In May 2005, two members of Holy Trinity Ripon involved in lay youth work were invited to address the Lambeth Partnership and the Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams, at an evening dedicated to Fresh Expressions of Church, the archbishop's new initiative.
Joe Royle and Nicola David were both involved with the Skaters' Drop-In, as well as a project called the 'God-Slot' which drew unchurched (and mostly very challenging) teenagers into the church every Wednesday night to talk about God, hear testimonies, pray and discuss aspects of Christianity.
Holy Trinity was one of two churches invited to talk about their 'fresh expressions' at this event, designed to recruit new members to the Lambeth Partnership, a group of Christians committed to personally supporting the archbishop of Canterbury, his work and family, and his special initiatives, such as this. You can read more about the Fresh Expressions project at its website.
The evening included a champagne reception followed by the two churches' presentations and talks from the archbishop, the partnership's treasurer, and Rev Steve Croft. Afterwards there was a buffet supper, with time to mingle with the 100-or so other guests and to chat to the archbishop and his wife. |
