Feature: Talking Faith with Bible giveaway at Thomas Risley URC
Photo Credit: Olivia Snow on Unsplash
Thomas Risley URC used the theme of Talking Faith to encourage people to take copies of the easy-to-read bibles provided by Synod, leading to huge demand, a successful giveaway and spreading the Good News of Jesus Christ and the Gospel message.
The Church’s Synod Representative, Lynne Deason, introduced a five-minute slot at services to present the Meet Jesus Easy Read Bible from the Bible Trust, linking in the Synod theme of Talking Faith and its difficulties, while reading out verses to illustrate this.
The Meet Jesus Easy Read Bible from the Bible Trust 2018 edition (reprinted in 2023)
Lynne commented: “The Bibles are a brilliant way to spread the word of God and introduce ways of Talking Faith. We displayed them on a table in the foyer and manned it so that people could ask questions.
“They went like hotcakes! For weeks afterwards, members of the congregation were asking questions for guidance about what to say etc when giving them away. It was a successful way of sharing ideas about Talking Faith. We also decided to give each church community group ( Tommys Tots, Treats, Wednesday Group, etc).”
Revd Stuart Nixon, Birchwood Minister, said: “People were excited by the prospect of sharing our faith through giving out the easy-to-read Bibles. I think the way they are presented and written, gives someone who is seeking faith an opportunity to read and reflect upon God's word in a simple and helpful way. It also meant that the people giving them out were confident that what they were offering would be appropriate and well received.
“After a reading from this version of the Bible at an all-age service, one of the Girl Guides, who had wanted to read the Bible but didn't have one, asked if she could take one. I gave her mine and she has really enjoyed reading it. They have been given out to friends, family members and people of all ages and have been a really useful tool in our Talking Faith focus.”
Revd Stuart Radcliffe, Missional Discipleship Enabler for The United Reformed Church Mersey, added: “So much of our focus over recent years has been on how we manage decline in the church. We hope that Talking Faith is helping churches to shift their focus and begin to plan for growth. It was such a joy to be able to offer Bibles to churches so they could regift them in a way that we have seen Thomas Risley do. Growth begins with us Talking Faith, inviting our friends, family, neighbours and colleagues to come and see. Perhaps this story will encourage you to do the same.”
Meet Jesus Easy Read bibles from the Bible Trust, are available for Mersey Synod churches. Please contact Stuart Radcliffe, the Mersey Synod Missional Discipleship Enabler, mde@urcmerseysynod.org.uk
In 2023 and 2024, our Synod theme is Talking Faith. We hope to encourage one another to verbally express the difference faith makes to our lives and to those around us. For more information about the Mersey Synod Talking Faith theme, please visit: Talking Faith — URC Mersey (urcmerseysynod.org.uk)
More news and events at Thomas Risley URC are listed here Welcome to Thomas Risley Church, Birchwood, Warrington