EVENT FEATURE: WHAT IS COMMITMENT FOR LIFE AND WHAT DOES IT MEAN FOR MY CHURCH?
The Mersey does Mercy event on Saturday 11th May 2024 at Hoole URC is a perfect opportunity to renew your engagement with global justice.
But what does that mean for churches across Mersey Synod and what will happen at the event to support this?
First of all, what is Commitment for Life?
This is the URC’s global justice programme. The goal is to enable you, the local congregation, to make global justice a core foundation of your mission. They offer resources to facilitate prayer, advocacy, and effective action for the most vulnerable people in the world.
Opportunities for our churches
You receive news about your region, posters and leaflets, opportunities to give, worship resources, latest information on campaigns, ideas for prayer, services and action.
Commitment for Life grants are available to churches supporting projects that cover the issues of global justice, climate change, gender equality, and economic and social justice.
As Commitment for Life belongs to the whole URC, there is no expectation of financial payment to opt in.
Expectations for congregations who wish to sign up:
Choose a region to support - Bangladesh, Zimbabwe, or Israel and the occupied Palestinian territory (or more than one)
To share the learning, stories, and information about their chosen region
To pray for their region - this is the most important ask
To hold an annual service of worship or event focused on their region
A (small) donation to the programme is appreciated - but not required. The donation is spread 75% to Christian Aid that is used for all the regions; 5% to Global Justice Now and 20% for grants, publications and running costs. As Commitment for Life belongs to the whole URC, there is no expectation of financial payment to opt in.
What will happen at the event to support this?
An introductory session including an overview of what Commitment for Life is and the big justice issues facing the church today.
Four workshops to choose from (attendees can sign up for three)
Sharing global justice with young people
Deep Dive into our three CfL regions, challenges
Prepping and Leading a CfL Service of Worship
Workshop on Christian Aid Week
Palestinian food workshop
There will also be:
A Creativity/Craft/Campaigns/Prayer Tree area (available all day and share on social media #URCommitmentforlife)
International Lunch (choice of African, Palestinian, Bangladeshi dishes and – vegan/ gluten free option available)
All together Big Sing
Book your place: synodoffice@urcmerseysynod.org.uk
0151 722 6590