In the Growing Churches email from Robin, he says that “here in Leeds Diocese we are now making big moves to re-vitalise and equip our estate churches”.  It is good to see the diocese putting our estates front and centre.

Synod Motion

There has been a lot of movement nationally in support of estates ministry.  The Estates Evangelism Task Group took a motion to General Synod that was supported widely.  There is now a clear mandate for the church to look at growing and supporting estates ministry at a national and local level.  You can check out the motion here.

NECN Conference

This year we are fortunate that our diocese is hosting the National Estates Church Network northern conference.  It takes place at Bradford Cathedral on 18^th of June.  As NECN is happening on our doorstep we have decided to plug this as the main event for 2019.  We can then look at having a local event in spring 2020.

‘Always room for one more.’  Children, Young People and Estates; stories of participation and partnering.

The keynote for the event is Emily McDonald who spoke so eloquently at the Synod Debate.

Networking

Forming a network of support is so important.  We had a good gathering in Lupset at the beginning of the year and we intend to keep meeting throughout the year.  If you would like to come along to Holy Nativity Church in Mixenden on the 14^th of May, we will begin with a short act of worship at noon.  Please bring lunch with you.

Holy Nativity Church
Sunnybank Road
Mixenden
Halifax
HX2 8RX

Social Media

Momentum is building with the estates church movement.  There are lots of ways to join in the conversation.  Our own network in Leeds is on Facebookand Twitter.

Estates LYCIG

If this isn’t enough for you there is also this year’s estates LYCIG.  Martine and Robb both took church groups to this in 2018 and were very impressed with it.  At a recent meeting Robb said:

“I’ve been to LYCIG twice now and the Estates version is really good.  Sitting with people in similar situations was so much more useful.  No one was suggesting growth strategies that cost thousands of pounds, just simple honest estates practitioners sharing together.  Bringing two people from the church really made it work in our parish!”

Find out more about this year’s conference here.  There are also details for a local meetup of people who went in 2018.

There is so much going on in our estates!  We have real momentum to build a church that comprises of people on the margins.

Every blessing as you prepare for Easter!

The Leeds Estates Group