without boundaries

Four miles north of Peterborough, Werrington is a mixed community of around 17,000. Over 200 adults and 140 children and young people attend the two worship centres; historic St John’s and modern Emmanuel, which shares its building with a Church of England primary school.

In 1997, the parish committed itself “to become more mission minded and effective in evangelism; to become effective missionary congregations for their own area; and move from maintenance to mission.” Today, tangible results include strong links with the community, increased evangelistic activity, regular Alpha courses, and outreach music and drama groups. 

The church believes that mission is part of their commission as members of the body of Christ, seeing itself as a partner with individuals, churches and organisations at home and overseas. This includes support for nine mission partners across seven mission agencies.

Assistant Minister, Simon Dowson says the church has a strong history of being mission-minded: “The previous incumbent was a SAMS missionary, and I’ve got a mission background in Uganda.” Head of the Mission Committee, Peter Dalrymple says mission is integral to the church’s life, “Firstly, because we tithe to mission, giving 15%–23% of income; also because for years members have gone out from here, which helps people relate personally to mission.” Peter adds “Youngsters returning from short-term placements help their peers get excited about mission too.”

Last year, Crosslinks Regional Coordinator John Price helped his home parish in Werrington become supporters of Crosslinks mission partners, Rob and Clare Miles. Last July they left for South Africa, where Rob is now Assistant Pastor at Melville Union Church, Johannesburg. True to Werrington’s belief that “all baptised members of this church are ministers”, many are involved with the Miles and Crosslinks.

Neil and Dalene Joubert, who came to Werrington from South Africa, hosted a parish lunch for the Miles when they first visited the church, and introduced them to a number of South African friends before they went out. Says Neil “It helps to speak to somebody 
who has been there and who understands what life is like there”. Neil thinks it’s good for people to go out from the church to visit. The Jouberts family trip, this March, includes a couple of nights in Johannesburg seeing the Miles.

Mark and Jo Oldaker have already visited. Mark believes “It increases the opportunities for involvement for members to see overseas mission on the back of a holiday”. Otherwise “Mission can be such a distant, aloof thing on a dusty notice board somewhere”. Not everyone can afford such trips, but Mark says “People are still able to bless the links by praying”. Another less costly way to keep in touch happened recently when Emmanuel had a live interview with the Miles by telephone. 

Werrington’s history of mission focus continues through the strong lead given by the vicar, Canadian-born Rev. George Rogers. His view is that “Mission agency links help to highlight the Great Commission in Matthew 28:18 and earth the work of mission for people.” George sums up: “It is very important to have mission agencies like Crosslinks reminding us of the work we are all called to globally, and this stimulates us to see our mission field locally. The emphasis of ‘Partners in the Gospel’ and becoming a Stakeholder in mission through a link with a specific mission partner family helps keep the Great Commission a live and vibrant reality for the people of Werrington.”

If you are interested in becoming a Stakeholder church, click here or email apurser@crosslinks.org

Crosslinks magazine April 2004 index