Rural Presence

Presence - the indispensable workbook for all churches engaging in mission in rural communities – is now available as a free download. Find it on this site under the Resources tab.

Two rural Methodist Churches in the far western end of Cornwall (St.Levan and St.Just) each have a Cinema Club. The 12 month license costs under £100 and allows use of any commercially available DVD. There must be no charge for admission and there can only be advertising for films within the licensed premises or direct to members. Donations and money from the sale of refreshments are allowed. 

The idea came from ‘Country Way’ magazine (we recommend it!). This idea is great for rural areas because ‘word of mouth’ information travels very well. We have made it known that very good ‘word of mouth’ is available through certain local shops and Doctors etc. as well as Chapel members. Children’s films (e.g. Nanny McPhee and The Big Bang and Up) have gone down well in the holidays and evening films for adults have been well received too (e.g. Mama Mia, The Bucket List and Bend it like Beckham). New faces are keen to pass on the news.

Everyone loves the Cornish ice cream in proper ice cream tubs in the interval and our very good sound equipment gives a true cinema ‘feel’ all round. It’s fun!

The Rural Presence website has now been officially launched! Welcome to the exciting new interactive website for all engaged in rural mission in the Methodist Church. Building on the success of the Presence workbook and papers this site offers an opportunity for sharing all that is good and exciting about the rural church. 

Set up by the Chairs’ Rural Group and the National Rural Officer it provides a forum for lively debate and the sharing of stories. Good practice and creative ideas will encourage fruitful interaction – and help in the promoting and sustaining of an effective Christian presence in the countryside. 

What are the challenges facing the rural church? What does it mean to be a disciple in a rural community? What are the implications of larger circuits and fewer ministers? What has worked for you in your community? What creative initiatives are you exploring?  To share your stories and join in the debate go to ‘Share your Stories’ on the right hand side of this page.

Growing numbers of rural Methodist churches are now finding themselves hosting the local post office (e.g. Empingham, Rufforth) and many have found this to have enhanced their mission in the communities which they serve.

If your church is interested in exploring this possibility, a set of Guidelines can be found on the Arthur Rank Centre website (search for ‘post offices’).

The possibility is now being considered as to how rural churches might be encouraged to host community shops on their premises, thus providing another much needed service in the community.

How creative can we be – or should we be – in using church buildings as a resource for the whole community?

Making Connections is a brand new workbook from the Arthur Rank Centre encouraging rural churches to engage effectively with their wider communities. It contains six sessions, each including bible study, stories, activities and key learning points.

Areas covered in this very practical resource are Working with Others, Land and Buildings, Including Young People, Sharing Faith, Working with Schools and Creative Worship.

To purchase copies (cost £3.50) please phone 024 7685 3075 or email katrinas@rase.org.uk.

Additional Making Connections resources can also be found on the Arthur Rank Centre website at Making Connections.