CTO MEETING JUNE 21 at 7.00 pm

THE CHURCH IN HOUSING DEVELOPMENTS


CHURCHES TOGETHER IN OXFORDSHIRE (CTO)
Council Meeting - June 21 2007

Theme: ‘Mission Work on Housing Development’

Venue: Peachcroft Christian Centre – Abingdon.


A. Peachcroft’s Experience by Rev. Steve Godfrey

Rev. Steve took participants through an overview of the journey of ecumenical faith work going on at Peachcroft Christian Centre in Abingdon. Dating back to 1986/87, the fellowship was pioneered by Rev. Jen Lovering who was among the first women ordained in 1994. The fellowship started in a tent facility caring for young professionals on the estate offering mainly toddler group activities.

Over the years, with prayer as its main strength, the family sensitive church has grown and recently completed a modern church facility reinforcing its presence in the community. With expansion into areas of care such as Over 55’s, Eclipse Café, Sunday school. Annual Holiday Club, Youth Club, the church is involved in the political and social framework of the housing estate and regarded as an integral part.

Rev. Steve admonished participants to “learn to swim and get into the deep things of God”.


B. Meadley Park Housing Estate – Rev. Penny Joyce
Rev. Penny explained that her work was funded mainly by Bishop Colin Fletcher supported by Cutting Edge Ministries in 2004. However, houses on the estate have grown from 260 to 1060 over the three years.

By being sensitive to the challenge people face with relocating to new estates, she initiated various social structures to bring people together - Discover Days, Toddler Group, Craft Club, Singles, Time Travellers, Network Lunches, Book Groups, Men’s football Club and the Residents’ Association.

She is actively involved in the main school facilitating assemblies and RE lessons. Steeped in various community oriented events, she has been able to open her heart and doors to those who want to know more about God and the Christian faith. She is currently working with the Residents’ Association on which she sits as Chairperson to secure a new community centre. Without any church presence at the moment, she believes that the main impact of her approach is the opportunity to break barriers and correct any bias people may have about church and Christian faith. She hopes that the various small faith groups that have sprung up will be able to meet together in the future to make a bigger impact.


http://www.peachcroftcc.org/uploads/PennyJoyce.mp3


C. Questions and Answers
Both Steve and Penny attended to questions posed by participants on their experience of doing ministry in a Housing Estate. Steve in answering one of the questions explained that most of the hi-tech equipment installed in the church were sourced on eBay at a fraction of the original price.