West Camel, Nr. Yeovil

The work in West Camel is a joint initiative between the local Methodist and Anglican Churches both of which are small some 10 members each. The aim is to use the Village Hall as a neutral venue and is well used by the community to engage with village life.

The two churches have discovered that they can be more effective in this together than apart. 20 can definitely do more than 10!

As part of their co-sponsoring they have started a weekly children work on a Sunday morning. They now see 10 to 12 children in regular attendance. That may not sound like many but when you realise that is a high percentage of the children in the village that is a very big deal.

Once a month they also run an act of all age family worship called the “Monthly Special” This has proved to be very successful and they now see an average of 30 people in the village hall. Between fifty and sixty per cent of those that attend are from the community and would not normally choose to attend any service.

The relationship that the two churches have begun to build with the community means that many of the village people are more likely to choose to come to other events that they put on.

Due to their size they have to choose what they do carefully. The churches feel that longevity is important and have decided to do something new that is sustainable. The challenge to deliver what they promise over time demonstrates that they are there for the long haul. The Churches want to be there for the village and the village is beginning to take notice. 

Last Updated 23 December 2008