Diocesan News
New Connor/Church Army Base Opens on Shankhill Road
The Diocese of Connor/Church Army North Belfast Centre of Mission now has a bricks and mortar presence on the Shankill Road.
Connect Base is open for business in the Spectrum Centre and Church Army Evangelists Karen Webb and Stephen Whitten are welcoming the local community in for tea and a chat, and discussing other missional opportunities with parishes, schools and community groups in the area.
Connect Base – building on the Bishop of Connor’s theme of Connections and the idea that this is very much a base for exciting new work in north Belfast – occupies two units offering a great space for the community.
There is a comfortable sitting area, a multi–purpose space, a kitchen, office space, and a relaxing prayer room.
The paint is barely dry on the walls, but Connect Base is open and welcoming people in, with a formal launch planned for next year.
Lead Pioneer Evangelist Karen Webb said: “Between now and Christmas we will be engaging with parishes and local people to find out the best way to use the new centre.”
Parishes will be invited to visit Connect Base to share their visions and ideas for the centre, and it is hoped that people from these parishes will become involved with the Centre of Mission.
It is likely that Connect Base will operate a youth drop–in facility, and Karen and Stephen have also identified a need for a homework club. “We will be working with Connor Children’s Officer Jill Hamilton, who will spend part of her time in Connect Base, and her training, both as a teacher and in special needs education, will be invaluable,” Karen said.
Connect Base is open anyone passing by – indeed many local people have already stopped by to find out what it is all about.
The team has been working with Church of Ireland parishes within the Mid Belfast Rural Deanery, ensuring everyone has been kept informed as the project progressed. “We want them to feel a sense of ownership. This is not just our space, but their space too,” Karen said.
The team has also been working with other churches in the area.
“Having a base in the middle of the community that is not a church building gives us the freedom to connect with people who would not go into church,” Karen said.
“We are working with a diocese but are right in the heart of the community, and we are very clear in our identity and what we are about.”
Stephen said that the Centre of Mission was a resource for all of Connor Diocese. “We are keen to get involved in helping parishes where we can, and this gives us something more concrete in terms of our work here,” he said.
Connor Diocesan Development Officer Trevor Douglas said: “Thanks to the Church of Ireland Orphans and Children Society for funding this project for the next four years, and also thanks to the Church of Ireland Priorities Fund. Without this help the project would not have gone as planned.
“The project itself is based in the Centre of Mission on the Shankill Road. However, this base will also be used for training in children’s work and evangelism for parishes across the diocese.”
For further information please contact:
Diocesan Communications Officer, Connor
07766 103880
Mrs Karen Bushby
[email protected]