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

Categories: Stories from Programme 1   •   0 Comments   •   Permanent link

An Open Door Invitation

Half way through the first hymn I noticed a man enter the church and slip into a pew. He was not someone I recognised. A churchwarden handed him a hymn book and he joined in the rest of the service.

At coffee afterwards I discovered that he was from overseas and a regular visitor to his daughter who lived locally. Somehow he’d previously formed the impression that the little Church of Ireland church was not open for worship. That morning he had been walking by when he saw a bright new notice board on the church wall. The church gate was open and he saw that the driveway had been resurfaced recently. At either side of the church door, attractive planters were full of flowers giving the place a cheerful and inviting look. He then heard the words of a familiar hymn come from inside the building so he abandoned his trip to the shop and came to church. He had appreciated the welcome and enjoyed the service and promised to attend our church the next time he was back.

Impressions can count. One of the many things we did as part of the Church 21 programme was audit the exterior of our churches. We saw that our notice board was largely hidden, tired looking and minus the address of our new website and that the gravel driveway was difficult for those with buggies and the elderly. The church was wonderfully cared for inside, but we hadn’t really thought about the image we presented outside.

This is just one small example of how Church 21 has made a positive difference to our parish. It’s the little things that can make a big difference.

Canon Adrian Wilkinson, Rector of the Douglas Union, Cork

Posted by John Ryan on 10 Dec 08

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Archbishops of Armagh and Dublin

Church21 offers parishes across the Church of Ireland a way of working out their response to the challenge of the House of Bishops, to “Growth, Unity and Service”. The journeying together is a significant part of the experience. 

We commend the programme to any parish wanting to clarify its vision and turn aspiration into action.”

– The Most Revd Alan Harper OBE Archbishop of Armagh and Primate of All Ireland
– The Most Revd Dr John Neill Archbishop of Dublin and Primate of Ireland

Posted by John Ryan on 1 Oct 08

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Bishop Ken Clarke

Church21 is one of the most exciting initiatives in the Church of Ireland in recent years. It is not just theory, it is practice. It is not just words, it is action. It is not about moving into an ecclesiastical cul-de-sac, it is about discovering who God has called us to be as growing communities of faith and life. It is not some imposed straightjacket; rather it is about exploring and being the church God intends us to be. I warmly commend Church21.

Bishop Ken Clarke

Posted by John Ryan on 1 Oct 08

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