Project Reconnect is a concept, it is an idea, it is a vision about small congregations, often considered the poor cousins of larger congregations, becoming a strength of the future Christian Church. It is about helping people recognise the strength they have within themselves, the strength of their own congregation, the strength they have to change the world around them. It is also about creating resources to help in this process. A central resource of Project Reconnect is a DVD that has various components that at present are primarily about worship. We believe for Project Reconnect to be sustainable and effective we need to create openings and opportunities for partnering with people who share this vision. People who share the vision may be small congregations, they might help us with feedback, ideas, resources. Partners might be people who have a resource ministry to small congregations, or it might be larger congregations who want to serve God by creating resources.
We welcome all ideas about ways to partner.
Of course we will always welcome money. There may be someone, or a group, who have a real calling to help us financially with our equipment costs - multimedia equipment is annoyingly expensive! All our labour is voluntary ... that is part of the philosphy of everyone's contribution. Charges for the purchase of the DVD is to try to assist in the paying for the consumables and the equipment.
Below is an invitation to Uniting Church Presbyteries of the NSW Synod to a special partnership workshop. If you are interested in this get in contact with us.
PROJECT RECONNECT PARTNERSHIPS
Ø Reconnecting with our faith stories
Ø Reconnecting with each other
Ø Reconnecting with the world
Several Presbyteries (and one Large Regional Congregation in Sydney) have responded positively to an invitation, made through Ross Neville and Tom Stuart, to become Partners with Project Reconnect.
The Project Reconnect Team, in the Mid Lachlan Mission Area, now invites your presbytery (congregation) to send two representatives to a Forum to explore how these Partnerships might actually work.
The Forum will be held at Parkes Uniting Church on Tuesday and Wednesday 28 and 29 November, commencing noon Tuesday and concluding by 11 am Wednesday.
The program will include:
· Explanation of the concept/philosophy of Project Reconnect
· Demonstration of the production process and equipment
· Administration and quality control
· Using (and helping congregations use) Project Reconnect
· Financial stuff
· How we think Partnerships might work (production, contributors, advocacy, support)
· How you think Partnerships might work
Would you please let me know as soon as possible how many from your presbytery (congregation) will be able to attend this forum.
In most presbyteries, there is already at least one congregation using, or interested in using, Project Reconnect. (see list following pages). It may be that a person from one of these congregations will have some passion for Project Reconnect, and be interested in becoming involved in the partnership. Because this is such a grass roots movement, and works best with keen volunteer participation, such people are iNovember 10, 2006 years. Over that time It has grown little by little. We presently have a burgeoning interest in the resources and a wonderful interest by others in helping with production. The suggested gathering may be a significant moment for the church even beyond our Uniting Church in Australia.
I look forward to your response.
Yours sincerely
Bruce Irvine
Convener, Project Reconnect Team
brucei@nsw.uca.org.au
02 6889 8336
November 10, 2006