'Alive and kicking!'

The Bolton and Rochdale District of the Methodist church has produced a DVD , ‘Alive and kicking’, to illustrate ways that ordinary people in ordinary churches have been sharing the love of God.

The DVD , produced by John Nichols of the Rossendale Circuit, shows five examples of ways that local churches have been bridging the gap between their church and local community.

The Rev’d David King, Chair of District, is encouraged and excited by developments in styles of worship, mission and evangelism across the District. He stated, ‘I rejoice when people affirm a discovery of living faith as is documented on the DVD .’ Much of the development has grown out of a ‘Fresh Expressions’ Vision Day and ongoing training delivered in the District.

Sally Thornton introduces ‘Galaxy Stay and Play’ an after school club at Heaton Park Methodist Church , North Manchester . The church became aware of the need to help parents fill the after school day, and they do this through usual activities for parents, carers, child minders and children. They also share the news that God is good. Sally Thornton, one of the leaders says ‘It is not rocket science, it is just and extension to a Wednesday of what we normally do on a Sunday.’ The team involved rejoice that a community is beginning to develop out of the initiative.

The Rossendale Circuit recognised that a café is a place where people come to talk and share and they have used this idea as a means of offering informal worship. Lay member of Circuit staff, Shirley Suthers says that ‘Of course the word of God is shared, but the ways of doing that are different and involve people in activities and talking.’ One participant says that it has ‘grabbed a lot of people’ because they like being able to take part. Ron Suthers says it has ‘really opened up the heart of Christianity to the people at large.’

Zac’s bar is a youth venue in Farnworth, south of Bolton . One of its leaders, Julia Gaines, Circuit youth worker, says they give the message of hope through actions, words, projects and activities. It all started on a Friday ‘bar’ night with around fifty young people. There is a core group of young people who are now established in local churches. Slowly and surely God is answering prayers in young people’s lives and they are starting to ask questions and to realise that God is not that far away.

Members at Holcombe Brook Methodist Church in the Bury and Heywood Circuit realised that it is daunting for someone to walk into a church off the street and promoted a ‘pamper day’ involving various health and beauty treatments. It was a big success and Pam Burton, who presented a ‘love talk’, moved people in deep ways and brought some people to renew their prayer life. The people leading the day found that the physical contact with those taking part was really important to help them relax.

The final project featured in the DVD , is explained by Glen Moorfoot, a youth worker in the Rochdale and Littleborough Circuit, and involves Angie Doherty, a student youth worker. Angie has run many activities including youth alpha courses and Bible studies. She says that just building relationships is so important. This is evidenced by the way the young people relate to her and aspire to be someone like her. One young lady says that Angie has taught her to be herself and to be more caring.

Rev’d Mark Street, the Evangelism Enabler for the Bolton and Rochdale District says ‘All the examples on the DVD are of just ordinary people stepping out in faith. The message is that we should all be discerning the will of God and, if these ordinary people can do it, then so can anyone’.

Copies of the DVD can be obtained from the District Office, 5 Hillside , Heaton, Bolton , BL1 5DT

Cost: £3.00 (including postage and packaging) Cheques payable to ‘ Bolton and Rochdale Methodist District’.