St Ann's has been involved in the ecumenical movement for approx. 35 years, along with eight other local churches. Over the years we have been growing together, getting to know and understand each other in discussion, prayer, spiritual and social activities.

From January to July 2006, we had extra sessions to the normal meetings of CTSD. The aim was to increase our understanding of what God is calling us to do in the Stocksbridge area. We needed to identify "who we are" Our Identity, Our Values, "what guides how we do things", Our purpose "why do we exist", Our vision "where we are called to go" , Our strategy "what we are going to do".

Conclusion: To encourage Churches to worship, pray and reflect together - each church sharing with others their treasures and traditions. for example with study days, joint services etc.

Shared Events and Activities

In December we pack and deliver approx. 400 Christmas parcels for the over 80's in the area.

In January we participate in the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, which includes daily house groups with each church providing two leaders and two hosts during the week, with a joint Ecumenical Service to end the week.

During Lent we participate in study groups, Lent Lunches (Sundays at Cedar Road Christian Centre and Fridays at St Matthias)

During Holy Week we participate in the preparation and service that accompany the lighting of the cross at on the hill at Green Moor which is a unique show of unity. On Good Friday we join with the other churches for a Silent Witness of the Cross in Stocksbridge shopping precinct.

During May we support Christian Aid week and once again witness to our faith in the Whit Walk

Other shared activities and events include Women's World Day of Prayer and Women's Rallies and support for the Community Shop

Together we can achieve more than we can alone.

Our Strategy

• to enable Churches Together to respond to the needs of society and to witness to the Gospel
• to be in touch with other agencies and share what we are thinking/doing
• to raise our profile in the community and become a focus for relationships with local authorities and voluntary bodies
• to be willing to participate in wider forums as CTSD or individual churches, not expect the rest to come to us.
• to be constantly aware of the changing needs of our society and local community

The representatives of St Ann's on the CTSD are Ann Hall and Maureen Aitken.

You can find out more by visiting the Stocksbridge Churches Together website.