The Mailing 2009/06
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May Assembly - you said......
The President’s challenge you said….
“Ouch! Hardest hitting session I have ever heard from the denominations.”
“The interaction was Brilliant!”
“This was brilliant. I will try to read this at my church so that they all get the feel of what Jill was saying.”
“Real challenge concerning sharing faith especially with family – neighbours- friends (non-church)”
Read the full text downloadable opposite
And the rest of the day……..
“My first CF event out with my area so helpful in broadening my vision.”
“Lots to think about – look forward to the next year.”
“Fellowship at CF assembly always brilliant and it was today!!”
“Encouraging and full of ideas for future growth.”
“An opportunity to cascade down to local level all that has gone on.”
“Made me think more and determined to DO rather than THINK!”
Be loved of God - Follow Jill’s Presidential year via her blog following the link opposite
One of the key significant changes that took place at this year’s new format Assembly was the opportunity for feedback.
Whilst the Question time session allowed for the Council’s report of what has been done to be ratified, the direction going forward will always require shaping.
Council the CF Trustee body with Area representatives plus the Officers and Chairs of Committees will have the opportunity at their next meeting to reflect on the feedback given. Thus Assembly is key in shaping the CF’s future priorities and purposes.
Church Planting - does this interest you?
From the 17th to the 20th November 2009 CWM Europe, Together in Mission, Wycliffe and the Methodist Church will jointly co-host a consultation on Church Planting. The event will take place at The Forum in Bath with accommodation at the Bath YM'ICA and will involve 20 participants from CWM Europe.
It is hoped that the event will attract several hundred other participants who have an interest or who are currently involved in church planting and new forms of Christian community.
As background to it "Mission 21" was a conference held in Sheffield in 2006 that brought together 550 leaders, activists and strategists to discuss church planting in its various forms. Church planting is happening in many different forms and guises Including churches not usually associated with this activity.
Like many historical European churches CWM Europe partner churches are experiencing decline and where not decline, standing still. However, our partner churches are also exploring in different ways 'fresh expressions' of church and maybe tentatively, beginning to consider church planting and/or re-planting, There is an increasing openness and need to re-imagine the shape of church whilst maintaining the church we have inherited. It would also be true that church planting is an issue that the partner churches of CWM Europe have identified is necessary to explore in the current Mission Programme.
The aim of the workshop is to provide participants with an opportunity to explore church planting models, to learn from a wider range of experience, to consider possible ways of developing church planting.
The Federation has four funded places - are you interested in attending if so please contact Bob Franklyn or Michael Heaney.
Window on the World holiday conference
Window on the World is a holiday conference organised by the European Region of the Council for World Mission, taking place on 10 - 16 August 2009. At Window on the World Christians of all ages can meet people from the world church, learn more about God’s mission and grow in faith.
The conference theme is “take home the good news” Jesus’ encouragement to “go and make disciples” is amongst his last recorded words, but how should his people share the good news?
The conference will be held at the Urdd Centre, Llangrannog, West Wales. The Centre has full conference facilities, a restaurant, a leisure centre, and a heated swimming pool. A wide range of outdoor pursuits suitable for most ages is also available including pony trekking, skiing, quad biking, roller blading and many more.
The Federation is offering £50 subsidy on fees per person to those attending from Federation Churches. Brochures are already with churches or from the Federation offices or via the website.
News Round up
Fundraising Guide - Viv Nicholls of the North Gwent Joint Ministry in South Wales has been actively fundraising for a number of years for projects in relation to her churches. From her experiences she has put together a simple and informative guide to fundraising for churches. If anyone would like one they are available for £3 to cover cost of printing and postage direct from Viv at 7 Maesycnew Terrace, Llanhilleth, Abertillery, Gwent, NP13 2RR. Tel 01495214784
Training - It is still not too late to sign up for ‘Faith Journeys’ the Congregational Federation Foundation Course. Churches have postcards and fliers with more information. Do ask!
One Respe appeal for the Dominican Republic - The Federation have received a thank you card from Christian Aid for us reaching our first year’s target of £10,000 for this important work in the Dominican Republic. A team from CF will be visiting in November to bring back first hand experiences of how your money is being used.
Please consider a gift either for the first time, or again for this second of three years for our appeal. Please note all your donations go to the project via Christian Aid. The Visit and associated costs are separately funded by CF, Christian Aid and the participants concerned.