Have you ever wondered what other congregations get up to? What impact does the local church actually have on the world around us? What forms of mission are ordinary Christians getting involved in?
That was the question being answered by the Methodist churches of the Derby Circuit recently, at a mission roadshow. Over 20 different organisations were represented, all with links to local congregations, at the event on May 7th at St John’s Methodist Church, Allestree, Derby. Every available space was used was used to fit in the many activities being represented.
Groups represented included: Aquabox, Children of Honduras Trust, Christian Aid, Derby Church Net, Derby Refugee Advice Centre, Derby Soup Run, Educare/Phakamisa Project, Fairtrade, Friends of Kenya’s children, Highfields Happy Hens, Illuminate Project, Industrial Mission in Derbyshire, Kampala Kid’s League, Kashmir Hospital, the Leaders of Worship and Preachers Trust, the Leprosy Mission, Methodist Homes and Live at Home Scheme, Methodist Relief and Development Fund, Mission Aviation Fellowship, Nigeria Health care project, Open the Book, Treetops Hospice and Women’s Network. Each had a display to show what work they do, either locally, nationally or globally.
The Circuit Superintendent minister – Rev’d Paula Hunt said “it’s an opportunity for us to show some of the ways in which Christians in Derby minister to people in need, well beyond the boundaries of the church.”
The event was well attended with much “networking” between representatives of the many charities present and local church representatives taking the opportunity to book speakers for forthcoming meetings.
A service was held to finish the event at which the Rev’d Loraine Mellor, chair of the Nottingham and Derby Methodist District said “it’s been a great afternoon… lots of different ways that people are getting involved in mission, and that is super for the kingdom and I’m pleased by that.”
If you wish to see more about this event, see the video below produced by Derby Church Net.
