Church events reach out to the community
A CHURCH in Hinckley will be hitting the streets to share the Christian message with a weekend of outreach events.
St Mary’s Church is holding music events, reflective services and other chances to talk about faith, as part of the first of the Bishop’s Big Conversations.
Joining the church for the weekend is the Very Reverend Martyn Snow, bishop of Leicester, along with a number of curates from across the Anglican diocese.
The Reverend John Whittaker, vicar of St Mary’s, said: “We believe that God has a mission to reach out with love, grace, forgiveness and hope to us all.
“Our church community is called to speak that message and make it real in our praying, loving and caring.
“We trust this weekend with Bishop Martyn will provide many different opportunities for anyone and everyone to join in with our events, listen or join in with the conversations and reflect on what Christian faith might mean to us.”
The events kick off on Friday December 8 with carols around the Christmas Tree in the mar- ket square at 4pm, the annual event where many churches from Hinckley come together to sing.
A concert celebrating diverse music styles is happening in the evening at the church at 7pm, including a marching band and gospel and rock music, with the bishop talking about how music can point to God.
The church will be on Castle Street on the morning of Saturday December 9, to chat about faith and show people how to pray, with a sofa provided if the weather is clear.
In the church from 10.30am, the monthly Cake and Debate event will be on, when participants read the newspapers over hot drinks and nibbles, and pick out articles for discussion.
A More Party, More Prayer event is on at 3pm at the St Francis Community Centre in Tudor Road, an all-age celebra- tion party with times for reflection and prayer.
Pub Church is on at 7.30pm at The New Plough Inn on Leicester Road, a relaxed time to discuss and explore ideas, reflect and pray, over a pint or two.
Events will conclude on Sunday December 10 at the church, with a celebration service looking at the Gospel story, followed by a bring and share lunch.