A GROUP of local Christians have come up with an initiative to bring the church into the 21st century and attract younger people.
Churchbutnotchurch, the first meeting of which is this Sunday, is aimed at people who think churches are stuck in the dark ages and may be put off going.
The group are inviting Islanders to address their preconceptions at the first of a series of informal meetings which according to organiser Matt Chase will be fun, lively, thought-provoking and relevant.
‘The meeting is aimed at the younger generation who may be on the fringes of Christianity but may be put off going to church, or for people who want to explore Christianity in an informal setting,’ he said. ‘It will be held at the Royal Yacht Hotel and everyone is welcome to attend.’
The evening, on Sunday 29 March, begins at 7.30 in the LazyJacks bar of the Royal Yacht Hotel and the theme for the meeting will be ‘forgiveness’.
The Dean of Jersey, the Very Rev Bob Key, will give a short talk on the theme, there will be music from Jersey singer/songwriter Liz Shea and her band and there will be opportunities for discussion as well as tea, coffee and doughnuts and a cash bar. There will also be computer facilities for people to research the various discussion topics, and opportunities to ask questions.
Mr Chase said that if the meeting is a success the group, which comes under the broad supervision of Mr Key, could put forward plans to hold similar events in the future.
‘We have already had some feedback from people saying they are coming and we are hoping that we will have a good turn-out,’ he said. ‘People can come along have a glass of wine or a beer if they want and enjoy discussing and sharing their insights into some of the most important questions in life. Everyone is welcome.’
• For more information on the event, visit www.churchbutnot church.org, or contact Mr Chase on 736734 or by e-mail at insight@jerseymail.co.uk.
• Picture: Organiser Matt Chase (third from right) with Philip Slatter, David Morgan, Andrew Knight, Lily Morgan and Peter Lewin preparing at St Mark’s Church for the event to be held at the Royal Yacht Hotel. Picture by David Ferguson (00653888)
