In 2008, Churches Together in Keynsham and Saltford are organising a wide ranging and exciting programme for the whole community -
'More to Life 08'.
Recognising that God plays in every scene of life, 'More to Life 08' is seeking to discover spiritual signposts amidst the passions of life which engage people's hearts today.
Each month of the year will be devoted to a specific theme as detailed
in the menu above.
A Significant Day
On Wednesday 11 January 2006, a group of church ministers gathered for lunch in the Rectory. They endeavour to meet in this way every couple of months in order to share news and fill up their diaries! There was no set agenda but, during the course of the meeting, it became clear that we all felt the challenge to reach out into the community in a fresh way. Nothing specific was decided at the meeting, we simply agreed ‘we must follow this up’.
That evening the Keynsham and Saltford Churches Together AGM was due to be held at the Victoria Methodist Church. Most of those attending had no idea about the lunchtime meeting, let alone the ideas that were discussed. Imagine our surprise when, completely spontaneously, a number of lay members of different churches echoed exactly the same thoughts as we had shared over lunch! It was agreed that a group of interested people would meet, pray and discuss possibilities.
The Visit of J John
The group met at regular intervals and initially felt led to invite J John to come and speak at two community carol services to he held on Tuesday 5 December 2006 at 5.45pm and 8.00pm. In the event, just under 1100 attended these services. No tickets were distributed, virtually every seat at each service was filled, no-one was turned away and a number of those present renewed their commitment to God.
A Growing Vision
It had soon become clear that a considerable lead-in time was needed to prepare a community-wide programme. As a result, 2008 became the target and, as ideas flowed, the plan to take key passions of life for each month began to take shape.
The order of the themes was in part associated with the rhythm of the year (February/St Valentine’s Day/relationships, July/Music Festival/Music and Arts etc).
A budget was set at £20,000. A gift day for all the churches on Pentecost Sunday yielded nearly £10,000 and before long further generous gifts raised this to over £16,000. This was before ideas had been fully developed and was a huge encouragement.
A partnership
All the churches in Keynsham and Saltford pledged their support to ‘More to Life 08’ and the planning meetings have verified this commitment to work together. It was only after a year of planning that we heard about ‘Hope08’, a national initiative to make known God’s love in communities through the nation – we began to realise the partnership was much wider than the local area!
Generosity
People have generously offered their gifts to make the project a success. All publicity has been designed without cost by a local graphic designer, Tony Grady, who also designed the website built by Alex Duller, a local university student. Much of the publicity material has been produced and delivered without cost by printers in the SE of England. Their managing director is a Christian and he was inspired by the scope of the project and offered his support. Schools, clubs and other local venues have offered their facilities for meetings free of charge and the local Town Council has made a grant towards the programme. Pubs, schools and shops have generously received publicity (leaflets and beermats) and are happy to display it. Local businesses have offered support in many different ways.
Generosity and partnership have become the hallmarks of ‘More to Life 08’ – not very surprising as they are the hallmarks of God.
What is it all about?
Underpinned by the belief that ‘God plays in every scene of life’, the aim of ‘More to Life 08’ is to show that there are spiritual signposts to God in every sphere of life. Indeed, whatever our passion, we will discover something more by including the spiritual dimension. To discover God in the midst of community, laughter, activity; in the midst of each generation from the youngest to the oldest; in the midst of unlikely activities as well as in church; through meeting some people who have made a significant contribution to life ……… this is what it is all about. Meeting new friends and learning new things …….. this is what it is all about. Jesus said: ‘I have come that you may have life and have it to the full.’ MoretoLife08 seeks to demonstrate the living truth of these words in Keynsham, Saltford and the surrounding villages.
Sowing goodness into the community
Through the year projects will be identified which will enable those who come to ‘More to Life08’ events to sow goodness into the community, either locally or further afield. Raising money to dig a well for water in the Third World, providing power-driven transport for a stroke victim, providing a trip to the seaside for the housebound, supporting street children …….. the possibilities are endless. ‘More to Life 08’ is non-profit making – all profits will be dedicated to sowing goodness.
Who is it for?
Everyone, absolutely everyone. Ask yourself what your interests are (or what they might be!) and come along to the events which take your fancy. Some are more suitable for adults, many are for all ages. The schools are engaging in the programme through visits from the participants and the work of the Churches Together Schools Ministry Team. Costs have been kept to a minimum, many of the events being subsidised and many of the participants offering their services at minimum expense, having caught the vision of the programme.
How can you get involved?
Find out MORE
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HorseWorld Discount Offer!
Love horses? Mention 'More to Life' at HorseWorld in Bristol to get fantastic discounts!
Discount admission prices:
10% discount in the Stable Door Cafe when you spend £5 or more.