Projects
Town Centre Pastoral Team

ACT has started up an exciting scheme called the Town Centre Pastoral Team (TCPT). This is a natural development from what churches were doing in the town both late at night and during the busier parts of the day. This is in conjunction with the Police and has received funding from them, local councillors and Rushmoor's LSP.

The TCPT provides a visible Christian presence, as often as possible, in the town centre of Aldershot acting pastorally, as people approach them and as they listen and even pray for folk, and evangelistically as they sensitively point people to Jesus.

The team are out some Friday and Saturday nights with a stand offering water, chocolate and leaflets that will be given freely. The Police also asked if we could be around on some other busy times such as after big football matches and during busier days in the daytime.

Volunteers need some training and can opt to do as many or as few sessions as they like and at the times they like. The daytime presence will be in twos and we will need slightly larger numbers in the evenings.

We have uniforms with ‘Town Centre Pastoral Team’ written boldly on the front and back, both for colder and warmer weather.

Initially we need anyone interested to attend at least one introductory and training session to look at practicalities, approach and guidelines. There will be further training offered ‘on the job’.

For further details please contact George Newton on 01252 320618 or at vicar@htca.org.uk



Vision - Caring and Support

In line with the life of Jesus, the churches of Aldershot are conscious of the need to address peoples' real life issues as well as their spiritual condition. The Town Centre Pastoral Team is a focus of contact between the churches and the people of Aldershot, who are going about their everyday activities.

We are, however, aware that there is a whole section of our society in special need. Obvious examples of this are people in poverty, people who are ill and those who are lonely or sad. The new project which the churches hope to have up and running early next year (2009) is concerned with addressing this issue.

We are conscious that in our materialistic and self centred society the support for people in real need is minimal and they are lucky if they can even get anyone to listen to their concerns.

We hope to link this new initiative into doctor's surgeries etc, where people might be looking for support. The support will take the form of ...

1. A listening ministry where people can talk to someone who cares and is really listening.

2. Support for people who are going through difficult times (discussion and prayer).

3. Advice on how to deal with issues such as poverty and debt.

4. Indications of how being a Christian can give a totally different pespective on these issues.

The churches hope that this new service will really help people in need and give society at large a glimpse of what our belief in Jesus is all about.