We’re delighted to bring you a new resource from The Arthur Rank Centre – St Francis Day

ARC Beyond Consumerism St Francis Day A4 2024

Looking for a way to engage your congregation with issues of animal welfare and creation care?

Our Beyond Consumerism resource for St Francis’ Day (4th October 2024) is designed to help churches reflect on our relationship with animals and the environment, promoting a thoughtful balance between consumption and stewardship.

This flexible resource offers ideas for holding animal-themed worship events or services, providing a space to give thanks for animals and reflect on our responsibilities towards them. From planning a pet-friendly event to using discovery points and prayer stations, there’s plenty of inspiration for creative, missional engagement with your community.

Perfect for churches in rural areas, or any community with a passion for animals, this resource includes worship materials, prayers, fascinating facts about animal welfare, and music suggestions. Whether you choose to organise a special service or adapt the ideas into your regular Sunday worship, this is an excellent opportunity to build connections and encourage care for God’s creation.

Download the Beyond Consumerism resource now and plan an event that honours St Francis’ love for all creatures!

We are delighted as ever to bring you a helpful Plough Sunday resource for services in January 2024. Traditionally it would have taken place on the very first Sunday of the year, but perhaps you might like to develop the service for a different Sunday in the month.

Although Plough Sunday traditionally coincides with Epiphany, in a group of churches – i.e. Anglican multi-benefice or Methodist circuit – more could be made of it to create a bigger event.

The New Year Resolutions provide opportunities and challenges to involve families and the local school.

The resource includes a ready worked service with a New Year Pledge, based on the Methodist Covenant service.

Please do let us know if you are using this resource, and remember to send us any pictures or media coverage etc so that we can share this among rural communities far and wide.

Every blessing to you.

Plough Sunday 2024 Hi-Res

Having recently returned from the October 2023 Rural Ministry Course, we felt it good to provide a reflection on just how well it went…

Read on, and find a link to bookings for the 2 courses in 2024…

 

“A well put together and worthwhile course. Just what I needed at this point in my ministry. Thank you.” – Oct 23 participant.

When you’re new in leadership within the context of rural mission & ministry the role can feel slightly overwhelming and leave you unsure of where to start. Gathering with others in similar situations to take time out to pray, eat, learn & journey together can really help.

Participants received thought-provoking, practical, & encouraging input from experienced practitioners around the topics of rural contexts, mission, faith-rooted community organising, agriculture, leadership, inter-generational wild worship & evangelism – all whilst forming a supportive, ecumenical community that even continues beyond the course.

Our most recent gathering took place in October, with twenty three rural leaders from five different denominations. We left filled with hope and encouragement for the journey ahead and are looking forward to reconnecting online next term.

 

“Really helpful – practical, inspiring & encouraging!”- Oct 23 RMC participant.

The course is designed for lay & ordained leaders new to a rural context, entering a rural appointment for the first time, or in need of a ‘rural refresher’.

1-2nd May, 2024 at Yarnfield, Staffs.
2-3rd Oct, 2024 at King’s Park, Northampton.

Spaces are limited and can get booked up quickly. Come & join us for a future course : Click here for more information and to make your booking.