South Manchester

During June 2006 churches across South Manchester worked together to plan and deliver a Big Deal Weekend. This comprised a Saturday of community action, with projects ranging from litter picking to giving away free flowers and chocolates; from car washes to sponsored famines to raise funds for needy causes. Young and old alike from all manner of churches and denominations pulled together to share God's love in word and deed and to bless their neighbours. The day finished with with rousing youth concerts and free community BBQs across the area.

 

Sunday was a packed day of activities, family fun, celebrations and a concert in Fog Lane Park on the Didsbury, Burnage border. It started with a united church service attended by almost 1,000 Christians and guests from churches of all denominations and streams. This was followed with a family fun day crammed full of activities for children of all ages. Throughout the day were impromptu performances by top Christian bands including Blush-uk; LZ7, thebandwithnoname, and tbc. There was a wide variety of activities including drama from the Rhema Theatre Company, bouncy castle, donkey rides, a free FairTrade Cafe, arts and crafts, five-a-side football competition and our very own version of x-Factor: The Urban Academy talent competition. Climax of the day was the rockin' Space summer roadshow youth focussed concert.

 

There was a wonderful sense of unity between all the churches involved and many local people, who wouldn't normally go to church, were really appreciative of the kindness of the churches. Next steps are to run Alpha and other exploration type courses and find new ways to consolidate the progress made and build greater capacity for community action in future.

 

If you are interested in the future and would like to get involved please contact the Big Deal office who would be glad to put you in touch with local organisers.