Hillside News
Bringing New Life to Hillside
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The idea for the ‘drop ins’ came out of last years strategy/structure review. I remember someone put ‘coffee mornings’ on the ‘what God is saying’ board—and thinking to myself is this a good idea, a God idea, or just a crazy idea?
Yet the ‘package’ which eventually emerged seemed very much like a ‘God idea’ - and what has happened since has certainly been a blessing.
We have been able to bring together a passion for fair trade, and a desire to reach out to those living around us. The ‘package’ seems to be working. We have drunk our way through a lot of fair traded tea and coffee, and our fair trade stalls have done extremely well.
We have also been surprised and delighted at the number of people who have come. It is hard to get people ‘through the door’ - to see what the inside of our buildings is like—both ‘drop ins’ have successfully achieved this. We are aiming to have special events on a regular basis to make the drop ins even more attractive.
It is a great opportunity for us (the Hillside family) to bring people along—there is nothing threatening about saying “Come and have a coffee”. So do come and bring your friends, there is always a welcome.
The other big change to our life was the introduction of the “Double Decker”. The aim was to have something which was ‘userfriendly’ for those with little or no church background as well as a regular ‘worship service for those who are part of the Hillside family.
1st Deck has a real buzz about it. It is lively and visual with puppets, drama and powerpoint presentations. People value the ‘prayer zones’ as a good way of focussing on specific topics. However 1st deck is also appreciated by the adults who come – as they feel there is plenty for them too (that is the real challenge)
2nd deck is also going well—people appreciate the opportunity to have a real worship focus –either as free praise or Holy Communion.
Our drop ins and 1st deck give us a great ‘way in’ to Hillside. It is up to us—the Hillside family to make the most of the opportunities that these events present. Are you telling family friends and neighbours? Delivering fliers? Most importantly have you BROUGHT anyone along? The first step through the door is still the hardest one—but its always easier when someone helps us to make it!
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Lots of people have enjoyed 1st Sunday, our Christingle or our Baptisms and other special events and would love to come back. However they have felt put off by a service lasting 1½ hours or by stuff they didn’t understand. We’ve listened to these comments—and look forward to welcoming you to ‘1st Deck’ at our new Sunday Double Decker.
1st Deck
- Every Sunday at All Saints Lobley Hill
- Starts at 10.15am
- Lasts for 40 minutes
- Has Puppets, Drama, Lively Music and lots of fun
- Will introduce you to a living loving God
- An opportunity to meet and make friends
- A place where people of all ages and backgrounds are welcome
- Will finish at 10.55am with refreshments
Our monthly all age event at St Cuthbert's Marley Hill
on the 1st Sunday of every month at 5pm
- Puppets
- Music
- Fun
- something for all ages
Church as you never thought it could be!
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Hillside News
JUST 10
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Hillside Fairtrade Drop Ins
Enjoy a delicious cup of fairly traded tea/coffee plus biscuits & cakes.
- Childrens corner
- Fairtrade stall selling a range of fairly traded goods
- Watch out for monthly 'specials' - Jugglers, Puppets, Craft activities etc.
Every Saturday 10.00am to 2.00pm All Saints Lobley Hill
Lets Brew for a Better World
Parents/Carers Baby & Toddler Group
Every Friday 1pm—3pm during school term time
Cost £2 for one child,
(£1 for other siblings)
Bring the little ones and come for a cup of coffee/tea and a friendly chat in a relaxed atmosphere and watch the children play. Plenty of toys, coffee, tea, biscuits, juice.
ALL Saints Pre-school
- Quality care for 3 year olds.
- Experienced staff. Great facilities. OFSTED registered.
- Mon—Fri 9.15am to 11.45am during school terms
- 3 year olds are normally funded by Gateshead MBC
- Limited places for 2½ year olds on a fee paying basis.
- Places available from September 2007 onwards
- Call in to All Saints Church Hall during Pre-school hours or contact Ellen Miller on 0191 4220445
Every Monday during school term time in All Saints Hall 1.15pm - 2.15pm
For Parents/Carers with babies 0-15months
£1 per session
Baby toys, baby walkers, refreshments for adults, ending with music time