Walk This Way
40% of Church of England worshippers are in rural congregations. In our Diocese, 90% of parishes and 50% of the population is rural.
St Aldhelm, a rural church, in Purbeck, has implemented an initiative to renew Hope through rural ministry and mission, helping young adults explore God's call to ordained ministry in a rural setting and engage it’s community.
The initiative, ‘Walking Church’, invites people to join for an hour's walk from one of the churches in the Benefice of St Aldhelm. Led by curate Nick Webb, the walk takes in an ‘all age friendly’ journey through the Purbeck countryside, with a biblical reflection and prayers at an appropriate interval, with a craft activity included along the walk for families. The walk ends with a shared picnic lunch in church or, weather permitting, the church grounds.
Since its inception, ‘Walking Church’ has attracted families, individuals and some friendly dogs, with a ‘congregation’ growing from six to forty-one already!
Nick Webb, Assistant Curate, Purbeck Hills Benefice said:
“We concluded that walking on Sunday mornings in Purbeck was something families were already doing. Now we do this together as a community and enjoy the company, opportunity for reflection and great conversations”
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