Interestingly, last year we wrote that ‘As a group we are concerned that the whole church becomes more mission oriented and so we are looking to support the PCC in how this fits in the whole picture. We need to continually question if this is what God wants us to be doing, and are we reaching out to the local community, as He would like us to do?’
During the year we have sought to review the role of the OG, particularly in the light of outreach forming an integral part of ‘Our Groups’. At the whole Church meetings held in June, there were concerns voiced that outreach opportunities and events would require some co-ordination. It was agreed that the OG would continue to meet and take initiatives in the short term, but would try to involve the emerging groups. The role of the OG might well evolve into becoming a central resource to inspire, train and provide encouragement for the groups to take on outreach activities.
Events and actions that have been undertaken/supported include:
Easter Newsletter
Buildings signpost at entrance to St James’ campus
Sunday Afternoon Teas (Friends of St James)
Pentecost Open Air Service (CTBS)
Newcomer’s Cheese & Wine Evening
Singing at Premier Court, Parkside, Castle View (Musicians)
Tough Talk (CTBS)
Holiday Bible Week (CTBS)