'The Growing Faith group has restored hope and renewed enthusiasm' 

First published on: 1st October 2021

A monthly 'Reflecting on Growing Faith' focus group has been meeting on zoom with the aim of enabling the three areas of church, home, and school to better operate in partnership. Discovering new ways of being church and creating new thinking and doing in relation to all the ages. Some of the participants of the first focus group share their thoughts here:

 

 

'During the last 18 months, when we have all felt cut off from our church communities and have felt that we have lost so much ground with our children and young families, the Growing Faith group has restored hope and renewed enthusiasm. We have been introduced to inspiring speakers and have realised that we can work creatively to reach out and speak to those we might have felt we have lost. We have had times for quiet reflection and time to support each other, realising that we are not alone and that there are others out there experiencing the same challenges and the same ideas. This group has really helped me to be re-enthused and has been a source of inspiration and support.'  

June Dunning, Local Missional Leader. St Philips Westbrook  

 

'I got involved with the Growing Faith focus group shortly after taking on a new parish.  It has enabled me to work alongside our children’s ministry coordinator and, together, to ask some deeper questions about our vision for the involvement of children and young people in our church. The ideas and the support we have received from the team have been excellent and I would thoroughly recommend taking part.' 

Rev Marie Raffay, Vicar, St Michael’s Huyton 

 

'I have enjoyed the ‘Reflecting on Growing Faith Focus Group’. We were able to examine what the Church, in our own settings presents to a child, a young person and a family. We were challenged, encouraged and supported throughout the six months in so many ways. And for each of us the Lord will be speaking into different areas. One of the phrases used was the idea of being intentional. When reflecting I would return to God given images presented to me one day during Church worship.  

Prior to Covid, my church had tentatively discussed Sunday provision for children, young people and families with the aim of prayerfully changing something. One of the ‘Growing in Faith’ facilitators attended a PCC meeting and gave us much ‘food for thought’ which led to a summer Sunday redesign of worship. Our next step will be to gather for prayer to see if the Lord wants us to pursue a new service designed for families to worship and learn together.  So, you see the group has helped our confidence, knowledge and purpose in seeking to bring others to faith, to build upon current faith and to seek the Lord’s guidance in all things.'  

Rita Hayes, Reader, St Mary Grassendale  

  

'Being part of this group has been a tremendous encouragement to me.  

It's been good to share experiences and ideas - and to know that no one person has all the answers! It has helped keep me focused, especially during the strange and disconnected time we have all gone through.' 

Margaret Moore Childrens Co-ordinator  

 

Are you interested in finding out more?

Get involved as Sue Mitchell and Dr Sarah Holmes lead the first in our new season of Open the Box Conversations talking about 'The Growing Faith Adventure' on 5th October. Register via Eventbrite now.

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