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
When you have got something good you want to share it. As Christians in Ferndown we have the “Good News” about God’s love for us through Jesus Christ and we are passionate about sharing it with everyone!
We have an Outreach Team who meet to plan and organise specific outreach events and projects. However, everyone is welcome to be involved in these activities and expressing an interest certainly doesn’t commit you to every event running!
Outreach on the Streets
During the run up to the major festivals we distribute leaflets about our services and activities at St Mary’s along with hot cross buns (Easter), apples & cereal bars (Harvest) and mince pies (Christmas).
Outreach Events
Each year we organise a “Fireworks and Bonfire Party” in November and get involved with other church events and activities including the promotion and running of the Alpha Course. We also plan to take part in the Ferndown Carnival from 2009 onwards.
A metaphor for outreach is the sowing and reaping of a Harvest.
At St Mary’s we encourage :-
Events which promote community and relationship – Sowing 1
Events where the gospel is shared and taught - Sowing 2
Events where an opportunity to respond and learn – Reaping
(e.g The Alpha course)
* Source: Laurence Singlehust of YWAM
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.
Public Relations and Communication – We are concerned with the image of our church and with our relationships with local organisations as well as individuals in the Ferndown community. We seek to make our communications effective by using a mixture of traditional (flyers, posters, noticeboards) and contemporary methods (website, e-mails, BLOGS, 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.
