Hope Calderdale Launch

Christians from 40 churches in Calderdale gave a resounding united endorsement at a gathering in Halifax Parish Church to Hope 08, the national churches in the community initiative.

Hundreds of church leaders and members heard how representatives from Churches Together groups in Calderdale had formed a steering group which would co-ordinate myriad activities to be planned for next year.

They were sent away with a message to work together to engage in local community schemes which would show the church active in the world.

Larger central projects will include high profile events at New Year and Easter and a massive Piece Hall gathering in the summer.

Hopefully many of you will by now be aware of the National Hope 08 Initiative which is planned for next year. Hope 08 is a national year of mission and outreach, championed by Soul Survivor, Youth for Christ and The Message Trust and supported by all the major denominations in the UK. More information is available at www.hope08.com The concept of Hope 08 is that the local Church comes together and builds its own programme for the year.

Churches Together across Calderdale are keen to make the most of this opportunity to collectively impact our community. With this in mind a public meeting was held on July 9th at Halifax Elim Church to present the Hope 08 vision. It was very encouraging to see around 300 people attend, representing 39 churches. Since the meeting, a co-ordinating group has been gathered from across the district.

Its members are:
Rev Tony Buglass - Methodist Superintendent, Calder Valley.
Paul Blakey - Project Manager, Street Angels.
Simon Endeacott - Good Life Books, Co-ordinator Central Churches Together
Rev John Filsak - URC Group Minister, North Halifax Churches Together.
Father John Gott - Church of the Good Shepherd, Mytholmroyd.
Rev John Helliwell - Christ Church Pellon, West Halifax Churches Together.
John Hoyle - Treasurer, Central Churches Together
Rev Steph Jenner - Brighouse Central Methodist, Brighouse and District Churches Together.
Rev Judith Satchell - Salem and St Andrew's Methodists, Central and South Halifax Churches Together.
Steve Tipping - The Kings Centre, Chair of Central Churches Together.
Rev Alan Wolfenden - West Vale Baptist Church, Elland and District Churches Together

We are looking for a representative for Hipperholme/North + Southowram area/s - suggestions welcome!!

Hope 08 has five "High Points". These are:
Fresh Hope - The New Year
Big Hope - Easter
Hope in the Community - Summer
Hope Explored - September to coincide with the National Alpha initiative or other discipleship course
The Gift of Hope - Christmas
It is suggested that at these "High Points" Churches Together organise or co-ordinate a collective "event" The co-ordinating group will publicise and communicate the many activities of individual churches as well as focussing on these collective events. With this in mind we suggest that we begin to raise the public awareness and anticipation of Hope 08. Enclosed you will find a laminated Hope 08 logo. Please display this where it can be seen externally. You can make any others you require by downloading the graphic from the Hope website.

FRESH HOPE

For the first high point the steering group will produce a leaflet to take a message of hope to every home in Calderdale. The leaflet will contain information about Hope 08 and a Christian message of the reason for hope we share today. Distributing this leaflet will require a co-ordinated and collaborative effort by the Church in Calderdale and we are excited at the prospect of working as one to spread hope across our district.

RESOURCE

There is a brilliant book available with lots of ideas and things to do throughout the year. The book is £2.99 and available from Good Life Books (01422 351361). The steering group recommends that you order this as it will give you a fuller picture of Hope 08.

HOPE 08 LAUNCH

At 7.30pm on Monday 29th October at Halifax Parish Church a second vision evening will held. We would like a full house (700) as we launch Hope 08 in Calderdale. Details will be sent shortly. Hope 08 is about the whole church. If you have questions, comments, ideas or want to be more involved please let us know either through a committee member, by contacting Good Life Books 01422 351361 or using the comments feature at the bottom of this page.

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