The Big Deal Weekend

The Big Deal weekend is a key part of a Big Deal year of action in any borough but it is also a great way for churches in any area to build more momentum in mission together.

Conceived by The Message in 2005, the Big Deal concentrated on the City of Salford. in 2006 the main focus moved to Stockport borough although growing momentum resulted in four Big Deal weekends: a repeat event in Salford, plus new weekends in Stockport, South Manchester and Macclesfield.

Why have a Big Deal Weekend?

It's an opportunity for churches to join forces to share God's love in their local communities through word and deed. It's a powerful way to build and strengthen relationships with our neighbours and share blessings through simple acts of kindness. It's also an opportunity to take the church to a new level: by working togther the church is a powerful force for good and potentially the single biggest source of volunteers in any borough or neighbourhood. By pooling resources a new opportunity exists to explore how the church can play a much more strategic role in the borough by building stronger partnerships between council and police based on shared goals and aspirations.

What's in a Weekend?

The weekend comprises two distinct elements: On the Streets and In the Park.

- On the Streets

The Saturday is based around local community action projects. Churches are invited to develop locally based projects which may be isolated and random acts of kindness or may form part of a bigger strategy for mission and community engagement. It's an opportunity to explore the needs of your local community and the consultation and planning process often presents a unique opportunity to develop and strengthen links with community based council and police officers and other community groups and social enterprises. The day usually starts with a simple act of worship and prayer and finishes with a celebrationparty, usually including free food or BBQ for the community. The Message Trust has supported many of the events with bands and gifted speakers, who share the Christian message with sensitivity and relevence.

- In the Park

The Sunday is based around a local public park. The day is planned by a core team made up of volunteers organisers from churches supported by members of the Big Deal team at The Message. The day starts with a united church service, this is put together in close consultation with churches and is designed to be the sort of event that people how don't normally attend church would find easily accessible. Part of the service will be interviews and a celebration of the Saturday achievements, this is designed to promote a wider appreciation of the work of many churches working together.

Following straight on from the morning service is a family fun day. It's based on the faith lunch principle where every church contributes one aspect of the entertainment. Put it all together and everyone enjoys a real feast of activities! The Message helps with experience and specialisms in major events by supporting with compliance to Health & Safety and local authority and policing requirements.

Throughout the afternoon there are various mainstage events including samples of the bands that will be playing the evening concert, drama performances and guest speakers. This includes a young person's talent show 'The Urban Academy' which leads straight into the early evening concert with top class Christian bands.

How to get Involved

The Message are on the lookout for any boroughs where churches may feel the time is right for The Big Deal. If you wish to explore the vision further please don't hesitate to contact the Big Deal team.