Why are we doing this?
We want to promote all that is good in our area and to build up relationships with one another, between groups and organisations, and enable our community to develop.
Churches have often been seen as places where people meet on Sundays as a bit of a holy club. For those outside of church communities, churchgoers and church activities can seem a bit of a mystery and unrelated to everyday life. The truth is that churches have a deep concern for the whole life of the community, not just things spiritual, and they want to celebrate all that is good and true and lovely. This is why church leaders in the area are again uniting and involving other local community groups, businesses, councils and the neighbourhood police to promote many of the positive things already happening here.
Last year we were amazed at the response to get involved and to discover just how much is already going on with groups being organised by volunteers, clubs for all ages and activities. This year is even bigger! We only have to watch the news to realise how blessed we are to live in this part of the world - in particular the beautifully wooded area in which our community is located. We may have problems with youth gangs but we also have much to celebrate and give thanks for. Sadly, fear of street violence and crime can prevent individuals from joining with others - the Celebrating Community Festival is about our working together for the good of our community and celebrating all that is praiseworthy. It has been brought into being by churches uniting with this vision in mind. Businesses, schools, clubs, uniformed organisations, the police together with local councillors have all become involved with this venture.
If you are in a group / organisation who would like to hear more about being included in the next Festival - contact feedback@celebratingcommunity.org.uk If you have an event during this Festival fortnight which you would like included on the website then please follow the same link now!
