Rawmarsh And Parkgate Parish Church

Are you like me an avid watcher of car number plates? It’s such a laugh working out what people are communicating through just a few numbers and letters. A whole new language is opening up and which is fun to learn.

Light hearted learning is fun and gives us a buzz. I love being in small groups once everyone has settled down and opened up with each other. There’s a great feeling of camaraderie and excitement when we start to make discoveries about God and each other. That’s why small group work is such a welcome part of what we are doing here, we simply don’t want to keep it under RAPPC, (get it?)!

Over the last few years we have experimented with several courses such as Alpha, Freedom in Christ and Network. We have also been running cell groups. Since July 2006, we have begun a Strategic Planning Group, (project planning). The SPG has now evolved and morphed into several Task Groups. They are currently involved in working their way through several selected tasks using system, roleplay and action. However, as a church fellowship we are committed to connecting with the community and it seems right to to do so at this stage by offering ourselves as a learning organisation.

We are currently at the early equipping stage in our development as a Spirit lead community, who are growing in faithfulness to Jesus Christ our Lord and Saviour. For this reason the courses we offer are principally Alpha which is a 10 week course running for 2 hours per week. Alpha offers people a way into our faith community. A small group share in a 2 course evening meal, a talk and a discussion once a week. Alpha also involves experiential learning through the Holy Spirit sessions. Alpha is a starter course for those who want to find out more about our faith. Freedom in Christ is about the same length and is for experienced Christians looking to grow more quickly and to deal more effectively with personal and emotional issues hampering spiritual growth. A third course is currently under development for marriage enhancement. We hope that this course will be available by October 2007.

Our church is at an exciting, and as yet early, stage in building a communal life which is loving, interactive and to be shared with the wider community. Like many car number plate watchers we have found it much more fun when we share are discoveries with others. We are having fun growing in relationship through our small group meetings. They are lovely way of deepening our awareness of God the Holy Spirit’s presence with us and in the flowering of Christian friendship.

Blessings,

John Birbeck

John.birbeck@ntlworld.com

Tel 01709 527160