WORLD MISSION and SOCIETY COMMITTEE

As part of the total mission of the Church, Christchurch’s mission and outreach work is largely operated through the World Mission and Society committee which seeks to promote greater awareness and understanding within the Church community of issues of inequalities, deprivation and persecution at both global and national level, and through this act as a focus for fund raising and other Christian actions.

Christchurch is actively involved in projects related to Make Poverty History both in the church and in the community and has brought to the attention of it’s members and the local community the taxing problem of “Caring for Creation”. The issue of caring for the environment is an on going project. 

The World Mission and Society Committee is responsible for distributing from the Church funds agreed sums of monies by the Church Council to UK based projects, overseas relief projects and to Mission activities.

The UK based recipients are, the National Children’s Homes, the Beamsley project , Blenheim project, Methodist Homes, St. George’s Crypt (Leeds), the Yorkshire Floods Appeal and BEACON (Bradford Ecumenical Asylum CONcern).  The BEACON website is not yet established but a useful website is: asylumsupport

Our Overseas Projects recipients were, Christian Aid, Jubilee Outreach Yorkshire, Methodist Relief and Development Fund, Commitment for Life, New Life Children’s Home (India) and the Churches Together in Ilkley Link (Uganda).

Our Mission support was given to, the Bible Society, Touchstone (Bradford), U.R.C. World Mission, World Vision, Methodist World Mission, World Development Movement, African Mission Alliance and finally Amnesty International (Letter Writing Group).

This list is revised annually and the Church also responds via “retiring collections” when needs arise.

  St George's Crypt 

We have supported work at the Crypt in Leeds since it was opened many years ago, giving regular financial and practical help for the disadvantaged and homeless of Leeds City and beyond. The annual collection and distribution of clothing and household linens is enthusiastically supported by Christchurch.
Following a major refurbishment of the Crypt in 1999 there are now plans to provide more accommodation for homeless people and we see our involvement continuing and growing.

 

Touchstone describes itself as “ a movement of faith expressing the good news of Christ through the words, deeds and lives of those who share a vision for the city ”    Mr Tim Ratcliffe, a member of Christchurch, has been deeply committed to the work of Touchstone since its inception. He is a valued member of both the Touchstone Council and the regular executive meetings. Another helpful member of Christchurch, Mrs Pat Stockdale, regularly assists the chaplain and interfaith lay worker with inter faith events at Touchstone. Christchurch members are invited to consider permanent volunteer help with this mission project. Christchurch gives annual financial support to Touchstone's Urban Mission. The Touchstone Annual Report is available at Christchurch.

Contact Deacon Marian Sharp (01274 721626 or 01943 816415) if you are interested in being involved with this mission opportunity in Bradford City Centre.

Amnesty (Letter Writing for Human Rights)

Justice and Peace are sought for the voiceless in our world in a number of ways at Christchurch. Prominent in this activity is the support given to Amnesty International. A group meets on the third Thursday of each month (not August or December) from 10am to 11am to write letters for Human Rights. Information is supplied about various human rights violations, who to write to, and what to say.

If you want to be involved, just bring a pen.

Jubilee Outreach Yorkshire  (JOY)

JOY is a charity helping people in need, mainly in Romania.  The provision of funds, materials and occasionally manpower assist local people with specific projects.

Christchurch is a regular contributor to the efforts of JOY in many ways.

  Methodist Homes  

Christchurch has strong links with Glen Rosa and Kitwood House, part of the MHA Care Group The home is within the Ilkley Methodist Circuit; every Sunday evening a service is led by one of the circuit ministers or Local Preachers. There is also a monthly communion. Christchurch's minister is the home's chaplain.

There is a housegroup which meets during the winter evenings; this forms part of the Christchurch housegroups. Several pastoral visitors are linked to the home, who visit residents frequently. They bring the Church newsletter and also visit the staff and home manager. Volunteers from Christchurch and the circuit also play an important role in giving help. They provide hospital escorts, hospital visiting and provide flowers for poorly and frail residents. Every resident also receives a birthday card from the volunteers. They also help to organize the annual garden party, residents outings and various fund raising events.
 

Blenheim Project

Christchurch supports the Blenheim Project, a Women's Aid Refuge devoted to the support of women who are victims of domestic violence and/or homeless; it meets a pressing need in today's society. Our support is largely through funding, and Blenheim money boxes have produced a significant sum each year. We endeavour to increase our giving year on year and are grateful that we have been able to achieve this over the last few years.

  CTI Millennium Project 

Churches Together in Ilkley (CTI) marked the recent Millennium Year with a major project entitled "CTI 2000". In co-operation with Brunel Housing Association and with funds raised by Ilkley churches and given by the public, a house in Ilkley was purchased and furnished to become a home where three young people with learning difficulties could live their independent lives with a minimum of support. In addition CTI has established the Oasis Café on Skipton Road, an allotment on Bolling Road and other projects  where similar young people can work and train and establish their independence. More developments are planned.