Resources for Mark 1

This workbook is not about encouraging rural churches to try to do even morethe aim is to do only a few things, perhaps only one thing, but to do whatever is done really well. It is quality not quantity that counts for the rural church. This will help with the reflection and prayer that is needed to help rural churches to grow in strength and ability. Jill Hopkinson National Rural Officer Available from Fiona Brooke at the Ministry Development Office. Special price 2 each collected, or 3 including p&p. The PDF can also be downloaded from the Ministry Development web pages on the diocesan website. See also www.www.arthurrankcentre.org.uk Following the success in many areas of Hope 08, the Hope initiative is continuing to encourage people and churches to work together to share Christs love in towns, villages and cities. A new HOPE resource book full of stories and ideas has just been published. Borrow from our diocesan resources centre (01584-879307/873882) or buy from 0800 612 2186 for 5.50 inc p and p. www.hopetogether.org.uk A lively way of inspiring local children, young people and adults making a difference in Lentand beyond... Some fun and simple actions to takewhich change us as we do themand the world around us. There is also a book of actions families can take together. www.livelent.net Some thoughtful, and encouraging theology to help us work out how to respond as Christians at a bewildering time of great change in the world. Ann Morisy suggests that proclaiming hope is not enoughwe have to enact it in ways that point to the reality of Gods care. This will take reflectiveness to learn how to live and act and speak as Christians and churches in the world today. Bothered and Bewildered Ann Morisy Continuum 2009 A course used by Pontesbury Deanery to help Christians share their faith naturally through the lives they lead. Find out more from The Revd Carol Whittock on 01743 861003. Also info at www.resource-arm.net For more thought starters and resourcesand to add your own visit www.hereford.anglican.org Download this card and others on the Five Marks of Mission in pdf format from the diocesan website. Copies of this card and others are available from Fiona Brooke, Ministry Development and Training, Ludlow Office, 01584 871085 or mdt@hereford.anglican.org

...towards 2015 onwards...

Five Marks of Mission Resources

Mark 1:

To proclaim the Good News of Gods Kingdom

Across the world Christians are using the Five Marks of Mission to help them explore and respond to the breadth of Gods care for people and all creation and, through who they are and what they do, to grow as signs and agents of Gods kingdom. This leaflet offers stories, ideas and resources to encourage you as you share in Gods mission where you are.

Spring 2011

Mark 1: To live and proclaim the Good News of Gods Kingdom

This Mark is often called TELL for short. But it could be argued that it would be better described as TOPSY TURVEY because it is all about the topsy turvey life of Gods kingdom. Jesus tells us that Gods kingdom turns all our expectations upside downand calls us to live as upside down, topsy turvey, kingdom people. Imagine all over the country and across the world, in communities large and small, more and more Christians, more and more churches, working together, living Gods life of love, generosity, care, compassion, justice, peace... Imagine lives turned upside down, and despair turned inside out... It is who we are, and what we do, as well as what we say, that is really TELLING. Stories from near and far
Random Acts of Kindness... In recent years, in different corners of the globe, several movements have sprung up inviting followers to combat the selfishness of modern life by doing nice things for random strangers. If you put your mind to it, carrying out acts of kindness can start as soon as you wake up. You can be kind to people in different parts of the country, or on the other side of the world, or even be kind to the planet itself, without leaving your home. The Independent 2007 We ran a fundraising tea party for the new Sensory Garden in our local school for special needs pupils. They were so pleased that we cared. Helping plant it up has been fun too. The last year we counted, 3381 children, 434 volunteers and 533 adults took part in Experience Easter in 66 venues across the diocese. Inspiring; great learning event. Each Wednesday at 6pm whoevers around gets together in church to pray for our village and say Compline. We always ring the bell so everyone knows. Im 83 and Ive been on our benefice Open the Book Team for 6 years now. We go to three schools each Wednesday morning. I love it. Ive really learnt to pray and I love to see the childrens faces light up. Community larders are springing up across the region providing food items for people who find themselves in temporary hardship with no other source of support. They are often run by groups of churches ecumenically and are a great way of local people getting involved and making a difference. St Johns started to give away prayer cards instead of charging. Visitors were surprised and grateful.

Proclamation may be in words but also in actions, by living the Good News we preach. Proclaiming has nothing to so with forcing our beliefs on others. To proclaim the Christian gospel (good news) is to share with others those things that give us purpose, joy and hope in life.

Thought starters
A visible praying, worshipping, presence locally speaks volumes. Worship at the same time each week makes it easy for people to get to church. If thats not possible, make sure your publicity is really good so locals and visitors can easily tell what is on when. Check your notice boardsdo they give the messages you intend? Are they full of warnings to thieves, insurance documents, fundraisers... or... info on your living faith community... where to get help on... how to contact... what you are involved in locally and care about... Show that you are interested in things that matter to the communitythe school; new road schemes; loneliness; etc. Bring a caring, thoughtful, kingdom perspective and action. Get out therefor example, form an Open the Book Team to go into schools. Easy, fun, humbling to do. Say sorry to someone. Show you value prayer. Put up a prayer board in church for anyone to use. Keep it up to date and current. The Disability Discrimination Act puts into law what Christians believe, that we should all be treated with respect and equality. Help ensure you are inclusive and welcoming to all, through the Diocesan Disability Adviser, Gail Foster. Email: gfoster2k@yahoo.co.uk or phone: 01952 415311. Many people look for a church on the internet before they visit. Its quick and easy to have an on-line presenceupdate your church info on diocesan website; add an entry for your church at The Church of Englands site www.achurchnearyou.com Help from 01584 871085. Continuity helpssomeone who will recognise and welcome newcomers to worship the second, third, fourth time... and help them feel wanted and find their feet and friends. For more stories and thought starters and to add your own visit www.hereford.anglican.org

For reflection/discussion/prayer...
How am I / How are we living and proclaiming the Good News of the Kingdom? What in my life / What in the life of our Church shows this mark matters to me /us? How is this mark reflected in my / our prayer and worship? What more could I / could we do as a Church to live out this mark? Who else in our community is doing this? How can we help / pray for them? Remember: we are not all called to do everything...!