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Small Church – Big Blessing
Can a small church benefit from something like Church21? Rev Daniel Nuzum, rector of Templebreedy parish in the diocese of Cork would certainly say, “Yes!” He writes,
The small congregation in the rural parish of Nohoval in the Diocese of Cork has been experiencing a slow decline in numbers over many years. In 2005 the Select Vestry decided to address this and started a process of engaging with the parishioners about the future. This process dovetailed nicely with Church21 and we were delighted to be part of something much bigger than ourselves and to journey with others on a similar path.
We started the journey with a willingness to be open to where God might be leading us and knowing that it wouldn’t necessarily be easy or popular! Under the guidance of our facilitator John Tyrrell, we focused on three key areas: Worship, Developing Community and our Church Building. Our decline has been reversed and numbers have increased steadily. Our sense of being the ‘family of God’ has increased and there is a renewed openness to what God is doing in our midst. For the first time in a number of years our financial situation is not the main item on the agenda! We have reordered our church building to provide new seating which has given us greater flexibility and comfort. We have installed a deaf loop system and a Public Address system, a children’s church area and there is more to be done. Some of the structural changes were painful decisions but ones that have allowed us to stay together as a parish family. That for us has been the greatest blessing.
Posted by John Ryan on 10 Dec 08
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