Challenge - Lent 2010
Dare to make a difference by living the words of Jesus
The Bishops of our Diocese are laying before us all a challenge for Lent 2010. The WHAT is dare to make a difference by living the words of Jesus. The WHEN will be in Lent 2010. The HOW will be through receiving a verse each day from Luke’s Gospel and Lent bible Study Groups in parishes. The WHO is for everyone, young or old, church goer or not. The Lent course is called Word of Challenge, Words of Life which we shall be using here in Flitwick. Watch this page for further local information and use the link here www.challenge2010.org for more details.
Challenge Action Guide for parishes number 1 (pdf)
Challenge Action Guide for parishes number 2 (pdf)
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Pentecost in the Park
Sunday, 31st May 2009 at 12.30pm
at Katherine's Cross, Ampthill Park
Once again Churches Together in Ampthill and Flitwick held an outdoor service to celebrate Pentecost. Around 200 people attended and the guest speaker was the Revd. Dr Mary Cotes, Ecumenical Moderator at Milton Keynes. We gathered at Katherine’s Cross in Ampthill Park. Ampthill Town Band led the music and hymns. The Service was followed by a picnic and the weather was truly sunny for the second year running!
As part of a Diocesan initiative in Mission, we have been looking at what we are doing already in the parish, taking an audit of where we are, and doing some new things. Here are some of them:-
Back to Church Sunday 2009
Come as you are
On the 27th September we shall be participating in the B2C campaign when we shall be contacting and personally inviting people who we know once attended church regularly. If you did not get an invitation why not ring the vicar (712369) to find out why! Refreshments will be served following the service.
Free Magazines
Over a period of months spare church magazines are being delivered to streets in the parish with a view to making some contact with many who are not aware of the presence of our church in Flitwick
Stewardship Renewal
In March this year we mounted a Renewal in Giving campaign. The results are still tricking in and it appears that many people have increased their giving. We involved ourselves in the Diocesan Vision for Giving which took place in the Autumn last year.
Admitting children to Holy Communion before Confirmation
In November we admitted five children who have been prepared to receive Holy Communion before being Confirmed. This has taken many months to prepare and we have been given permission by the Bishop of St Albans to join over 50 other parishes in the Diocese who are already doing this.
Healthy Church?
As part of understanding about what our strengths and weaknesses are in this parish we are undertaking a three week course in Advent, which we hope will produce a profile of how we see ourselves as a church. The Parochial Church Council are to do this exercise separately from the congregational group and then we shall pool our findings. This will lead to both reflection and action as we seek to celebrate what we do well and to strengthen what we don’t. It may also lead us to undertake new things. At the heart of it all is prayer, that under God, we may seek to know and do his will.
Christian education
As part of equipping people with knowledge about the Christian faith we hope to undertake an Emmaus Course. Anyone who want to know more or to refresh what they already know will find this course useful. Adults considering being Confirmed may also join this group.
Vision for Action prayer
Almighty God and heavenly Father, open our eyes to see you at work in our world: grant us wisdom in using our gifts, grace to enliven our churches, and courage to transform our communities. By your Holy Spirit, equip us for the challenge ahead, excite us to follow your vision and empower us in witness and service. To you be the glory through Jesus our Saviour and mighty Redeemer. Amen.
