Following an application to the Diocese to be accepted onto the CMS Certificate in Pioneer Mission, one of the requirements of the course is to launch some sort of appropriate outreach.
After thought, prayer and asking for ideas, I came up with the idea of a board and table top gaming group. This was presented to Rev Tina Hodgett (Bath and Wells Evangelism and Pioneer Team Leader) in my application form. She was immediately excited about this and put me in touch with Rev Andy Grey (Bath and Wells Faith Sharing Enabler) who was going to talk about launching Board Gaming Groups at Spring Harvest. I attended this and found it informative and fun.
Following a discernment interview, and being accepted onto the CMS Certificate in Pioneer Mission, I am proposing to start a regular monthly board and table top gaming group, meeting in the Church Centre on a Sunday afternoon from 3 – 6pm. It will be aimed at families (similar to Messy Church - so that there will be no unaccompanied children and subsequent child protection issues) and also anybody over the age of 18. This will give the opportunity for elderly single people to meet others, have fun and make intergenerational friendships, as well younger people to have fun and socialise face to face. Board Gaming will also be suitable for those who are not into sports and prefer quiet thoughtful challenging activities with rules and guidelines. Gaming also provides the opportunity for conversations, where faith can be shared. There will be church magazines available and other Christian literature (as we do at Messy Church) but this will not be pushed. The idea being similar to Men’s Breakfast, in that friendships are formed and the opportunity for further Christian contact and teaching available.
I have a good selection of games at home (some 74 at the last count). Refreshments will be provided and also possibly a tuck shop.
The first session will be on Sunday June 2nd at 3pm. Please feel free to come along for as long as you want to in the afternoon.
Chris Wilkins 13th May 2019
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