The original vision for Night Church was to create a congregational community aimed at reaching those born post 1960 (generation X&Y) and especially those for whom more traditional forms of worship are culturally out of reach. In the early days there was a number of young pioneer disciples who gathered around this vision and Night Church became a regular feature of the Cathedral’s life.
Three years on and many of these young leaders have journeyed away and the shape of Night Church has changed and as a result we have lost touch with the very group we set out to reach. It is to this end that Night Church as it currently is, will be coming to an end in August.
After a period of rest and reflection we plan to relaunch (probably under a new name) but with a clear objective to reach out to those younger adults, so absent from our regular services. We shall be gathering on Sunday, not Friday evenings and an act of worship, with conversation groups focussed on exploring topics linked to our worship and the world around us and an opportunity to build a sense of community and belonging through social time together, will be the central ingredient. Please do pray for us as we take this next step, talk to me if you would like to be involved and do please spread the word.
If you would like to be part of the new vision, I would be delighted to hear from you and we can reflect together on the part you might play, but we all need to be clear about what it is we are about. To this end I offer you the following critical elements:
- Worship - Christ centered. This will take the form of an 'act of worship' including a regular Eucharist, music and the opportunity to learn together.
- Community - Belonging together with Christ. This will take the form of cafe time and smaller conversation groups and beyond.
- Mission- As defined by the 'five marks of mission' * We will be committed to making new disciples and helping all to grow in their love for God (as seen in the face of Christ) and neighbour.
· Sunday evenings - regularly, but not necessarily weekly.
· Target group - Younger adults and those who find current worship patterns at the cathedral culturally out of reach.
- There may well be a home here for those who have left church and would like to give it a try again (dechurched).
- All would be welcome, however( no need to bring your birth certificate!!!)
· Joinabilty - The evenings will be structure in such a way that makes it easy to join /belong and participate.
· Theological- Generous orthodoxy; open to questions and inclusive of all who seek to belong.
· Ecclesiological - Experimental / varied / creative / contemplative / sacramental / and.......tbc
I do hope that for some of us the journey together will continue into the future......
With love and prayers,
Anna
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