Fun and Friendship Day at Macclesfield & Bollington URC

A Fun and Friendship Day, recently held at Macclesfield & Bollington URC and supported by a Mersey Synod Mission Grant, met mission outcomes and proved a successful and busy event. Mission outcomes included “Tending” and “Teaching”, as many non- members of the church experienced God’s liberating love outside of a church service.

Barbara Davis, Elder, Macclesfield & Bollington URC explained:

“Although originally intended to welcome adults, the scope of the event broadened when we were contacted by families with children looking for a summer day diversion. Katharine, our Outreach Leader, brought out the crafts, puzzles and games from the crèche and had a lovely time making tissue paper flowers, building Lego towers and following mazes. One parent shared that it was good to have an activity day in which parents and children could participate together.

“By reaching out to people through extensive publicity and word of mouth, we reached some of the vulnerable and lonely members of society. We advertised the event through posters at the library, Facebook groups and the Nextdoor community chat.

“The morning began with a time of prayer, followed with refreshments and a chance to catch up with friends and an opportunity to chat to new ones.  Outreach covered a vast area including families, residential homes, churches, as well as our own church family and friends. We were very privileged and blessed in having a guest due to celebrate 100 years of life in early September.  

“The Beartown Ukes sang a selection of well-known songs, expertly accompanied on their ukeleles, and got everyone singing.  This enjoyable entertainment was followed by a quiz. 

“After a generous and delicious lunch in the Church Hall, there was a 'break-out' room with soft toys, more Lego and board games set up so that the families could stay busy while listening to the afternoon entertainment in the next room. 

“After lunch and by popular demand the Mad Hatters in their colourful attire were invited to entertain and kept everyone smiling with their repertoire of well-known songs, jokes and banter, following which afternoon tea was served. 

It was a brilliant day and ‘here’s to the next time!’”

Synod Mission Funds 

The Synod has set aside £75,000 a year and churches can apply for a large grant of up to £25,000 a project or, using the small grant scheme, for up to £2,500 as many times as required.  There are even options for smaller amounts of around £100. Grants are for mission projects, not building projects. 

Grants and Funding — URC Mersey (urcmerseysynod.org.uk)