Out on the streets

Today marks a new phase of our programme to regenerate City Road Methodist Church. Things have been tough in recent years: we've had a hard time spiritually and attendances have dropped.

We now have a new leadership team focused on proclaiming God's Good News in one of the most deprived and difficult urban areas of the United Kingdom.

A few weeks ago we reviewed our signage. We replaced the legendary notice proclaiming that "Jesus cares about Rotton Park" and put an equally large sign with our website address. We've been delighted with the positive response both in terms of comments and hits on the website.

We also realised that the 1980s design of the front foyer makes an excellent shop window. A copy of the Bible is on display opened to John 3:16 and we have created a special display encouraging passers by to attend next week's Remembrance Sunday Service.

Today though we try something completely new when we distribute leaflets to 2000 local homes. The recipients will get a national leaflet produced by Methodist Church House (and supplied free!) together with a short two sided A4 local newsletter. Our prayer is that we have at least a 0.01% response rate with two new families joining the Church.

So you can help by remembering us in prayer today. We need good weather, several helpers and a big smile. We are scheduled to start at 14.00 GMT. Please remember us as you pray today, especially for the new families that God will bring to us.