Church seeks new members (From Gazette Series)

Church seeks new members

A CONGREGATION of just 12 people has forced a church to go on a recruitment drive, in the hope of bucking the trend.

Sharpness United Reformed Church has been slowly losing members for the last ten years and now has an average congregation of just 12 people each Sunday.

Minister of the church, the Rev Simon Helme, said: "In some respects this church is at a crossroads.

"There is a small group of faithful members who have kept it open but they are not sure how much longer they can go on.

"The church has been asking some honest questions about why people don't seem interested in coming to us."

Mr Helme has been minister of three churches in the Dursley and Sharpness area for four years. Living in Dursley with his own young family he is anxious to revitalise the dwindling attendance at Sharpness.

In an attempt to boost attendance the church recently sent out a survey to local residents asking them what they think of the church and surprisingly they have received a positive response.

Mr Helme said: "We have had an encouraging response. It was not the doom and gloom we expected.

"Listening to what people are saying there still seems to be a demand for the church in the local community.

"I just hope we can translate this into people coming along."

The church already provides for the mature members of the congregation and is hoping to extend events in its programme to include the youth.

Mr Helme added: "Responses indicate that people would like to see a church that offered something for children and was more fun and relevant to everyday needs."

This Sunday the church is offering an alternative church service (9.15am), which it is hoped will prove more child friendly. A local praise band has been invited along to make the service more fun and upbeat.

Anyone who would like to join Sharpness United Reformed Church or would like more information about services should contact the Rev Simon Helme on 01453 542344.