a cuppa or squash, a cookie or cake.
The age range is 4 to 93, including around six children. The
children play table games with some of the adults whilst the others,
many
of whom live alone, sit around tables, chat, laugh and enjoy
the company. At 5pm, still seated, they share a short Northumbrian
Community-style act of worship, including a said psalm, hymns,
a scripture reading and quiet meditation.
The evening congregation,
usually less than twenty, often reaches almost 40 on these
occasions. The emphasis is on building community, meeting need
and worshipping
together.
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