In our Year of Engagement, we’ve been exploring the variety of ways in which churches and schools are building community and focussing on their mission and outreach. St. James the Great, Colwall continues to maintain one of the most unique partnerships in the diocese – a nearly 40-year relationship with St. James' Church in Aston, Birmingham, brings together two very different church communities, one rural the other urban, fostering mutual growth and understanding.
The partnership, which began in 1987, sees congregations from both churches meeting and worshipping together in both locations at least once or twice per year, creating an extraordinary bond between these two very different communities. St. James', Aston, serves an area of Birmingham in Aston and Nechells, which is a predominantly Black Afro-Caribbean congregation, while St. James', Colwall, is situated in one of Herefordshire’s least ethnically diverse parishes.
"Knowing that there are people over the Malvern Hills praying for the people of St James' Colwall means so much to our community," says Revd Melanie Horton, current vicar of St. James', Colwall. "This partnership has taught us that faith goes deeper than geographical and social boundaries. It is helping to shape how we approach ministry here in Colwall."
The relationship has evolved significantly since its mission-focused origins, when Colwall congregant Leslie Hutton argued that the parish needed exposure to the realities faced by those on lower incomes in inner-city areas. Initially, Colwall provided expertise and resources to support Aston's successful community advice centre, which served predominantly non-Christian clients, including many Muslims who were puzzled by Christians' willingness to help without expecting anything in return.
More recently, the partnership has inspired innovation in Colwall's own ministry approach. "Our connection with Aston has helped us grow and develop as a church. We provide a more relaxed form of church," explains Revd Melanie. "We've developed our café church model, which is helping us reach families and younger people in our local community. Seeing how Aston engages with their diverse community has encouraged us to think more creatively about how we connect with people here."
The churches differ significantly in worship tradition, with Aston embracing a charismatic style while Colwall follows a more traditional approach. However, both communities have adapted over the years, with shared Eucharistic worship now taking place in both locations during exchange visits.
"The relationship has become more about friendship and hospitality over the years," noted Canon Pastor Sharon Palmer MBE JP. “The hands of fellowship and communion - that embraces conversations and breaking of bread. As within any family - the ebbs and flows of time only cements what makes us family - that which once made us different have become points of strength, encouragement and sources of joy.”
St James’ Aston typically visits St James’ Colwall for the summer patronal festival, while Colwall members travel to Birmingham at various times throughout the year. The partnership also includes practical support, with Colwall organising an annual village quiz that raises vital funds for the Aston church and community.
The partnership endures as a testament to the power of Christian fellowship across social and geographical divides. It stands as potentially something quite unique within the Diocese of Hereford. It very much demonstrates how rural and urban churches can support and learn from each other while maintaining their distinct identities and serving their local communities effectively.
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