Web Page Letter
January 2010
Looking out of my study window at the snow, it seems incredible to think that it has been here since before Christmas. It’s a long time since we have had a cold spell like this one – as I hate cold weather I cannot wait for a bit of Spring warmth. Perhaps the cold weather is the reason that Christmas seems like ages ago – although I can clearly remember all the best bits. We had a great Christmas – our Christingle services were great, with a ‘full house’ in both buildings. Our schools seemed to make a point this year of emphasising the ‘real’ meaning of Christmas (with a very memorable presentation at the All Saints Christingle). The two Candlelight carols services were also full of life and liveliness – so although we were very ‘busy’ it was a most enjoyable and worthwhile time.
Our Christmas celebrations really underline the value of being a local church firmly rooted in the communities that God has called us to serve. Our aim is to engage fully with those who live on the ‘Hillside’ (Byermoor to the River Team). In Lobley Hill we have wonderful links with our Primary School. Our own childcare (Baby Bouncers, Toddler Time, and Pre-school), also links us with lots of local families. At the St Cuthbert’s end of the parish we have been holding ‘First Sunday’ for 3 years. We are about to launch an additional event on the 3rd Sunday of each month. Called 3@5 it will be a mix of songs/activities/Bible stories and of course food!
What we are learning is that to grow bigger we have to grow smaller. ‘Services’ do not in themselves attract people to church – however attractive those services might be. People want to ‘belong’ so our small groups and clusters are the way forward for Hillside. People ‘belong’ to our other groups too – like Baby Bouncers and Toddler Time. One of the biggest churches in America – Willow Creek – where over 15,000 attend every weekend has a slogan “the local church – the hope of the World”.
Our belief at Hillside is the same as Willow Creek – we too firmly believe that the local church is the hope of the World. As an Anglican Church, serving a clear geographical location our vision is to turn this belief into a reality. Church is not something we do for a couple of hours on a Sunday but something we are – 24-7 as we reach out in love to all those whom God has entrusted to our care.
With every good wish.
