Eight churches in Toxteth and Wavertree have begun Together Liverpool’s Learning Community programme, which helps faith groups grow and develop social action projects.
The churches are all part of Hope Parish Liverpool, a new Larger Single Parish. Over four Learning Community sessions they will explore the needs and strengths of their local areas, identify opportunities to support local people, and learn from one another.
Together Liverpool’s Learning Communities combine local mapping, group discussion, practical tools and support from the Together Liverpool team. The programme brings together churches to explore the needs of their communities, build on existing strengths and plan their next steps in social action.
This is the fifth Learning Community to be run by Together Liverpool. Previous Learning Communities have involved churches in Huyton, Sefton North, Sefton South and West Derby deanery. Participants have gone on to develop social action projects, such as community cafés, lunch clubs, warm spaces, community gardens and activities for children and families. Some have also received support to attract funding.
Hope Parish Liverpool brings together a diverse group of churches. Each has its own identity, traditions and strong connections to its community. Through the Learning Community, participants will build on this local knowledge while making the most of the skills, relationships and resources available across the wider parish.
Over four sessions, the churches will:
- build a shared picture of existing church and community activity
- explore local needs, strengths and assets
- identify gaps and opportunities for further action
- develop ideas for new projects or strengthen work already taking place
- consider how to understand, measure and communicate the difference their work makes
The programme is designed for churches whatever their starting point. Some already run established community projects. Others have an emerging idea or simply want to explore where they could make the greatest difference.
Rev David Halliwell, Team Rector Designate, Hope Parish Liverpool said:
“Churches across Hope Parish are already deeply rooted in their communities and are involved in a wide range of activities that support local people.
“These Learning Communities give us the space to step back, learn more about our neighbourhoods and consider what we could achieve by working more closely together. It is an opportunity to build on what is already strong, identify where more may be needed and turn our shared commitment into practical action.”
Rev James Green, CEO of Together Liverpool, said:
“Hope Parish brings together churches serving distinctive and diverse communities. Each church has its own relationships, experience and local insight, but there is real potential in bringing those strengths together.
“Our aim is not to arrive with a ready-made answer. It is to help churches listen carefully, understand what is already happening and decide together where they are best placed to act. We hope the Learning Community will lead to practical next steps that are locally rooted, collaborative and sustainable.”
Please pray for everyone taking part as they explore how the churches of Hope Parish can work together to help people and communities across Toxteth, Wavertree and Dingle flourish.
