February 2018

FEBRUARY 2018
Learning Communities
Saturday 3rd February 2018 @11am in Lincoln Cathedral marks the launch of the
Diocesan Learning Communities
The idea of creating Learning Communities has been some 18months in the
planning. So as to provide the Learning Communities with an official launch, and
to set them in a foundation of prayer and worship, Bishop Christopher is calling
people to come together for a special service at Lincoln Cathedral. This occasion
will offer the opportunity for as much of the diocesan family as possible to come
together and celebrate our commitment and also the great variety of our
contexts for mission that are to be found in greater Lincolnshire. To symbolise
something of this, many of the elements of the service, such as the music, the
readings and the prayers, will be led by people from Churches around the
Diocese. Bishop Christopher will preside at the Eucharist.
In order to support and encourage one another, the Diocese is encouraging all of
our churches to be part of a Learning Community. These will be groups from
different parishes, or benefices, who will come together several times a year to
take part in a reflective forum, to exchange ideas, receive input and develop
talent. The Learning Communities will come together from within six ‘character
areas’: rural; coastal; urban; market towns; suburban villages; and housing
developments. During the past twelve months, Market Rasen has been part of the
pilot Learning Communities for Market Towns. This has involved working with
various people (both Lay and Ordained) in other Market Towns across mid-
Lincolnshire to share ideas on what is working well in terms of ministry and
mission. This has been a very fruitful time for all involved.
Can I encourage you to attend the service at Lincoln Cathedral on the 3rd
February. There will be lunch for all those who attend so please do book online or
let Rev Steve or Rev Claire know. If you can not attend then please do hold
Learning Communities in your prayers.
Rev Steve
17