Christian Unity St Joan of Arc


Christian Unity

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Parish Life

Introduction.

Parish Co-ordinator: Michael McDonnell, 01252 712600

That Christians will be united under the Pope “in our lifetime” has been predicted by Cardinal Cormac Murphy O’Connor. It would be he said, a unity of love and service not jurisdiction. The Parish of St. Joan of Arc seeks this unity of love and service with all Christians and with all peoples. We believe this unity is already in existence between Christians locally and will grow stronger, through the Holy Spirit and our efforts to live the Gospel message.

The Church.

We believe the Christian Church embraces all people who believe in Jesus Christ, believe he is the Son of God and that he died for us to redeem us from our sins and give us eternal life.

Visible Unity.

The Unity we are seeking is a unity of love and service for God, for all mankind and for all of God’s creation but it also includes unity of purpose – living and proclaiming the Gospel message. In as far as we live the Gospel message, we will be seen to be One United Church. If Christians really loved one another and all mankind (and for example always told the truth), they would be a visible entity in our society and the World.

The Big Issues e.g. the Eucharist, Jurisdiction.

We don’t believe the average Christian is occupied regarding Unity on the big issues. These matters are being addressed by the Church leaders. Today’s Christian has enough to do, living the Gospel message through his worship and daily life.

The Way Forward.

We should concentrate on living the Gospel message. Our different Christian traditions are precious and cherished, and we shouldn’t think of merging them. They record how individuals and groups have responded in different ways to God’s call. For most Christians their church and tradition is the main inspiration and motivation for their Christian life.

How do we interrelate with other churches?

We seek mutual understanding and respect with other traditions and look for opportunities to work together. At times we have differences. Saint Agustine said “Unity in essentials, Freedom in non essentials, Charity in all things.”

Jesus prayed:
“I ask that they may all be one, as you Father are in me and I am in you. May they also be one in us, so that the World will believe that you have sent me.”
(John 17, 20-21)

This means,

All Christians are called to be one as members of Christ’s body.

So the Good News can be seen by the World.

This is our Mission.

As supporters of Churches Together in Farnham we join with other Christians in a variety of activities including:

Interchurch Services,
Lent programs,
Good Friday Walk of Witness,
Christmas day lunch for people who would otherwise spend the day on their own.
Friday Focus Christian feature in the Farnham Herald.
Christmas Crib in Farnham Library.

Churches Together in Farnham. Churches Together in Farnham, Annual General Meeting will take place on Tuesday 16th October 2007 - venue to be advised.

The Churches Together in Farnham website will be pleased to publish any Parish activity – please send info to Richard Wimbush
secretary@churchestogetherinfarnham.org.uk

Links:

Churches Together in Farnham – www.ChurchesTogetherinFarnham.org.uk
Other Christian Churches in Farnham – www.ChurchesTogetherinFarnham.org.uk
See also Farnham Community Directory – Churches.
Farnham Christian Community Trust – www.fcct.org.uk
Catholic On Line - www.catholic.org/cathcom/international

Winterwatch/First Base - helping the homeless locally.

The Bible Society

The Bible Society began in 1804 when a group of committed Christians realised the importance of people all over the world having the opportunity to encounter God’s Word. 200years on, the Bible in complete or partial form (e.g. the Psalms or books from the New Testament), is available in over 2000 languages. The Bible Society works, in particular, to bring the Word of God to people in developing countries and in countries where Christianity is suppressed (e,g, China, Egypt). It is supported both by churches and over 130 Bible Societies around the world.
Contact: Tina Rickard, E-mail

Make Poverty History

Remember the Jubilee 2000 Drop the Debt campaign ? Make Poverty History campaigns on behalf of the World’s poorest nations for the cancellation of their debts to the Worlds richest nations. Many poor nations are spending more on interest payments on their debts than they are spending on health, sanitation, water and education. It is impossible for them to pay these debts and hundreds and thousands of people are dying from starvation and lack of any kind of medical care. Make Poverty History campaigns to tackle the root causes of poverty by canceling debt; as part of a package of practical help, to enable the poorest nations to support themselves.
Contact: Ann Serase tel: 01252 651080

The Diocese

The Episcopal Vicar for Mission and Unity and Chair of the Commission for Mission and Unity.
Father Anthony Churchill.
Please contact through the Ecumenical desk at
Dabcek, 4, Southgate Drive, Crawley, RH10 6RP tel: 01293 515666

Vice-Chair of the Commission for Mission and Unity:
Mr John Roberts.
Please contact through the Ecumenical desk at
Dabcek, 4, Southgate Drive, Crawley, RH10 6RP tel: 01293 515666

The Deanery
Ecumenical Co-ordinator:
Ann Edwards tel: 01252 321383

Terms of reference

To promote Christian Unity.
To foster good ecumenical relations and good local collaboration.
To deepen parishioners commitment to ecumenism by encouraging prayer and Christian action with other faith communities.
To liaise with the Deanery and Diocesan agencies for Christian Unity.

For further information please contact:

Michael McDonnell 01252 712600
Mrs Dorothy Russell, by Email

Introduction

Churches together in Farnham

Churches together in Farnham

The Bible Society