05.03.2015
’Church in Your Pocket’ App Aims to be Accessible to All
In the original charter for St. Patrick’s Church (1864) the Archbishop of Dublin called upon those duly authorised ‘to read the public prayers and the Holy liturgy to the congregation … to preach the word of God sincerely and faithfully, and to pray and administer the Sacraments.’
In 2014, as plans got underway to celebrate the hundred and fifty years of worship at St. Patrick’s, our Rector, David Mungavin, expressed his hope that our thanksgiving for the past might also serve to generate a sense of renewal for the future. The challenge was to find ways to incorporate God’s word into our modern lives in a manner that would build upon, and uphold, the aspirations of the original worshipers of St Patrick’s Church. It was Rev. David’s hope that our commemoration would reach beyond the immediate celebrations and have an enduring legacy.
Birth of ‘Church in your Pocket’ App
We wanted a mode of expression of our faith that would be easily accessible to every member of the community of St. Patrick’s. We explored lots of ideas, but they just didn’t seem to catch the essence of Rev. David’s aspiration; to provide Scriptural outreach that would lead to a deepening of faith by being a regular feature of our daily lives. Bearing in mind time constraints and issues of accessibility for a busy and varied congregation, we knew we really needed to be thinking outside the box!
Then, Ken Gibson, a member of the brain storming team, suggested an App … and soon the idea of having a ‘Church in your Pocket’ was born!
We approached the Select Vestry and were delighted to meet with a very positive and encouraging response from them – the Select Vestry gave their whole–hearted support to the venture and agreed to fund the ‘Church in your Pocket’ App.
What’s an APP?
If the truth be told I wasn’t sure how Apps worked. Apps are electronic programmes which can be accessed on a computer, laptop or other mobile device, such as an ipad or a smart phone. An App will allow you to perform specific tasks or fulfill a specfic purpose at your own convenience – you can use it wherever you please and any time you like. Apps are very simple to use – you don’t have to be the least bit technically minded to use an App! It’s easy to have a ‘Church in your Pocket’!
What then is ‘Church in your pocket’?
‘Church in your pocket’ allows you to take a brief moment of calm in your day and direct your thoughts toward God. Each day a short Scriptural reading, a devotional reflection and a prayer are sent to your computer, smart phone or ipad. ‘Church in your pocket’ can also be sent to you by email, and paper copies are availible for those who don’t have the use of electronic devices.
Children’s corner
‘Church in your pocket’ has a separate section for children which includes bible stories and devotionals created for children and early teens. We have had some really great stories so far, including one from our Rector about hiding in his garden shed and another, from our deacon, about playing hide and seek.
I often have the impression that Children’s corner is the first place many people visit when they open up ‘Church in your pocket’.
Where and When can I read it?
You can access ‘Church in your pocket’ anywhere and at any time. One woman reads it every morning on the Dart while travelling to work, another uses it in her class as a teaching aid. Many people read it during their coffee break at work or while simply relaxing at home. One mother of young children said “’Church in your Pocket’ gives you the opportunity to catch your breath with God before the chaos of the day begins.” Another man said it’s his time with God before he turns out the light at night. The children at Sunday School were asked if they read “Church in your Pocket” and many reported that in their homes they read it together as a family. For many people it is a means that provides encouragement from Scriptures to help them to develop a deeper understanding of their faith.
There is little doubt that the ‘Church in your Pocket’ App. is proving equal to Rev. David’s hopes for continuity and renewal into the future. Our App designers, based in Toronto, were able to advise us that in the first month 1700 people downloaded the App – People from as far afield as Africa and America use it daily. It is a simple, practical and effective way of including God in our everyday lives and deepening the relationship we share not alone with Him but also with each other.
How do I join in?
If you haven’t got the App yet, then please join us. Find the way that best suits you:
· Go to iTunes or Google play; search for ‘Church in your Pocket’ and download it for FREE.
· Alternatively we can email the contents of the App to you – please email your request to stpatricksparish@eircom.net