A COVENANT BETWEEN PONTELAND CHURCHES TOGETHER

Believing that there is one God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, that the unity of the Church is his will, and that we are together called to witness and service, and recognising that our churches have been on a journey towards unity for many years, we, the ministers and people of St. Matthew's Parish Church, Ponteland (Catholic), the Churches of the Holy Saviour, Milbourne, and St. Mary the Virgin, Ponteland (Church of England), Ponteland Methodist Church, and Ponteland United Reformed Church covenant to do together all we can; to do apart only those things which we cannot do together.

In particular

1. We shall seek to co-ordinate the resources of the Church as effectively as possible:
   • encouraging the people of each of our churches to work together in the service of Christ and the Community.
   • in the activities permitted by our denominations, sharing as a team the ministry appointed to the four denominations
   • using our buildings for the maximum benefit of the whole community, and
   • sharing together in the raising of funds for good causes.
      

2. We shall seek to develop opportunities for joint worship:
   • uniting in worship at appropriate times in the year, and especially for an annual act of rededication to this covenant.
   • developing new styles of worship and prayer in the community.
   • as far as can be permitted by our denominations, exchanging worship leaders and preachers.
      

3. We shall seek to present a united image to the community, together witnessing for Christ and seeking to make new followers of Jesus:
   • using a common identifying symbol of notice boards, letter heads and the like
   • working together in Christian youth work
   • developing youth work services in co-operation with other agencies· publicising together the work of our churches
   • undertaking special outreach events from time to time
   • campaigning together for justice and peace across the world, and seeking to serve at home and abroad.

4. We shall co-ordinate our common life through a Partnership Enabling Group, which shall be known as the Forum of Churches Together in Ponteland, and which shall regularly review our work and this covenant.

COUNTERSIGNED by official denominational representatives serving on the Sponsoring Body.

Short-term tasks should be recommended to the Forum as:-

• A joint mission within our area
• The support of a significant piece of (overseas) charitable work
• The sponsoring of youth work within Ponteland
• The 'Party in the Park'
• A major Bible-work

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