THREE new “mission hubs”, in Denbigh, Llanrwst, and Gwersyllt, in the diocese of St Asaph, are being targeted to address local requirements, and new clergy and lay posts are being created.
The hubs build on the experience of existing ones in Mold, Welshpool, Holywell, Penrhyn, Wrexham, Prestatyn, and Newtown, and are part of a £5.6-million Church in Wales investment aimed at encouraging church growth. The diocese covers a large area of north-east and mid-Wales, and has 200 churches, now grouped in 20 mission areas, and 49 church schools.
Hub churches are committed to creating a new congregation, based on a specialist focus. “Our mission hubs look outwards to understand the needs of their community, and we seek to target resources in the best ways to support local people” the Bishop of St Asaph, the Rt Revd Gregory Cameron, said.
“For some churches, an investment in music means we will appoint a director of music to encourage growth. For others, community programmes to tackle loneliness or food poverty might mean a community engagement worker is required. At others, a focus on young people will mean youth workers are appointed.”
Of the three hubs most recently opened, Llanrwyrst (Wrexham) concentrates on developing music, with a focus on the Welsh language, using the “choir church” model to start a new choir and an accompanying new congregation. Newtown hub is a centre of hospitality and outreach to the local community, running a regular weekly soup lunch, and operating as a Well-Fed food hub; while Prestatyn, designated a centre of eco excellence, has Forest Church and other outdoor projects for church growth.
“We aim to be nimble in our appointments, to ensure people can use their God-given skills in service to local people,” the Bishop said.
The plans include the first plant from Hope Street in Wrexham, a resource church that opened in 2021. The variety of posts that will be on offer in St Asaph will all be specified at a recruitment evening on Wednesday 22 April at 7 p.m.
