| We find it helpful to think of our work of evangelism with the mnemonic
B.E.T.H.A.N.Y. Each letter representing B for Bible Study, E for Evangelism, T for
Teaching, H for Housegroups, A for Outreach! N for Nurture and Y for Unity!
Bible Study -
Bible Reading Fellowship notes are available and used regularly. During the week there is
a service of Morning Prayer with a time of meditation and reflection on the scriptures for
the following Sunday, all are welcome. In Advent of each year there is usually a series of
talks by the clergy and, although not specifically bible study, this is usually a part of
the teaching element. In the Autumn we join with "Together in Christ" partners to explore aspects of the Bible - see the Annual Report for a review of 2005.
Evangelism
is something we try to work out through our Vision Statement and centres around Welcome - where we are currently taking practical steps to make our church building accessible to all.
Teaching is
primarily through the pulpit and via the Advent and Autumn talks. Our
new Church Centre has given more opportunity for teaching in congenial and well equipped surroundings, especially with our young people. "Education for Ministry" was launched in 2005 and has 8 participants.
Housegroups are a vital part of our life at Saint John's. We have several groups meeting around the
parish, these are mixtures of prayer and bible study groups and one which focuses on world
mission. We very much hope that groups will multiply and are working towards in the parish
trying to keep before us the model of Welcome, Worship and Word.
New groups are being planned for September 2006.
A Outreach is
something which comes naturally to folk at St. John's. We do this through the ministry of
occasional services, details of which are on our Care page together
with the distribution of Easter and Christmas cards to all parishioners. We also have a
marvellous team of lay Pastoral Assistants who keep tabs on people in the parish. Being a
traditional parish church, many folk turn to the church in times of tragedy and
celebration.
Nurture is
something we find expressed mainly through our Junior Church work and the preparation of
our youngsters for communion before confirmation. Also through our confirmation courses for both teenagers and adults.
Y Unity is
something we are fortunate to be able to express regularly in Merrow with our brothers and
sisters from the Methodist, Roman Catholic and Baptist Churches here. Through our local
initiative called Together in Christ we meet regularly for worship; have an annual Good
Friday walk of witness; shared Lent Courses and
many other ecumenical ventures. See our links pages if you would like to make contact with
local churches. |
