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Celebrate 5 is a ‘coming together’ for each episcopal area to help build an emerging culture of growth in every church.
In Leeds, the celebration takes place on Saturday 8 October at 4.30pm at Leeds Minster - preceded (2-3.30pm) by a choice of workshops at different venues. See below - and please let Natalya Heap know which workshop you intend to attend.
Workshop 1 - at Oxford Place Methodist Church
RELATIONAL DICIPLESHIP
Have you ever wondered if there's a better way of making disciples of Jesus? Many church leaders are frustrated that so few Christians seem to grow into the God-centred, Spirit-filled, mission-focussed disciples that Jesus intended – even with the wealth of resources we have available today. But what if we tried using Jesus’ method of discipleship as well as using his message of discipleship?
Richard Walker, vicar of St John’s Yeadon, began a new type of small group in 2015 which he calls a ‘Huddle’. This group used close relationships, mutual accountability and apprenticeship style learning to help people grow. Each of those group members is now leading a Huddle of their own.
There is real potential in this method to make disciples who will become mature enough to make new disciples themselves. Come along to this workshop, if you’d like to find out more.
Workshop 2 - at Leeds Church Institute
ENGAGING WITH THE COMMUNITY
Leeds is a highly diverse city full of opportunities and challenges for Christian Mission. Kathryn Fitzsimons and Michael Wood will offer the opportunity to reflect on these different communities and how we can engage with them. Come prepared to speak about the communities that exist in your parish.
Workshop 3 - at West Yorkshire Playhouse
DEMENTIA FRIENDLY CHURCH: WHAT AND HOW?
Led by Dr Elizabeth Anderson, the workshop will explain what dementia is (and what it’s not) and give insight into the experiences of those with dementia and their carers. The aim is to build confidence around how and when to help those in your church or local community who may be affected by these issues. There'll be a mixture of formal presentation and discussion, plus stalls showcasing the resources available to help churches who want to become dementia aware and dementia friendly.
Dr Elizabeth Anderson (formerly Milwain) trained as a research psychologist with a special interest in dementia. She has been a lecturer in Dementia Studies at Bradford Dementia Group, University of Bradford, and in 2012 formed a not-for-profit organisation called The Memory Tree to provide specialist support groups for people with dementia and their carers in the Bradford area (www.thememorytree.org.uk). Elizabeth is a member of St Peter’s Shipley and has a voluntary role as Adviser on Dementia Issues in the Bradford Episcopal Area. She is a member of her local (Bradford) and regional (Yorkshire and Humber) Dementia Action Alliances and works closely with the Dementia Friendly Communities initiative.
Workshop 4 - at St George’s Centre
ENGAGING WITH PEOPLE ON THE MARGINS
Led by the Revd Jon Swales alongside some of the Lighthouse Community. Jon heads up Lighthouse Project which is a Fresh Expression church for those with multiple and complex needs including homelessness and addiction. Jon will share the story of Lighthouse and introduce people who have come to faith and discipleship through its work.
Workshop 5 - at Leeds Church Institute
EDUCATION
Led by Janet Buttenshaw, education officer at Leeds Minster. Her role includes encouraging and supporting schools with RE and visits to churches. She is also on Leeds SACRE (Standing Advisory Council on Religious Education).
The workshop will be an opportunity to find out how to engage with and support local schools through collective worship, as well as how to support the curriculum.
Workshop 6 – at Oxford Place
ENGAGING WITH THE WORLD OF WORK
Led by Cal Bailey, a Reader at Woodside Church, helping people to look at discipleship within the workplace.