Big news, big challenge from Life Events

It’s over to you now: for the past nine years the Life Events team has inspired and resourced you in meeting families at life’s big moments, whether in times of joy or in times of sadness. Now we need you to be the advocates and champions right where you are.  Sandra Millar explains that she and the team will no longer be available – although the insights and resources remain.

Changing times: over to you

In 2008 the Wedding Project was launched, helping churches discover the potential for mission through weddings as we worked to help those who come to us encounter God and God’s people at life’s special moments.

This work has further flourished and expanded since 2013 when I became Head of Life Events and our remit expanded to cover christenings and funerals as well as weddings. The team has helped you think about every moment of the journey with families – from first contact, through welcome, through getting ready, through the day, and then on into the future with tools for administration, creative ideas and practical resources, whether liturgies, posters or cards.

As part of the restructuring at the National Church Institutions, the role of Head of Life Events is being made redundant, and I will be leaving. So from April there will no longer be any central support or dedicated expertise for Life Events – instead, there will be a legacy of people like you in every Diocese and every parish.

The continuing ministry through Life Events depends on people like you who have understood what it means to welcome a bereaved person, or to talk about a christening, or involve a family in the life of the church. Please keep using the resources found at www.churchprinthub.org and www.churchsupporthub.org as you create a life-changing encounter with God and God’s people for everyone you meet.   

Tell colleagues about the websites – and encourage others to grasp the opportunities to meet and have deep conversations with those million new contacts that are made possible each year through christenings, weddings, funerals and bereavement ministry.

Remember too the 15 million who come as guests and see the church at work through these moments, many of whom have had no previous experience of church. Make sure they leave with good memories, seeds sown, and a sense of the good news of God’s love in Jesus.

I end with a special thank you, firstly to Cathy, Ruth, and Tom, and those previously on the team - Suzanne, Jean, Caroline and Graham - but above all to all of you who have engaged with us. Thank you for all you do – please do keep in touch if you wish on revdocsand@gmail.com.

We will continue to pray for you all as you pray for us. Here is our special prayer for the ministry of life events where you are:

Loving God,
Give us the strength and courage we need
to share the Good News of Jesus Christ with those whom we meet
through our services and events,
and especially at the important moments in their lives.
Help us to share the joy of new life
as we baptise a child.
Help us to celebrate new beginnings
as we take wedding services.
Help us to stand alongside those who face endings
as we lead funerals and meet those who are bereaved.
May we reflect your love and know your peace
In the busyness of these days.
We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord,
Amen.