Success for Wallington's first Christmas Party

On Christmas Day 75 people sat down to lunch in St Michael's Parish Hall in Wallington. This was the first Christmas lunch organised by Churches Together in Wallington and Beddington for people who would otherwise have been on their own.

Support from the local community and businesses was most encouraging with donations of raffle prizes, food and money. Sainsbury's, in particular, helped sponsor the lunch by donating much of the food.

While volunteers put finishing touches to the festive table, the guests were brought to the hall by a fleet of drivers. They were greeted with sherry or fruit punch before sitting down to roast turkey with all the trimmings, followed by Christmas pudding or trifle, mince pies and chocolates.

There was so much food that everyone could take some home for another meal. Father Christmas even found the time to come and give everyone a small present and many also went home with one of the many raffle prizes.

The Rev. Patrick Grant from St Michael's said, "I was delighted that the day was such a success - it was a wonderful example of God's family celebrating together." Plans are already being made for a similar lunch next year when it is hoped to entertain 100 guests. The Rev. Patrick Grant giving out seasonal hats before the meal was served

God has no favourites

A new pack - Encouraging Equal Opportunities in Church Life 

Bishop Colin launched a new tool for parishes during the Woolwich Area Council meeting on 19 November. The pack is designed to help and encourage lay people and clergy to look at what practical steps need to be taken to include all people in the life and ministry of the church.

It is founded in the belief that equal opportunities is at the heart of the Gospel: God values all and has a place for all. Each person has gifts and skills to contribute to ministry, and a responsibility to do so as good stewards. As churches we are therefore committed to finding ways of working that enable all to belong and to participate.

The pack has been written by Chris Chapman and Jill McKinnon, members of the Woolwich Area Mission Team, and is based on material which they have used with groups of laity and clergy.

The pack is divided into eight sections, each of which is a free-standing one and a half hour session which can be undertaken by a small group.

Each section includes a session outline for the facilitator, and handouts and exercises for participants, including checklists, information, activities and reflection, which can be photocopied. The Introductory section gives an understanding of what is meant by equal opportunities, and why it is important. Other sections include How We Promote Ourselves, The Sunday Service, Ministry in Church Life, and Running Meetings.

A resources section and appendices focus on particular aspects of equality of opportunity, such as disability and employment.

The Woolwich Area Council has funded one free copy for each parish of the Woolwich Episcopal Area, which has been sent out to incumbents. For people in other Episcopal areas - and anyone else who would like a copy - it can be purchased for £5 plus postage and packing, from Wendy Arden-White, at Trinity House (020-7939 9416) e-mail wendy.arden-white @southwark.anglican.org

Jill and Chris's comment: "Becoming a church that reflects a God who has no favourites will mean not just changes in practice, but also changes in attitude. The use of group sessions in this workbook is designed to help changes take place at both levels."

They will be running events for clergy and others who would like an opportunity to hear in more detail what it is, how to use it, and work through some examples.

Tuesday 5 March, 7-9pm St Matthew's at the Elephant
Thursday 7 March, 10.30-12.30 Trinity House
Thursday 21 March, 2-4pm St Matthew's Church, Croydon.

To book, please contact Wendy Arden-White as above.