About North Beltisloe group parishes Grantham Lincolnshire UK

ABOUT US

North Beltisloe is a group of 10 Parishes a few miles to the south east of Grantham in Lincolnshire. The villages vary in size from 30 up to 750 inhabitants; the total population is just under 2000 but growing. Each parish has a much-loved and well-maintained Church. There are 3 pubs and 3 village halls, two of which have thriving social clubs with bars! There is a strong rural feel to all our communities.

GROWING MISSION
The 10 parishes are a united benefice. Group Services take place every month, on Patronal festivals and other special occasions. Traditionally, every Parish has at least one service each month. We have a choir which leads the singing at Group and special services. In 2010, there were 20 baptisms and 13 marriages/blessings across the Group. The preparation for such services is a major opportunity to grow mission.
In 2010 we ran a very successful ecumenical ALPHA Course. This has also developed good working relationships with other churches/denominations in Grantham. It is our intention to build on this in 2011 with prayer ministry training. We also endeavour to run courses during Lent.
In common with the other rural parishes in our Deanery, most of the lay energy in our communities is provided by the “silver” generation”. A hard core of worshippers supports traditional prayer-book services but contemporary language liturgy is also used for other services. In addition to Group Services, our parishes hold a number of theme-based services at appropriate times of the year which attract the families and the non-Anglican Christians that are key to our growth.
Each village holds its own social events which are supported by the other parishes. Mid-summer is an especially busy time with several villages holding fetes.

YOUNG PEOPLE
There are two schools in the Group: Ropsley Church of England Primary School (of which our Rector is an ex-officio Governor) and Ingoldsby Primary School with which we have strong links. There is a Sunday Club for our young people which meets every month.

We can do much more to develop mission amongst families