The General Synod, on 8 July, saw the official launch of a new book, How Village Churches Thrive, aimed at encouraging and increasing the confidence of all those who work or worship in a village church.
Sandra Millar, Interim Director of Mission & Ministry at the Diocese of Gloucester, contributed to the ‘Making the most of life events’ section of the book. She explains, “I was delighted to be asked to contribute to this new resource for village churches. Our village churches have an amazing reach into communities, and a few simple steps can help them not just survive but thrive.”
Quickly becoming the month’s best-selling book on Church House Publishing, who describe this as an inspiring and practical handbook, it covers all the key areas that span church life.
Drawing on the wisdom of a wide variety of practitioners, the full-colour book covers ten key areas that enable village churches to flourish:
- Extending a warm welcome
- Making the most of life events
- Using buildings creatively
- Caring for God’s acre
- Being the heartbeat of the community
- Celebrating our heritage
- Cultivating fruitful festivals
- Welcoming more children
- Reaching the isolated and lonely
- Communicating effectively
The book also features several practical case studies from across the country, including one from Greenway Benefice in Shurdington, Gloucester.
Sandra adds, “This book pulls together really practical, simple ideas with case studies and stories from a range of contexts, including from our own Diocese. This is one of those books that every village church should have on their bookshelves, and I’m sure one that will be referred to many times. It’s attractive to look at, easy to dip into – definitely worth investing in.”
You can buy your copy from Church House Publishing.
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