Grassington Congregational Church
Our church is a place for you to find rest, renewed hope, courage and inspiration ...
Grassington Congregational Church
Future of the Church: Faith, Inclusivity & Community
"Human progress is neither automatic nor
inevitable... Every step toward the goal of justice requires
sacrifice, suffering & struggle; the tireless exertions
& passionate concern of dedicated individuals."
Actions for a brighter future
Continue the good work with
children & young people
Continue to support charitable
fundraising for local projects and international development
causes
Continue to engage with the
local community - Grassington Festival, special events etc
Continue to work with other churches in the village on mission, youth work and projects of common interest
Maintain the warmth of our
welcome and the genuine concern we have for each other's
welfare
Offer Christian education to
the adult community through initiatives such as Christianity
Explored
Target mission on 30-59 age
group, which is almost completely absent from the church
Systematically approach new
residents in the area to explain what the church has to
offer
Produce introductory
leaflet for the church and distribute to hotels/B&Bs/
holiday cottages to encourge holiday worshippers
Grassington Population: 2001 Census
Age
groups:
16 to 29 years 134 persons 8.5%
30 to 44 years 254 persons 16.0%
45 to 59 years 368 persons 23.2%
60 to 74 years 339 persons 21.4%
75 to 89 years 208 persons 13.1%
90 and over 33 persons 2.1%
Total population: 1,584
Christian 1273 persons 80.4%
Other religious group 8 persons 0.5%
No religion 211 persons 13.3%
Religion not stated 90 persons 5.7%
Congregational Church statistics 2009
0 to 15 years
44
persons 47.3%
16 to 29 years
7
persons
7.5%
30 to 44 years
3
persons
3.2%
45 to 59 years
5 persons
5.4%
60 to 74 years
30
persons
32.3%
75 to 89 years
4
persons
4.3%
90 and over
0 persons
0.0%
Future Development of Grassington
It is the policy of the Yorkshire Dales National Park
Authority (YDNPA) to discourage further housing development
and commercial/industrial activity in the Park.
Consequently, very little change to the number and social
distribution of residents within Grassington is likely to
take place within the next decade.
Acknowledging the Church's strengths
The church possesses strong community spirit and a desire
to proclaim both the joys and the responsibilities of
Christian discipleship.
The congregation are justly proud of their non-judgemental
attitude to life, their openness and their unconditional
kindness.
Attendance at the monthly church meetings (where the
direction of the church is reviewed and determined) is
excellent and includes most of the Sunday congregation, both
members and adherents.
... and its weaknesses
The church is failing to engage adequately with the 30-59
age group - possibly 40% of the population of the village.
Action is also required to raise the profile of the church
within the local communty and to proclaim more effectively
the service that it provides.