Michael set a challenge to the PCC for 2008 to come up with a variety of new events to help St Mary’s Christian mission for the community. Lots of good ideas were put forward, with the main constraint being time to do everything – then it was suggested we try to have one short period when we have lots of things going on; a ‘Festival Week’.
In the periods around Christmas and Easter, the church is busy, but the festival week is deliberately being held in a quiet period between Sunday June 15th and Sunday the 22nd. Those who are particularly good at dates will realise that the 15th is the traditional Duck Race day with a get together on the Green afterwards and it is no coincidence that this was thought to be a good starting point.
To include all people of Burley and to look beyond the walls of the Church to place the body of the Church into the community as part of local mission work
To allocate a period of time when a number of coordinated events can be held to create a festival atmosphere in the community with the Church central to these events
To demonstrate how the people of Burley can work together for the benefit of each other, and celebrate the community
To be inclusive in providing events that may be fun, educational or spiritual, to appeal to children and adults, young and old
To involve other organisations and encourage and support their objectives that involve supporting community activities and wider charitable causes
To have fun and to use the time we have available to the best possible effect
A final programme is still being put together, but so far, we have the following (in no particular order):
· Music evening in Church
· Open-the-book for the schools
· Wine and Wisdom with the Bishop
· Family treasure trail around the village
· History trail for the schools
· Open door events
· Coffee morning
· Ceilidh in the Queens Hall
· Teenager’s events
· Toddler’s parties
· Taize workshop and service
· Village mission work
· Quiz night
· Afternoon teas
And many more, including a festival service with the Bishop on Sunday 22nd June.
The only way this is working is through the many people so far offering to help with specific events – all the festival committee are doing is to coordinate the week. Any other ideas ? Any more volunteers ? Please let me know.