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Tell Teach Tend Transform Treasure |
| In the United Reformed Church we believe that mission
is central to who we are. A church without mission is failing as a
church! To help us in our missionary task we use 'the FIVE Marks of Mission' as a guide. The five marks are: Tell - the good news of the kingdom Teach - baptise and nurture new believers Tend - to human need in loving service Transform - unjust structures of society Treasure - the life of the earth At Heald Green United Reformed Church we are strong on Teach, through our Study Groups. Tend, through our varied Pastoral Work, and Transform, in our commitment to Social Action and our partnerships with Christian Aid and Commitment for Life, The Fairtrade Foundation, and the work of our ecumenical Justice and Peace Group, which is passionately concerned about injustice in our world. Most churches need to respond better and quicker to environmental concerns, addressing the Treasure aspect of Mission. Through The URC Environmental Network we are working to address this in the coming months. And finally, Tell is the area we are looking to work on most in the coming year, to share our faith story with our community and let people know the good news of God's love. Catch the Vision  In 2003 the United Reformed Church began a process of reviewing and renewing our life together, under the title, Catch the Vision. This process has been the catalyst behind a major restructuring of our church, but more importantly it is the beginning of some exciting new initiatives for our denomination. We will link to more information after this year's General Assembly held here in Manchester, but below is the Catch the Vision Prayer, which seeks to set out our shared mission priorities as we seek to 'Make a difference for Christ's sake'. Catch the Vision Prayer May the spirit of the Lord rest upon us, may the call of God sustain us. as we seek to be God's people, transformed by the Gospel, announcing good news to the poor, proclaiming freedom for those in prisons of wealth, poverty, disease and disorder, committed to making a difference to the world's kingdoms for the sake of Christ's kingdom. May we deploy our resources as the Spirit guides, not shirk difficult decisions about the priority of mission, pledges ourselves anew to work with all our fellow Christians and use the gifts of all God's people so that all may be filled with the Spirit of healing, justice and peace. Amen. The United Reformed Church - Making a Difference, for Christ's Sake |