Churches in the Community: Parties in the Park 2016

Between 2012 and 2014, Churches Together in Greater Bristol (CTGB) helped set up three city-wide gatherings in the open air, under the banner of Together for Bristol.

For example, the Party in the Park in 2013, saw about 5,000 people gather at Castle Park as the Christian community blessed the general public, with a fun day in the sun, including many family activities and free ice creams and hot dogs (Click Here).

In 2016 and beyond, rather than have another city-wide gathering, CTGB is encouraging local groups of churches, including Churches Together groups, to engage with and bless their local communities in open spaces, such as parks, commons, streets or squares.

This can range from having a stand at an existing community gathering in the park, to setting up a whole weekend of community action linked to the Noise! For example, to find out about street parties for the Queen's 90th Birthday in June, Click Here.

In 2015, there were about eighteen gatherings like this across the region. Here are some examples, with the name of a person to contact if you want to find out more!

• C in the Park, Downend. Paul Peterson paulpeterson a_t blueyonder d_o_t co d_o_t uk
• Sunday Funday, St George Andrew Yelland andrew a_t croftsend d_o_t org
• Ashley (ACTS) Phil Watkins pjmwatkins a_t blueyonder d_o_t co d_o_t uk Fun in the Park Event (09/05/15)
• The Noise (May Bank Holiday weekend) has Family Fun Afternoons (Click Here) at Barton Hill, Easton, Horfield and Lockleaze, Lawrence Weston, Sea Mills and Southmead and is wanting to expand to other areas in the future. To find out more Click Here and contact Esther Legg-Bagg esther a_t thenoise d_o_t org d_o_t uk

Also be inspired by a national initiative called THE BIGGEST PARTY EVER.com (Click Here), for guidance and resources for setting up a gathering, especially at Pentecost.

For help with setting up Sport activities, please contact World Sport Ministries (Click Here)
on bristol a_t worldsportministries d_o_t com

If you are interested in having a Salvation Army brass band, please contact Ian Mountford on ian.mountford a_t salvationarmy d_o_t org d_o_t uk

So, whether you are starting by setting up a stand, or are wanting to do something bigger, why not start thinking about how you can engage with your local community in the open air, in 2016 and beyond?! Please can you keep in touch with me concerning any further suggestions or actions you take linked to this idea?

Many thanks!
Roger Allen, Enabler of Unity and Mission, CTGB, roger.allen91 a_t gmail d_o_t com
and Major Ian Mountford, Chair of CTGB.ian.mountford a_t salvationarmy d_o_t org d_o_t uk