Outreach from St Mary's Church
At St Mary's it is not good enough to just look at ministry within the church members, and whilst there is a lot going on (just look at the Ministries and Activities within St Mary's - we also look at those close to us in our community and also far afield in other countries.
But that is not all - we support many other missionaries near and far - and also pray for hot spots around the world! For further help in praying for people in the mission fields check out the missionary prayer diary.
OUTREACH is to all but we want to stress the effectiveness of reaching men as it gives a 93% chance of reaching the family and men who are usually in the minority in the Christian community.
We take to the town centre in Ferndown during the run up to Easter, Harvest Festival and Christmas distributing leaflets about the services offered by St Mary’s together with hot cross buns, apples and mince pies as appropriate. We also help to organise a bonfire party, and hope to join the Ferndown carnival and any other one off activities that may come up. Everyone is invited to join in or help with any of our outreach activities and it must be noted that no one will expected to always help or sit on any committee. Hopefully, we are providing an easy opportunity for others to get involved.
We encourage :- events which promote community and relationship – Sowing 1 (after Laurence Singlehust of YWAM)
Events where the gospel is expounded - Sowing 2
Events where an opportunity to respond and learn – Reaping (eg The Alpha course)
The Alpha course is a 10 evening course involving food and good jargonless information about the basic beliefs of Christianity in a relaxed and unpressured environment. These are run on a regular basis and it is our desire to see Alpha in home groups this year.
We are concerned with the image of our church in the local community, such as noticeboards and message monitors.
We are open to any ideas or suggestions that may be put forward.
If you would like to hear more about outreach or maybe join in please do not hesitate to contact either Tony Thornton on 01202 578296 or Patricia Galbraith on 01202 861452.