Helen Wordsworth points us to the radio program which explored Parish Nursing as part of the series on the 60th anniversary of the NHS. Parish Nursing is an outreach initiative of trained nurses who through local churches. The podcast link is:
http://downloads.bbc.co.uk/podcasts/wales/atc/atc_20080706-0905.mp3
Michael Harvey reports that Back to Church Sunday is not only being picked up by more and more church denominations and streams but also congregations as far away as new Zealand and Canada who have heard about the success of inviting people back to church on a specific Sunday. General website is:
It has been said that 84% of the population have visited a place of worship in the last year. What many find to read when they visit a church is an account of the history and building, rather than the purpose and account of Christian belief. Jeremy Williams of Lifewords has produced a brilliant Gospel give away which includes a card for the Christian Enquiry Agency. It is called Look Around You.
Developed for churches that are open to visitors or on the tourist trail, but lack the resources to create their own literature. The fold out card offers a meditative walk around a church building, exploring the symbolism of church architecture with simple reflections and prayers. It has been designed to work in any church building, and is worded for visitors at any stage of faith. www.sgmlifewords.com, or by calling 020 7730 2155. As a charity, all SGM Lifewords' work is funded by generous supporters, so there is no up-front charge for the materials, but you will have the chance to donate when ordering.
Copies of Look Around You are available from SGM Lifewords, and are part of the Historic Churches range, which also includes a series of four prayer cards. They can be ordered online at
Richard Sudworth is a mission partner with CMS in inner city Birmingham and works for Faith to Faith. He has written this book 'Distinctly Welcoming' addressing cultural questions and relevant outreach with the various faith communities he has engaged with. This book has been promoted as a Lent resource but is relevant for all seasons of the Christian year. Details at:
In 2007 it is estimated that 2000 churches invited back 20,000 friends back to church through the 'Back to Church welcome initiative. Lots more churches in different denominations are picking up on the simple and successful scheme and this year the advance notice is that 'Back to Church Sunday' is going to be on September 28th 2008. All details on:
Messy Church is all about getting messy in church and attracting families and all age people to getting involved in practical learning activities. Lucy Moore has started a blog with videos illustrating activities, including testimonies of people who have been drawn to church as a result. Simply click on the link to find out more and join in the discussion:
