The Mailing 2010/04
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Growing Disciples - ready steady, grow!
Does your church feel as though it wants to explore new possibilities, but it is not sure where to start? Or you hope to grow in relationship with each other, and you want to act confidently in your community, but you need encouragement? Then Growing Disciples is the resource for you.
For over a year, this resource has been researched, planned and piloted. Following trials of the materials in ten different church situations, we are happy to launch the initiative for the benefit of Federation churches.
So, what is Growing Disciples? It is -
- a resource to help your church grow in purpose and confidence
- ambitious, because there are no quick-fix solutions to the challenges we face, so it consists of fifteen sessions (in 5 short booklets, plus optional materials on a CD and a website
- flexible, so you can adapt it according to your context (the materials are varied; every session can be done in 1 of 3 ways) available for only £5 per person
Are you intrigued, interested or excited? For more information or to apply for your packs, email
growingdisciples@googlemail.com or phone 0115 911 1460
Rev Dr Graham Adams has written and coordinated the programme with the help of others. He will be launching the material at the May Assembly where you will have the opportunity of engaging with it and finding out more.
This is a major resource for our churches which we anticipate will be a real blessing for many who are willing to explore their faith further.
Training successful leaders for thirty years
The CF Training course celebrates its 30th anniversary on Monday 14th June at Westminster College Cambridge. All present and former students are invited for 2 p.m. The afternoon will include a tour of the College by the Principal, Dr Susan Durber, lecture by John Proctor ‘Inspiration and perspiration: the New Testament and ministerial training’ and Afternoon Tea. Further information will be sent once you have booked in.
In recognition of the anniversary
‘Serving the Saints’ - A History of the Congregational Federation's Training Board 1979-2010 by Dr Alan Argent will be available from May at the Assembly. Price just £6 or £7.50 inc p&p. To book your place at the celebration contact Nottingham offices or email to
training@congregational.org.uk by 24th May.
National Survey of Churches 2010
The National Churches Trust is launching a survey of the churches, chapels and meeting houses in the UK, the first of its kind.
The National Churches Trust Survey 2010 will include buildings of every Christian denomination, of all ages and conditions, to understand how they are maintained, repaired, funded and used by their local communities. It will aim to create a national picture of the current status of these places of worship.
The survey can be found online at the link opposite and will launch in April 2010.
All churches, chapels and meeting houses in the UK are encouraged to submit their information. The online survey includes guidance as to how to fill it in, and technical support is offered.
The National Churches Trust, formerly the Historic Churches Preservation Trust, has designed the survey in close co-operation with heritage organisations, Christian denominations and those that look after churches.
The survey offers a unique opportunity for communities with responsibilities for a church building to share their successes and raise any concerns. By understanding the experiences of communities across the UK, it will also offer practical assistance by encouraging churches to discuss their experiences.
Further questions about filling in the survey can be addressed to Charlotte Walshe at nationalchurchestrust@surveylab.co.uk or The National Churches Trust, 31 Newbury Street, London EC1A 7HU.
For further information about the National Churches Trust visit their website using the link opposite.
Congregational & Gerneral Charitable Trust
The aim of the Congregational & General Charitable Trust is to make grants for building maintenance and towards the capital costs of community projects to support Protestant churches, in particular those of the United Reformed and Congregational denominations.
Established in 1956 as the charitable arm of the Congregational & General Insurance Company and reformed in 1987 as a separate entity, the Trust receives a contribution from the insurance company. This has been wholly owned by the Trust since 1994. A Council of Management is responsible for the administration and management of the Trust and all grants made are based on the Trusts Objectives.
Grants are awarded by the Congregational & General Charitable Trust twice a year to Churches and charitable causes. The closing dates for applications to be considered are 31st January and 31st July each year. At the present time only applications conforming to the following criteria will be considered for a grant:
- Funds for building or property projects to churches and charities of the United Reformed and Congregational denominations or other Protestant churches
- Church community projects seeking funding towards their capital costs
To apply for a grant please download the application form from their website at the link opposite.
Congregational Churches to have been awarded grants recently have included Newport Isle of Wight; Hay Mills Birmingham; Newark; Wavertree Liverpool; and Hillsborough, Sheffield.
Do consider applying for a grant for your projects.
May Assembly 2010 - The few and 72 - All churches have been sent full details of this year’s Assembly in Leicester. For the first time this year it includes a fringe meeting on the Friday evening at Clarendon Park Congregational Church. Ask your Secretary for more information. Assembly Review and the Day’s Programme are now also available. Further copies available free of charge from the office.
Wake up Call sets more dates -
24 April : Birmingham
22 May : London
19 June : Eastern Area