Ipswich Christian Organisations meet for dinner
by Alan Fisher
An event arranged by Heart for Ipswich for the various cross-church bodies in the town attracted 17 organisations to a dinner at the Fynn Valley golf club on 4 November. The aim was to draw together those working in differing ways to serve the local community – so that they could share experiences, ideas and visions for the future.
A total of 55 people came to the dinner, representing the following organisations:-
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Churches Together in Suffolk
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Coffee Break
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Community Choir
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CYM
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FIND
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Inspire
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IPEC
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Ipswich in Prayer
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Ipswich Seafarers
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Link
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Music & Worship Foundation
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Perspectives
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Release Ipswich
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Re-New
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Restore
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Soup Kitchen
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Town Pastors
Heart for Ipswich
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These key leaders were able to share with each other and with the Heart for Ipswich team in a relaxed and informal manner. In a short joint session facilitated by Steve Jay, each group looked at their story, limitations, needs and the next steps. It was found that some people shared similar visions for the future and the next move will be to see how we can best work together to achieve these.
This was something new for the town, but the idea seemed to be generally appreciated. Some comments received were:
I just wanted to express sincere thanks, on behalf of Karen, Ken, Jane and myself for a greatevening last night.
We all thoroughly enjoyed our evening at Fynn Valley and it was a wonderful opportunity to network and share with others about our work. We have made several links with people and groups which we will follow up in the coming weeks.
Susie Herman (Inspire Counselling)
A huge ‘Thank You’ for last night. The warm welcome, delicious food, interesting company and thought provoking ending made it a wonderful evening. Lisa & I really enjoyed ourselves. It made me think of the early church - Acts 2:46 They ….ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God….
We really value all that you have done to make the work of Restore known in the town. and to make so many aware just how much is being done in His name.
Cathie Taylor (Coordinator for Restore)
Just a top evening last night. Thanks to everyone for a great evening. It was good to sit with other people and network. Lovely food and relaxed surroundings, do pass on our thanks to all the organising team for having the vision to do this.
Ian France (CYM)
It was a fantastic evening this week. Really excellent food and a great opportunity to network. Thank you so much
Ben Wale (CYM)
Many thanks for a lovely evening it was good to network and talk.
Mary Warren (Ipswich Seafarers)
Heart for Ipswich can be contacted at admin@heart4ipswich.co.uk | 
