INTRODUCING THE ST NICHOLAS LOCAL MINISTRY LEADERSHIP GROUP

Team Working

 Providing guidance and support to all the Group members, xxx chairs most of the Group's meetings and contributes his skills as a trainer. Canon Michael Wilson is the Diocesan appointed Team Consultant who will (amongst other things) advise on alternative approaches to issues, take a lead in trouble-shooting and provide a wider view of the Group's context.
PCC link
Alan Window		 Alan's position within the Team is that of a link man. Keeping the PCC informed as to the progress of the Team and to feed the thoughts and ideas of the PCC back to the Team. The other part of his role is to be the mediator and conveyor of thoughts of the members of our congregation, making sure that ideas are directed to the appropriate member of the Team, and if a member of the congregation wishes to be put in contact with a member of the Team, then it is Alan's job to ensure the correct person is identified.
Churches Together Link
Stan Westlake		 Through Churches Together in Harborough St Nicholas is linked to the wider body of Christ, both in this country and throughout the world. Stan's role is to encourage creative partnerships between the various churches in Harborough; seeking ways we can work together, share resources and ideas and learn from each other.
Baptism Visitors
Marje Clements		 Every family who brings a child to Baptism is visited by two of our Baptism Visitors, who also play a part in the Baptism service. Our aim is to build links of friendship with the whole family, to get to know them and to be on hand to welcome and assist them when they come to subsequent church services.
Outreach
 Our vision is to be a church for the whole of the community of Little Bowden. The role of the Outreach Team is to help and encourage everyone in this church to play their part. If you would like to be part of that Team, please contact xxx.
We have many contacts with our community through SNUGS (St Nicholas Under 5s Group) and through Baptisms, Marriages and Funerals. There may be new projects we should start that would be of value for people on the new estate in particular. Many of you are already involved in other community activity and service. Yet, for most of us, talking about our faith is one of the scariest things we do. The "Lost for Words" course we plan to run, is designed to help overcome the embarrassment and to help us to talk naturally about what we believe, when the opportunity presents itself.

Pastoral Ministry
Eileen Bangerter

 Pastoral Ministry involves coming alongside people in need. It is a very special privilege to be invited into someone's home and for them to share with you. One goes in as a listener, not to solve problems or anxieties but to be someone they can share with in complete confidence.
I am aware that many people are already exercising this ministry and it is my hope that I can encourage this existing ministry by becoming aware of where it is happening. However, there are probably other people in our parish who would welcome a visitor, perhaps because they are housebound or during or following an illness. It would be great to have a team of Pastoral Visitors, who visit on behalf of the church, showing God's love to our neighbours and bringing comfort to those in need. If you'd like to join the Pastoral Team, please contact Eileen.
Children and Youth Tracey Wells We aim to provide a positive, loving environment in which children can learn about God, worship together and have fun. During Sunday morning services we run 'mini-ARK' for Under-3's, 'The ARK' for 3-10 year olds and Pathfinders (11-14 years). There are also holiday workshops, outings and opportunities to contribute to our All-Age worship. We very much need more adult helpers on Sunday Mornings: the ARK needs people willing to assist once a month, Pathfinders needs at least one further regular leader, available 2-3 Sunday per month. If you can help, please contact Tracey. Watch out too for 'Project Teams' that will arrange and run the 'Specials' like our Carnival float and holiday clubs.
Worship
 It is our own experience of the love of God that should be the motivation for our engagement in mission and ministry. The church is the body of Christ, a sign of his Kingdom in our community. If we are to fulfil that calling we each need to be learning and growing in our own faith, through public and private worship, prayer and study. The Worship Committee seeks to enable public worship of God which is relevant, stimulating and accessible to people of all ages and experience. We have separate teams to plan All-Age Worship, both on the first Sunday of each and at the All-Age Communions that we will be starting 3-4 times a year on the 5th Sundays of months when they occur. Both All-Age teams would value new members who want to help develop and lead worship that is welcoming to people of all stages of faith.