Restart Party - Tamworth

Here's a bit of a 'heads up' for those I know who are techie types, are good at using their hands or  can handle soldering irons and components.

The reason for this is that I have come across one of the most exciting things since people suggested putting butter and jam onto toast - it's called a 'Restart Party'.

What happens is that you find a place (church or church hall?) and invite people to a party - but it's a party with a difference as those who come bring bits of kit that no longer works and is destined fror the bin with the aim that it gets mended. This means that those who would otherwise be going out to buy new stuff can hang on to their money - or better still won't have to borrow to buy replacement kit - and so we are making a difference in so many ways:

Stopping people get into  or increase, their debt because they don't need to spend!

Reduces the amount of stuff that our 'disposable' mindset would have us bin!

Brings us into contact with people - building community and fostering relationships.

So what do we need?

A Host

A venue

Refreshments

Repair people: Technical and practical sorts

This is not designed to stop people taking stuff to professional repair people - after all, it is ridiculous to help one sector of the community and put others other of work isn't it?

But what a great opportunity to save the planet - reduce debt - change lives - get involved

Interested?

Click here and get started where you are:

http://therestartproject.org/

Church - Rearranging the deckchairs - 1

I have been reading the Church in Wales review document and take from it much that I consider to be extremely positive and helpful as we rethink 'Church' in our particular brand label.

The mobilising the laity to fulfil their baptismal calling and become a full and effective member of the church family to which they belong has already been addressed and so we will move on.The concept of larger ministry areas is in many ways a return to the Minster model of doing church whereby there is a centralised support structure and a group of churches in relationship with each other and with the centre. The interesting thing here is a rationalisation of those churches which remain in that the situation where, if we were honest, unsustainable churches would vanish and with it the heavy workload of sustaining these spiritual 'money pits'. My take would be that where there is growth or potential for growth then we should do all we can to keep the banner flying, but we need to stop throwing good money (and time) after bad! A recipe for tears I am sure but a necessary step I fear.

So here's you starter for ten.

How do you see the potential changes running out in terms of mobilising people, rationalising parishes and reducing the buildings?

Have a go - you never know who's reading your comments (as I have found out again recently ;-) )

Pax