Churches are key resource

See: Quiet Spaces Still Places

MAKING the most of our ancient church buildings is a key resource for ministry outside of regular service times, concluded a recent working conference of the Quiet Spaces Still Places Network.

The network, which is developing a new style mission for small, ancient churches in the diocese, says that at least 44 parishes are now considering how to make more of the peace and space of their sacred buildings which are so popular with visitors.

The Revd Canon Barbara Doubtfire, who heads the network, says:

'We have to look at how we minister to those for whom spirituality is important but who are not drawn to engage with the institutional church.  As the living church of that place what are we saying about ourselves to people who visit outside of regular worship times?’

'How do we convey the living spirituality of our church buildings to passing tourists who visit in their thousands each year?'

A template design for a 'Simple Church Guide' was introduced at the  conference with suggestions of what might be included and examples of good practice. It can be used not just for small ancient churches but for any worshipping community wanting to enhance their church building as a sacred space.

Other needs identified at the conference were: Helping people with prayer; something to support a meditative walk around the graveyard or church and; what information to set up in the church building and how best to do it.

To add your church to the network, to request or to contribute to anything mentioned here e-mail spidir@oxford.anglican.org or contact Barbara at, 6 Meadow Walk, Woodstock  OX12 1NR Tel:01993 810005.