|  | SPONSORING
PARISH WITNESS MISSIONS (FAITH
ALIVE WEEKENDS) GENERAL DESCRIPTION
| A weekend of small and large
gatherings in the parish featuring small group discussion and Christian Witness
by a visiting “team” of committed Christian men and women from other
Episcopal Churches. |
BACKGROUND
INFORMATION | This type of Mission
is relatively new. It was pioneered by the Faith At Work (an interdenominational
fellowship founded by the Rev. Dr. Samuel Shoemaker, a prominent Episcopalian,
and The Rev. Ben C. Johnson, Director of Institute of Church Renewal). The Parish
Witness Mission Movement springs from the deep spiritual conviction of those who
have found Christ truly and are willing to witness verbally (to “share”)
their faith. It is sound, Biblical, practical and not designed to arouse or use
highly charged emotions. Clergy and lay leaders in Episcopal parishes where these
have been held are enthusiastic in endorsing them. |
HOW IT WORKS Information
about this event and a formal Registration form may be obtained from the FAITH
ALIVE National Office (same address as The Brotherhood of St. Andrew). A Coordinator
(leader) will be suggested who will provide the names of people to invite. The
team, members which come from one to several hundred miles, travel to the parish
at their own expense but are lodged and fed by the parish and live in parishioners
homes. Members of the Brotherhood chapter and other parish leaders could serve
as a local Committee. A planning Guide provided by the FAITH ALIVE Office gives
complete details for planning the WEEKEND. A
typical program starts with a Friday night parish supper, followed by singing,
talks (witnesses) by team members and discussion groups. Coffee Discussion groups
are held in parish homes Saturday morning and luncheons are held for men, women
and youth separately. The Saturday evening program is similar to that of Friday
night. Team members speak at worship services on Sunday and to Sunday School classes.
A summary meeting is held by parishioners on Sunday afternoon or evening. Parish
youth are also involved. |
HOW
TO GET STARTED | Contact FAITH
ALIVE, 431 Richmond Place, NE, Albuquerque, NM 87106 |
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