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Lay Evangelism
Acts 1:8 (NIV)
The ALPHA Course
Mark and I are currently running our third ALPHA course at St. Mary's. One of our home groups is also doing ALPHA; and we are planning our next course to start in January 2007. We have had quite a few requests from mums with pre-school children, and also adults wanting to be baptised along with their children. We would like to run a lunchtime or breakfast ALPHA; or both, depending on numbers. This does mean finding an appropriate venue, and also people to run a crèche. We also need to think hard about where else we can advertise the courses; by building up relationships with pubs, restaurants and local businesses; and by asking our congregations for help in these matters. Youth ALPHA is being held at HRS for years 7 and 8 at lunchtime. It is run by Emma, our youth worker; and I go along to help out on Tuesdays.
ALPHA follow up
We take follow up very seriously with the ALPHA courses. We have a nurture group that meets every other week at Mark's house; we held an ALPHA get-together at my house in the Summer for the first two groups; and we keep in touch with all the participants throughout the year, inviting them to church events, and meeting up from time to time. One person has joined an existing home group; four come to church for some services; and a couple have renewed their faith. We have all kept in touch, but some aren't that comfortable with traditional church services. However, they all seem to read their Bibles regularly.
Pram Service
Most weeks I go along to the Pram Service. I sometimes tell the story; very occasionally make the tea; often help with the washing up; and always talk to the mums (and sometimes dads). Some of the mums come to the All Age services with their children and find them welcoming; and some came to our Ladies Night. There is potential there that we need to look at.
Evangelistic and Follow- up Prayer Group
This small group arose out of the follow-up prayer meetings that were held at Jo Parker's house for the Walk Roding Mission, and have been running for about four weeks. We pray for direction with evangelism, outreach and mission within our church and in Dunmow.; and also for love and tolerance for each other, as in Colossians 3:13 "Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another." (NIV)
Womens' Ministry
This has developed with a vengeance since the Ladies Night we organised during Walk Roding week. There's been a lot of follow up (approx. 50), and Jo Parker, Jo Hargrave, and Emma Jarratt (youth work permitting), and I are now meeting to plan a programme of future events. I have also received enquiries from further afield. Ladies from Saffron Walden; High Roding; and Bishop Christopher's Parish Development Advisor in Colchester have all contacted me about the venture and our future plans.
Coming Up
On Thursday, 23rd November I am going to a preview of the film:'The Nativity Story', courtesy of Premier Christian Radio.
On November 28th I am going to a conference in London called 'Jesus Centred Ministry'. The speakers at this event promise to be interesting and inspiring, and include Rob Parsons from 'Care in the Family', and the new head of the Church Army, Mark Russell, who is just 32 years old.
In February 2007 I shall be attending a conference of evangelists at Chorley Wood, led by the international evangelist J. John.
I hope that this has given you an idea of what I am doing as a Lay-Evangelist in the parish. The position is a relatively new one, with only about twenty of us working in the diocese; and most times I feel like a pioneer, trusting in God to guide me. At times it can seem very frustrating, but then someone will 'phone me up completely unexpectedly, wanting to know more about the Christian Faith; or wanting to share their love and commitment for Jesus, and I realise just what a privilege it is to be doing this. Thank you for your support and prayers.
Sue Goodman, November 2006