Canon Richard White; Director of The Joshua Centre is keen for parishes to embrace an initiative – ‘natter’, first pioneered by John Marsh in Sheffield as a way of developing new communities and congregations.
He told us:
“In Sheffield, they’ve established an exciting network of groups – ‘natter’ aimed at reducing social isolation in the older generation. John Marsh, who came up with ‘natter’ is coming to talk us on 27th February about his experience and advise on how you could set up a ‘natter’ group in your church.”
And added:
“This is a simple, yet incredibly powerful way to be involved in God’s mission amongst lonely older people. It takes many of the coffee mornings and lunch clubs we have been doing for years to the next level.”
The network started at St Thomas Crookes Church in March 2010 and since October 2014 has been rolled out across the Diocese of Sheffield.
The person behind ‘natter’, John Marsh, is an ordained minister in the Church of England and lives with his family in Sheffield, South Yorkshire. He complements his work helping churches to set up and run missional communities to outreach to seniors around Sheffield as a primary school teacher and school chaplain. You can find out more about ‘natter’ on the website.
Introducing ‘natter’: a new way for your church to engage with the over 60s.
Date: 27th February 2018
Where: Storyhouse, 32 Liverpool Road, Crosby, Liverpool, L23 5SF
Time 11 am to 2 pm
Speaker: John Marsh
You’ll need to book your place on “Introducing ‘natter’: a new way for your church to engage with the over 60s” by 9th February.
The Joshua Centre is organising this event. If you have any queries about this event, or about developing new congregations please contact Sharon Boden, who'll be able to direct your query.
E: sharon.boden@liverpool.anglican.org
You also find out more about The Joshua Centre on their website.
Embracing a new way to engage with people over 60 as a way to start new communit
First published on: 25th January 2018