Churches Together

Churches Together in Kirkby

A bit of a potted history of churches together: In Edinburgh, in June 1910, a very significant meeting took place. For the first time representatives of many different churches gathered to discuss (amongst other things) the work of the church in various countries to which missionaries were sent to establish new churches. Until this date there had been no co-operation between the different denominations. In many places the missionaries were almost competing which each other rather than co-operating in their evangelical efforts to establish their own denominational church.

The Edinburgh Conference in 1910 agreed to prevent this be allocating mission areas to various denominations. In effect the non-Christian world was 'carved up' to allow one denomination to send missionary's to. This was the first step taken towards our denominations co-operating; since 1910 we have grown together, some branches of the church have united, (e.g. The Congregational Church has united with the English Presbyterian Church to form the United Reform Church (URC)). So Edinburgh 1910, a century ago, set us onto the track to become 'Churches Together'.

When will we truly become One Church? What is happening today in Churches Together in Kirkby There are ten churches in Kirkby which make up the Churches Together Organisation which is itself a part of the national Churches Together in Britain and Ireland. Churches Together in Kirkby (CTK) has existed for many years.

Regular Activities:

Prayer Breakfast - 8.30am - 10.00am One every two months on Saturdays, hosted at churches in Kirkby in turn.

The Good Friday Act of Witness - In the past we have met for coffee and hot cross buns at St. Thomas; and then walked to the shopping centre where an open air service has been held. Steps are being taken to hold a Good Friday reflective service at St Thomas' for all before the walk of witness.

Lent Course - We have tried to intermingle the York Courses but not many have done this. The courses have been held at three churches. In years gone by we have had a series of meetings in five of our churches and followed a theme of relevant services.

Bible Society Meeting - The CTK has supported the setting up of a Bible Society Action Group which has organised events twice a year. This both raises financial support for the Bible Society and brings us very positive information about the overseas work of the national Bible Society.

Christmas Day Service - One Christmas morning service is arranged at our churches on a rota basis which has been well attended and much enjoyed by many people.

In the pipeline for the future there has been suggestions that we do more in schools, e.g. provide Bibles, and support those who go to schools to lead worship at the school assemblies. CTK is also a useful means of inviting churches to mix with each other especially at important events.

Contacts:
Prayer Breakfast - Rev Mick Dilley 1623 752349
Good Friday Act of Witness, Lent Courses, Bible Society Meetings, Christmas Service - Ken Hawkins 01623 793419 or email