By Mike Wiltshire
Following the success of this year’s Church Community Action Fair at the Forum in Norwich, an even larger city-wide event is planned for next June.
Outdoor music and drama at the Forum’s amphitheatre, plus an even larger display in the whole of the Atrium - these are some of the attractions planned for 2010 by Transforming Norwich, a collaborative group that brings together churches, Christian charities and Christian groups across the city.
“Yes, next year’s fair will be even bigger - we are looking for more partners to bring together to this united June event,” says John Betts, development officer of Transforming Norwich.
Planners are hoping for a series of concerts at other city venues, plus a gala dinner for leaders in all walks of life across the county.
This year’s first-ever Christian fair at the Forum brought together 16 groups with the united theme: ‘What we do when it’s not Sunday.’
Civic leaders and local government departments have long recognised the value of volunteer agencies and church groups. Transforming Norwich also aims to break down the barriers between churches and “help them on the ground with whatever they are doing,” says chairman Rev Nicholas Vesey.
Transforming Norwich is involved in many initiatives, including a city-church dialogue between faith leaders, government ministers and council leaders.
A new venture is the Norwich crisis food bank to bring food parcels to needy families. This project, launched at New Hope Church, is linked with 40 other food banks through the UK’s Christian-based Trussell Trust.
Earlier this year, Transforming Norwich launched a world mission fair. In April, more than 600 people attended a successful concert with well-known Christian songwriter Graham Kendrick, presented by the King’s Centre and Norwich Cathedral. In May, Norwich Cathedral was the venue for this year’s Global Day of Prayer - an event the linked the region with other gatherings in 214 nations.
Bishop Stephen Lowe, Bishop of Urban Life and Faith, speaking at this year’s Community Fair at the Forum, challenged Norfolk churches and Christian groups to grasp the increasing opportunities which the economic downturn has produced. With major cuts predicted in public expenditure, the help provided by the wide range of social action groups is becoming more vital than ever, he said.
The Lord Mayor of Norwich, Councillor Evelyn Collishaw, and her consort Vic Hopes, met the exhibitors at a civic reception. Displays were arranged by All Saints; All Hallows; YMCA Norfolk; the Salvation Army; Christian Aid; Pregnancy Crisis; Call to Prayer; the Christian Motor Cyclist Association; FGBMFI; NYFC; CAN; the Matthew Project; the Magdalen Group; Norfolk Street Pastors; NCRC; Network Norfolk and the HTB Marriage Course.
For details on how to partner with the 2010 Fair, contact John Betts on 01603 861181.
and Christian organisations have been challenged by
Bishop Stephen Lowe to grasp the opportunities which the economic crisis will present with the government looking to the third sector to help provide vital welfare services.
