Rest

Welcome to the Rugby REST Project, which aims to supplement Christian ministry to people in the Rugby Rest homes. This is a project that was conceived within the Rugby Churches Forum as a project which could run under the auspices of Revive. 

REST envisages a lay ministry based on one or more churches each ‘adopting’ a care home in order to develop a ministry relationship there with whoever wishes this. 

Churches, for example in adjacent parishes, have the opportunity to develop inter-denominational partnerships in this project. 

This project aims to run alongside, although not replace, existing established ministries. For example the various eucharistic ministries to each home will clearly need to continue according to the denominational needs of residents. In addition, certain ministry partnerships already exist with particular homes, for example Bilton House. 

It is hoped that, between the churches, small scale lay ministry teams will arise to offer prayer ministry to individuals and or groups, on an ongoing basis, as often as is practicable. This may be weekly, monthly or even quarterly and could include responding to requests for contact. It could include holding a simple group service, with music ministry, to include staff and visitors too, or spending time with individual people. It may include seasonal content, for example at Christmas or Easter.

Practicalities for example CRB checks may be necessary. Consideration of induction, support and prayer cover is also needed. Discussion has yet to take place with care home managers also.

It is envisaged that ministry will be of an inter-denominational nature except where particular opportunities may arise with a resident of the same denomination. 

It is hoped in this way, to offer opportunities to people, at an important stage in their life, to develop their Christian faith, if they so wish.   “Where two or three are gathered in My name, there am I in the midst of them…Lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age…For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save what was lost…rejoice with Me, I have found my lost sheep…today you will be with Me in paradise…” Matthew 18:20, 28:20, Luke 19:10,Luke 15:6, Luke 23:42

Click here for a list of care homes and nearest churches, although no boundaries are implied and further discussion on the above is invited.