When West Kirby URC began their ‘Say One for Me´ prayer project a year ago, they hoped it would connect with their community.

It did more than that.

The Revd Louise Franklin, Minister of West Kirby URC, explained how it all came about.

“We’d been generically praying for our community for a while but wanted something more intentional. We noticed that St Mary’s Church Upton were doing Say One for Me and, with their part partnership, started it here.

“Postcards inviting prayer requests go into local shops and amenities, are given to church members for sparking conversations and are in our churches and sited outside the two entrances.

“There are several responses each week and a coordinator gathers them and a small group prays for them.

“Last Christmas we were handing out gifts and also inviting shop workers and the business community to a ‘carols around a tree’ service. A shop worker ran out after us asking if we were the ‘praying church’.

“A conversation ensued, and she gave us items for prayer and accepted an invitation to the service – which she came to, along with her husband. This lady has since been coming to church regularly, now volunteers with our toddler team and is considering church membership. In a text sent recently, she said: ‘Coming to church has changed my life!’

“Say One for Me has been a simple proactive way to connect with our communities to find out what’s on people’s hearts and minds and to connect their concerns to a God who answers prayer.”

Along with this initiative, West Kirby URC have begun a new Sunday afternoon service aimed at families, which attracted 54 people including children recently.

“It’s aimed at families who don’t come to any other Sunday service, and those who want a more family focused time in church,” Louise continued.

“We also have a monthly midweek service called ‘Coffee, Cake and Communion’, which is attended by older folk, and for many this is their only expression of church attendance. One gentleman used to go to church but hadn’t been for 50 years – he found a place of welcome here. It’s good to remember there’s always a way back to meet Jesus! That group is also starting a midweek fellowship group focusing on discipleship, prayer and Bible study.”

_{Published: 26 November 2019
Picture: The Revd Louise Franklin}