connecting with communities (the Church of Scotland is using these same themes to plan how it will meet the needs of people living in 21st century Scotland). The Kirk Session is responsible for leading us but it will need help, support, participation and encouragement from all people in the congregation as we move forward. Finally, perhaps you were not able to participate in the Church Breakfast and Conversation, or you have other points of view that you didn’t express on the day? Don’t worry; there will be other opportunities: watch this space! Question 1 In what ways do you feel Neilston Parish Church could be more active as a congregation? Worship Active discipleship Connecting with Communities Alternative / early worship or evening Carol singing round village or joint service with St Thomas' Ecumenical events Involve GB & BB in Church services & events Less formality, to encourage outsiders Meet up with other Churches More ecumenical interaction More evening services More interaction with other churches Open air service in Pig square Other diets of worship - flexibility i.e. evening services Outdoor services (in Summer) At Easter hand out Palm Crosses round village with an invitation to attend Be friendly and welcoming to others in the village e.g. good morning / afternoon Buddy system to bring back people who have not been to church recently Encourage others to participate more often Less talking.... More action... More active elders More Church volunteers to enable these community involvements to happen More events like this More regular 'soup' lunch Reach out to new families & estates - don't wait on them coming to us Talk to people who have just joined Church make them feel welcome To reach out to elderly who are not involved in Church Trips/ outings: Iona? We could do more for teenagers Church Cafe A community Cafe Church Fayre Church to go to community Expand ideas for Neilston Tent Film shows Food bank - encourage teens to be involved Have more coffee mornings Involvement in Community Is it possible to go round deprived areas in Neilston to encourage groups of children to be involved? Kirk cafe again More advertising in village for events More involvement with the community More seen in the community More social functions for congregation and community More use of Church hall to involve non-Church during week, not just Sundays Neilston show - other opportunities Social events? Quiz nights?
Welcome back Sunday for those not recent attendees Work more with other religious groups in community Youth bible study Tie in with the community council Youth club e.g. Thursday Club Youth Forum - all groups to share responses which could be used to address ‘how’ included:- best practice - do not work in silos, Better use of building e.g. Church upstairs, Business-like approach, worship group to cover these times. Question 2 Why is it important to you to be part of Neilston Parish Church? Worship Active discipleship Connecting with Communities A chance to hear the Word from the A way & space to say thanks to God Choir the music of praise Good minister In digital age, people become very remote and like this church & tradition Local fellowship to have a beautiful building & wonderful Minister Peace (a place of) Quiet time at end of week. Time for reflection Sermon Sermons inspire, reassure and guide us, relevant at times to our own situation. Local fellowship Services give guidance and inspiration Singing with others Uplift from singing the hymns and a sense of togetherness Coffee & tea = a time to catch up with others Comfort .... Knowing someone else cares Extended family Feel part of Church family Feel safe in community and support can be given. There's a connection there. Feel welcome - NOT judged!! Accepted as we are. Fellowship Friendship Knowing people Part of a family Pastoral care, Boys Brigade / elderly Support and consolation in troubles and grief To be a witness to others in the village To support the work of the Church both locally and globally We can change for the better (New people in village) - a great way of becoming integrated in village life Baptisms - to welcome who don't normally come to Church Being part of a church community within the village CDs are a great idea Good way of staying in touch when you live in a rural environment Heritage - family Historical It's a spiritual landmark in the village Maintains my connection to Neilston Only Church in this village Only day see some people, socialising Only way to meet someone Part of community Part of the fabric of the village Security Strong links with local schools The locality The people To retain old friendships Tradition Traditional & move with the times Christian habit Church gives a sense of belonging and mixing Enjoyable experience Encouragement from like-minded people Faith / Good habit to have Good to feel in touch with the spiritual side Keeping the promise of vows made