Urban Presence was set up in 1996 and will close as a charity in 2020
This decision has come about after a year-long process of thinking, reflecting and prayer. Here's why...
Our associates Hannah and Nigel have their own accountability (though informal relating/mentoring would continue).
Our Refurb meeting has stopped, in part due to other networks which overlap.
Derek is mostly involved locally now in North Manchester.
It is some time since we used the Urban Presence charitable status to incubate another group (e.g. Carisma, Street Pastors).
We’re getting old!
The trustees would like to stop.
But we're not going out without another tilt at the windmill called urban mission by making a clear statement about the continuing need for mission in urban/inner-city/overspill/estate deprived areas. We are proposing a final series of meetings through 2020, and planning to make a video which will capture the essence of what we have been about and continue to see as a challenge to the church. The passing on of a baton. We will still continue to do what we do but as individuals and without the structure of a formal charity.
There will be two Refurb meetings, one on Thursday February 27 at Longsight Nazarene Church, and the other on Wednesday March 4 at Church of the Saviour, Collyhurst. 11:45am to 2pm with a buffet lunch and the chance to view and comment on the Urban Presence video. Come to the one that is most convenient (or come to both if you want). More details and booking here. Free. A summit looking at the place of urban mission in theological training... A final fling at A Venue on September ??th