What are the hopes for September 2010?

The Circuit Leadership Team have stationed Rev Matt Finch from September2010 to work in St Ives Methodist Church and the wider community of St Ives. Anumber of factors have contributed to this seeming the most fruitful wayforward for the ministry and mission of St Ives Methodist Church. The visioncomes out of a deep commitment to St Ives Methodist Church, a wealth of opportunities presenting themselves and a desire to see the potential fulfilled.

How does it fit in with the ongoing ministry and mission of St IvesMethodist Church?

At the heart of this decision is the firm belief that it will benefit the currentworshipping community of St Ives Methodist Church. Growing a vibrant,committed, discipled community targeted at the 20s-30’s age range both

within

and

alongside

the current congregation would revive and support thecurrent congregation. In this Matt is not seeking to abandon the currentworshipping community, but rather to look at new, challenging and excitingways to grow faith and discipleship. There is a need to develop patterns of church for the growing interesting and‘out of the box’ ministry which we have seen develop over the past 18 months.Around 30 new young adults and young families have shown a prolongedinterest in worship and faith. Although some have attended traditional services,they have shown the most response and growth in faith in moreunconventional ministry and worship settings. All would admit that much of what happens on a Sunday morning does not connect with their everyday livesnor communicate faith to them in a relevant way. This is at the heart of thefuture work: to develop new forms of Church which may inspire and encouragefaith in those who are on journeys of faith, but find the traditional forms of church and worship difficult to relate to and unhelpful in their Christian walk.

How will this contribute to and benefit the St Neots and HuntingdonCircuit

This is a challenging, but significant, opportunity for the St Neots andHuntindon Circuit. It is an opportunity to step into some of the most forwardthinking forms of ministry that the Methodist Church Connexion is looking toimplement.As a Circuit we are looking at ways to connect with the ‘missing generation’and this project will provide thinking, practice and expertise to share with thewhole Circuit. It will provide inspiration and equipping for local preachers andstewards as well as support for circuit ministers in new ways of doing worshipand being church.Personally, Matt sees this as an opportunity to bring his involvement in FreshExpressions firmly into the Circuit.

What impact will it have in the wider District and Connexion?

The project’s wider significance would be felt for the District and Connexion. Allinvolved from individuals, Churches, Circuit would be able to make somecontribution to resourcing and pioneering for the wider Methodist Church. Whatmay develop at St Ives Methodist Church would play a role in the wider debateamongst emerging patterns of church and worship.

The next steps for St Ives Methodist Church

The project in St Ives would build expressions of church both outside and

inside

and the current worshipping community. It would be founded upon pre-existingnetworks and relationships. It would allow Matt to develop a network of groupswhich enable worship, mission and discipleship for the 21

Century. The areasof development identified are:

Café Service

We have had three Café services with good success and they have beenwelcomed by the majority of worshippers, old and new. As a form of servicethey take a considerable amount of creativity, energy and support. A singlechurch appointment will release Matt to lead a team of people to put one on asa regular feature of the worshipping life of St Ives Methodist Church.It is envisioned that this service will form the core overlap between the oldercongregation and the new members. It would provide opportunity for fellowshipand faith sharing. It would also firmly place the pioneering work in the heart of St Ives Methodist Church community. It is hoped that this would be a strongbridge between the traditional congregation and the new work.

Messy Church

A key area for the project will be developing the potential of the current workamongst parents with young children. Matt has felt considerable frustrationthat the good work done by the parents and tots helpers along with himself,has presented so many opportunities which time pressures have not allowed toflourish.A Christmas Nativity service held on Christmas Eve, aimed at this communitywas overwhelmingly successful. Over 60 children (approx. aged 0-14) alongwith their parents, grandparents and families attended. A style of servicecoined ‘Messy Church’ aimed at catering to this group would be a key part of the appointment. The style is based on sharing the Christian faith in a relaxedand interactive way with young families. This may also be complimented byparenting or marriage courses.

Breathe

This is an act of worship using creative arts, music, media and meditation in aninformal setting. It is aimed at busy young adults, it is contemplative space toreflect and encounter God. Making this a regular aspect of the worship offeredat St Ives Methodist Church will be a key part of the project.

Phos

This small group of young adults meets weekly to debate and consider life andfaith. It also has a strong element of contemplative prayer which mostmembers find a vital part of their spiritual life.

Café and Pub Connections

It is envisioned that a presence in the cafes and pubs of St Ives will be a keypart of this project. At the moment some contact and conversation has beenhad in this area which would be built upon. It is envisage

not

to open aChristian alternative to cafés or pubs (St Ives Free Church already provides aChristian presence in this area) but to work in the current environment tobecome part of the community.

Holt Island

One opportunity yet to be fully explored is the use of Holt Island NatureReserve. It is an island (directly opposite St Ives Methodist church) open for thepublic to use.