Logo

 

Banner Image:   National-News-banner-Purple
Template Mode:   Baptist Times
Icon
    Post     Tweet


'We were very warmly welcomed' - the Baptist Telford parkrun takeover  

 

It's a popular community event run by volunteers that encourages the participation of people of all ages and abilities - and with a parkrun happening a short jog from the Baptist Assembly, delegates decided to join in and bless it

Park run crowd1

Around 50 people from the Assembly pitched up at the 473rd Telford parkrun in Telford Town Park on Saturday morning (18 May) to swell the running ranks, serve as official volunteers or simply give out water, cake and even art blessings to the participants. 

Parkrun allows for 'takeovers' - and the Baptist one was initiated by communications manager Mike Lowe. Mike serves as a race director for his local parkrun in Oxfordshire.

'Parkrun works really well across the world,' he said. 'I always recognise how God is at work in parkrun - I think it's a definition of a 'thin place': it's very inclusive, featuring people of all ages and abilities, and I don't think you can find anything better on a Saturday morning.

'The Telford one takes place in the park next to our Assembly venue, so I thought it was a good opportunity to get out of the four walls of the Assembly, and bless the community who make it happen.'

Parkrun800

As the takeover race director, Mike was able to say some words ahead of the run. 

'I told them Baptists across the country are gathering at the Telford International Centre, and explained we like to partner with organisations and community groups that are helping good things to happen.

‘I said: "We are here to say well done for what you are doing - and we are here to bless you as a facet of who we are".'

Mike had set up two tables at the end of the run, from which fellow Baptists helped distribute 200 water bottles and 300 pieces of cake. 

Former Baptist Union president and artist Chris Duffett also joined Mike, sharing his art with the runners and walkers. In addition, around 50 more people than normal went through the finish line. 

Parkrun2

'People were really positive about us being there, and we were very warmly welcomed,' said Mike. 'We had lots of good conversations, and the event director said they'd received a number of emails from participants afterwards saying they'd enjoyed it. Our team who took part were delighted to support it.   

'So it went as well as we could have hoped. On the way up to Telford my boot was full of the water and cake - and all that was left was one single Crimble macaroon.' 

He added, 'It gave me confidence that when you meet people where they are and join in, they welcome a Christian presence. 

'Could you do something similar in your Parkrun? Or where your community gathers? Can you recognise God's spirit? Where can you join in and bless?'


 

Baptist Times, 30/05/2024
    Post     Tweet
‘We can choose to tell a new story – one of gracious growth’
​General Secretary Lynn Green urged Baptists to embrace a story of hope and renewal rather than decline in her closing address at the Baptist Assembly
'God's Baptist people are in good heart' - Steve Finamore's reflections
Outgoing Baptists Together President Steve Finamore shared encouraging signs of church growth and renewed hope across Baptist networks
More than 60 ministers and pastors commissioned at Baptist Assembly
Ministers who have transferred to the fully accredited list, nationally recognised pastors and recognised local ministers were commissioned and prayed, in a session which also featured the In Memoriam
Mission Resolution introduced at Assembly
Designed to build a shared understanding of mission across Baptists Together, this marks the beginning of a two-year process of discernment, dialogue, and engagement, with the goal of the resolution being adopted at the 2027 Baptist Assembly
'We thank God for all the ways that he is graciously at work in and through us'
General Secretary Lynn Green celebrated the power of collaboration across Baptists Together in sharing three highlights from the past year
'Every fellowship is a disciple making environment'
A mission conference led by BMS World Mission formed the first 24 hours of the Baptist Assembly weekend
     Latest News 
    Posted: 21/05/2025
    Posted: 07/01/2025
    Posted: 07/01/2025
     
    Text Size:  
    Small (Default)
    Medium
    Large
    Contrast:  
    Normal
    High Contrast