Churches on the outskirts of Worcester are running a novel Listening Project. The West Worcester Beacon covers the parishes of Hallow, Holt, Grimley and Lower Broadheath. Members are holding monthly Community Conversations to help them learn more about their communities.
Sue Roulstone lives in Lower Broadheath and is one of the team. She said: "So far we've had really lively Conversations with staff at our local primary schools and a wide-ranging discussion with Parish and District councillors: so wide-ranging they had to kick us out of The Bell after closing time!"
Future meetings are already planned: on 22 April the Community Conversation is at The Crown in Hallow. "We're interested in hearing from people who have a connection with the churches but don't go to regular services; baptism and wedding families, folk with loved ones in the churchyards, people who attend church organised groups and events.
The churches, as buildings and as groups of people, are at the heart of community life and we want to make sure we're doing the right things in the right way!"
The Community Conversations will continue throughout the year: in May the focus is Voluntary & Community groups, in June Parents and in July local Businesses are invited.
"Too often the church is seen as preaching rather than serving," says the Revd Kalantha Brewis, vicar of the benefice. "We aim to listen to our community and work together with others to make it a better place for everyone."
