Other churches in the area

The churches on these pages, along with the three Anglican churches in the parish make up the Joint Action Bedminster (JAB) initiative.

Joint Action Bedminster seeks to bring together different churches and fellowships worshipping in the area. Working together to support each other, spread the Good News and build God’s Kingdom in this place.

Click on the names of the churches on the left for more information about them, what they offer and how to get in touch. For information about JAB services and events, please see the calendar pages.

JAB News - November 2011

Welcome to the 5th JAB News!  Our recent JAB forum was rather special in that Roger Allen of Network South-West came to facilitate a discussion and debate about “VISION AND UNITY” and LOCAL CHURCHES WORKING TOGETHER. We were able to share in a most positive way covering topics like local witness, church structures, youth work, prayer input, JAB’s neighbourhood partnership involvement, community engagement, awareness and support for each other’s programmes, and…..phew….working together! It was interesting to hear of the Salvation Army’s “Vision Day” (19 November) to consider and plan for all their work across Bristol. The local corps in Dean Lane continues to run its tremendous “breakfasts” ministry on Monday mornings, has hands-on involvement in the Employment Plus project, and the East Street shop is helping to “fit out” people who are going for job interviews etc. Note too that Linda Wilson’s (our secretary) group is now known as Windmill Church.

Another innovation is to be the churches’ involvement in a food bank and food distribution in South Bristol. A recent well-attended meeting at Victoria Park Baptist Church heard input from ISR and other agencies and planning for this is now going ahead. JAB NEWS will bring you all the detail – and promote the opportunity for taking part – in good time. Refresh – at 81 East Street -trust to be a part of this and hope the café and prayer room will also be a sanctuary of God’s presence and peace. They hope to run various courses – parenting, lifeskills, job-hunting etc – and have a music ministry also. Volunteers will be needed! ( refreshBS3gmail.com 07785900527 )

“Integrated” youth work is high on the JAB agenda. A recent evening at Ashton Vale was well received and although we are at the initial stages of considering the way ahead it is a matter that we are sure will produce some good results. With this in view there is now to be a monthly Saturday morning prayer session (9.30 t0 10.30) and this will include other JAB “prayer targets” as well. Different venues will be used so watch out for details on this – and do come, and pray! On the youth issue it is good to report that Church of Christ, St John’s Lane, has just held a major youth outreach weekend.

Another united celebration service is planned for Palm Sunday next year and we are looking also to more joint Lent housegroups. Our chairman, Malcolm, will attempt some co-ordination of this – but the first step is for church leaders or group leaders to inform him of housegroups (day, time, venue etc) whose hosts will welcome folk from other churches. ( mlmj53gmrbtinternet.com ) He would also be grateful to receive information regarding “what your church is doing” that he can pass on to all JAB members.

Finally, it was agreed that not only do JAB reps need to “get to know each other” in a deeper way but it would be good for whole congregations to likewise become familiar with each other – so increasing fellowship bonds and helping on God’s kingdom. One idea  -  a Christmas party!

Roger shared a little about Spectrum 2 – to be held at the Cathedral next May 19. JAB will again have a stall. It should be a great event. He also mentioned the South-west networks website where much information on Christian events can be seen and JAB and other events can be included.

Don’t forget the next leaders and reps “chat lunch”. Tobacco factory, 1 December, 12 noon onwards.

God Bless You All !

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For more details of the work of Joint Action Bedminster, see the JAB Update Archive