Communication
Jesus answered, "I am the way and
the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.
God said to Moses, "I
am who I am .This is what you are to say to the Israelites: 'I AM has sent me
to you.' "
I tell you the truth,"
Jesus answered, "before Abraham was born, I am!"
When I saw him, I fell at
his feet as though dead. Then he placed his right hand on me and said: "Do
not be afraid. I am the First and the Last. 18I am the Living One; I was dead, and behold I
am alive for ever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and Hades.
Communication within the church family can be surprisingly difficult. In 2005, a ‘parish funding initiative’ included a DVD which presenting the work of the churches (select “Come Taste and See “ DVD on this website). The response to this presentation was very positive, but it was clear that many people were not aware of many activities in the church. This surprised many at the centre of church life, and needs addressing to ensure communication is improved.
The main means of communication of the Gospel s from the Bible.
Wonersh church has recently installed an upgraded audio-visual system, including sound amplification, a hearing loop, simple recording facilities, video and data projection and relay screens to help the congregation in all parts of the church and the Selwyn Room to see and hear all that is going on. A small group has been trained to operate this system, which gives opportunities to enhance both worship and communication within the church. Worship leaders need to be comfortable using this equipment, and imaginative in using it effectively and sensitively. Mike Hodges co-ordinates the AV team assisted by Rob Ellis – volunteers are always welcome to operate the equipment at services and other events.
There is also a portable amplifier/speaker and a separate data/video projector.
A Weekly News Sheet is given out at all Sunday services in both Churches, and a Monthly Diary and Key Dates are also produced.
Blackheath launched St Martin’s Church Newsletter in 2005, to be updated annually, which is distributed throughout the village.
The parish magazine is highly valued by parishioners, produced monthly and distributed free to all homes in the parish, apart from the few who do not wish to receive it.
The home group leaders’ network is used to communicate to home group members and on to other church members.
A pack is kept updated by the Church Administrator, for giving to new arrivals in the villages. About 60 are typically distributed in a year by street wardens and at services.
http://www.wonershchurch.com/ is the website address which aims to cover both Blackheath and Wonersh. Different people can contribute and maintain different sections of the website. The vicar was the webmaster, but this role has now been passed to David Legg. Additional training will be required for this difficult and time-consuming activity, and a clear vision for the website is being worked out.
There is a small bookstall in the meeting room (the Selwyn Room) at the back of Wonersh church. The selection is kept up to date by the bookstall representative, and there is also a display of Bible reading notes, to remind people of the benefits of daily Bible reading and help them to select appropriate material for their use.