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Outreach
We have an outreach strategy, part of which is to help every member of St. Matthew's in their responsibility to be building genuine relationships of love with non-christians. In developing our church programme we seek to allow time for members to pursue involvement with friends, family, workmates and their wider community in order for these relationships to develop.
Every member is helped to be able to share their faith in appropriate ways and at appropriate times. They are also encouraged to bring people to Seeker Events.
At Step 4 of our Discipleship Programme "Steps in Discipleship" members are encouraged to attend the Stepping Out seminar.
Alpha
Alpha is a central part of our Outreach strategy.
It is an important means of introducing people to the the Christian faith. It is for those interested in investigating Christianity, for newcomers to the church, for new Christians, for those interested in Confirmation, for couples preparing for marriage and for those wanting to brush-up on the basics.
Each evening starts with a simple supper at 7.15pm. It includes a talk on subjects such as "Who is Jesus?", "Why should I read the bible?" and "What about the Holy Spirit", followed by coffee and then discussion in small groups.
Alpha runs regularly. If you are interested in attending Alpha please or ring our church office - 01788 330440.
Extensive information on the Alpha programme and strategy is available at the Alpha homepage at Holy Trinity Brompton.
Missions
We have a major project in Beira, Casa Re'om, working with street children.
Various teams from St. Matthews have visited to learn more about the project and to share in the work for a while. There is now a great sense of commitment and direct involvement by St. Matthews members, with active fund-raising in progress to support a larger vision of the work at Casa Re'om in Beira.
In 2006 we helped establish the Casa Re'om Trust to focus on supporting the work, click here to visit its own web site
Overslade Church Plant
In co-operation with a neighbouring parish we established a church plant on the Overslade Estate in 1995. It is now functioning as part of the ministry of St. Matthew's Rugby. In recent years there has been steady growth and we recently appointed a new part-time Leader, Alan Cartwright, because of the growth we have experienced.
The church meets in the Overslade Community Centre in Buchanan Road, Rugby every Sunday morning for worship with an additional afternoon service once a month also on Sunday at the centre. The members of the church are involved in serving the people of the area pastorally, in particular through a Parent and Toddler Group, through nurture groups and through work with young people and also in direct participation in the local community association.
As a result of the “Jesus” Video project which has been undertaken on the estate over the past four years, several Alpha Courses have been held both for adults and for young people which have led to on-going cell groups.
The priorities at the moment are strengthening the worshipping community on the estate and for personal involvement in the lives of the people of the area. Presence evangelism of this kind is key to effective church planting.
For more details about the Church Plant please visit www.oversladechurch.org.uk
Seeker Services
For six years we held monthly Seeker Services. These are now held on an irregular basis alongside other seeker sensitive events throughout the year.
Church Schools
St. Matthew's & St. Oswald's supports three church schools. Two primary school, St. Matthew's Bloxam and St. Oswald's; and a secondary school and sports college called the Harris. All are in the parish of St. Matthew's & St. Oswald's.
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