Enthusing the Congregation
More challenging has been
trying to ensure that “ordinary” church members as distinct from office-bearers
and members of the Twinning Team, are kept up to date, are “excited” by all
that is happening and made to feel part of the venture. Every church has them –
people who do not read the Church Magazine (or even the Order of Service for
Sunday services) seldom look at notice boards. It also has those who, in spite
of all that has been said, printed, shown on the screen, persist in thinking
twinning is a 21st century’s missionary venture and an expensive one
at that !
The mutual visits produce rich friendships, keen interest in individuals in the twin church and deep respect for what the twin is doing. Though all “official” correspondence goes via the Co-ordinator our visits have led to
personal friendships and exchange of family news items – a talented daughter being promoted in her Southern Africa banking career, an elder being appointed CEO Zambian Broadcasting Corporation, a library being launched in St Andrews Church with books donated in Scotland, Zambia’s Vice President being a lady member of St Andrew’s.
Friends in St Andrews are interested and intrigued by St Anne’s Friends and Neighbours (FAN) Club for the ever-increasing number of retired folk and its Carers Support Group catering for the many people looking after ill or disabled relatives and friends.
Looking back over the first years of twinning what words describe our feelings? Thrilled by the richness of Zambian friendship and welcome. In awe of the worship and the Christian outreach of St Andrews Church. Impressed by St Andrew’s retreats and serious training for both the Eldership and Membership of the Women’s Guild.
For St Anne’s this continues to be a fascinating, challenging learning experience and, we hope, the same for our twin.
The mutual visits produce rich friendships, keen interest in individuals in the twin church and deep respect for what the twin is doing. Though all “official” correspondence goes via the Co-ordinator our visits have led to
personal friendships and exchange of family news items – a talented daughter being promoted in her Southern Africa banking career, an elder being appointed CEO Zambian Broadcasting Corporation, a library being launched in St Andrews Church with books donated in Scotland, Zambia’s Vice President being a lady member of St Andrew’s.
Friends in St Andrews are interested and intrigued by St Anne’s Friends and Neighbours (FAN) Club for the ever-increasing number of retired folk and its Carers Support Group catering for the many people looking after ill or disabled relatives and friends.
Looking back over the first years of twinning what words describe our feelings? Thrilled by the richness of Zambian friendship and welcome. In awe of the worship and the Christian outreach of St Andrews Church. Impressed by St Andrew’s retreats and serious training for both the Eldership and Membership of the Women’s Guild.
For St Anne’s this continues to be a fascinating, challenging learning experience and, we hope, the same for our twin.
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