Toolbox

As BCD (Botley, Curdridge, Durley) parishes it is important to us to offer a variety of types of worship. For a number of years we have offered worship in a less traditional style which has been named Toolbox. The toolbox is where people can go to find the equipment and methods which others have found useful and informative in presenting the Good News of Jesus Christ to the world around us and particularly within our communities.
Over time Toolbox has developed into an important and valued evening service (6.30- 8.00pm).  Subject matter runs the gamut of Christian experience with a team leader being responsible for organising two or three of the 10 monthly services (not August or December). 

Below is an example of a typical service write-up taken from the Parish magazine:
The Persecuted Church World-wide

January’s (2009) Toolbox focused on a subject I have had little reason to think about since I was a member of Amnesty International many years ago. It is rarely spoken of in the media unless in connection with atrocities worthy of the headlines.
My attention was drawn to the plight of persecuted Christians at New Wine last summer when I met Imtiaz (who will be leading February’s Toolbox) and then again when St. John’s, Hedge End, held a service for the Persecuted Church back in October last year. The persecution of Christian men, women and children is going on right now in China, Pakistan, India and Vietnam among many others.
The aim of Toolbox was to raise awareness of some of the issues facing persecuted families and communities and to focus on hope in difficult situations through prayer and praise. It was also an aim to praise God for the amazing things that are going on in these countries in terms of the number of people who are turning to Christ. If you look at the history of the Christian Church faith grows in times of trouble and persecution more so than in times of apathy and indifference.
Despite our own form of persecution (no heating!!) those gathered made valuable contributions to the singing, praying, discussing and studying of this subject. If you were unable to attend PLEASE come and meet Imtiaz and his team from Chichester on Sunday 22nd February. We will enjoy the company of someone who has devoted his life to working on behalf of persecuted Christians world-wide but particularly in Pakistan. In November 2008 and again in January this year he has visited the country. Come and hear his amazing stories of hope, of your brothers and sisters abroad and of a growing Church.
Janet Clarke