Macclesfield
HOPE LAUNCHED IN MACCLESFIELD!
Last Fri 5 Oct saw over 80 civic leaders, councillors, senior officers from the council and police, business leaders join with church leaders from 27 Macclesfield churches of all denominations for the civic launch of Hope in Macclesfield at the Town Hall. And there was a real sense of Hope and expectancy as leaders shared the vision for Hope and the potential for a significant positive impact in the town. The civic leaders, including the Mayor and Sir Nicholas Winterton MP, responding enthusiastically by endorsing Hope and commiting to work in partnership with churches to bring Hope to Macclesfield. Both Pip Mosscrop (Big Deal and Hope Coordinator) and Rev David Mock (Big Deal and Hope Chair) were delighted with he outcome saying: "this is the start of a fantastic year for Macclesfield!".
Click here to read the full article from the Macclesfield Express 5 Oct 2007 (PDF 500Kb)
The Big Deal - A Taste of Things to Come
A significant and growing sense of unity between churches of all denominations and streams is developing as a result of the Big Deal weekend which took place in July 2006.
At the outset of the planning 11 church leaders met, some of whom had never met before, by the weekend itself 28 churches were working together like never before. Furthernore, new and stronger relationships were developing between the churches, Macclesfield Borough Council and the Town's Police service.
The weekend itself was a tremendous success thanks to tireless efforts of the volunteers and the Big Deal leadership team. The weather was tremendous and really brought out the community. Scores of community action projects ranging from clean-ups, car washing, bike maintenance, sports days, comic relief mile, concerts, culminating in free BBQs and local celebration events.
Sunday's activities took place in West Park and commenced with a united churchservice attended by apporximately 1,500 Christians and guests representing every aspect of church and community across Macclesfield. It was wonderful to unite in worship together.
The afternoon was crammed full of activities for all the family. Everything was free thanks to the generosity of the churches in partnership with The Message Trust, who all contributed to the cost of the event. The park was filled with an estimated 6,000 visitors during the afternoon, enjoying free FairTrade refreshments, fairground rides, arts and crafts, five-a-side football contest, theatre and drama, our very own X-Factor: Urban Academy talent contest, face painting and loads more. Every church contirbuted soemthing to make what was a feast of fun and activities for everyone to enjoy.
Climax of the weekend was the Space Summer Roadshow which was a youth concert by top Christian bands: Blush-uk, LZ7, thebandwithnoname, and tbc. Many young people responded to the Christian message.
Looking forward there are all sorts of activities to build on the momentum generated and consolidate relationships for the future. If you want to get involved on any way then don't hesitate to contact the Big Deal team who'd be delighted to put you in contact with the local organisers.
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