01.12.2024

Advent in D&G – Crinken Church: Supporting Community Growth and Connection

Join us throughout Advent 2024 as we explore signs of hope of the Spirit at work in Dublin and Glendalough. During this time of watching and waiting, we are celebrating the life of parishes in the United Dioceses of Dublin and Glendalough – urban and rural, large and small. We are sharing stories of people in parishes who are working with dedication to reach out to people who are new to their communities, to those who have moved to the many new housing developments springing up or those who come to the country seeking sanctuary from war. There are stories of people exploring how to share the Good News of the Gospel with people who haven’t heard it, or who have forgotten about it. There is news of people carefully preserving their parish churches and buildings so they can continue to provide facilities to parishioners and the whole community and there are rural ministries which provide a focal point for their communities. You are encouraged to reflect on these good news stories but also invited to share stories from your parishes so that we can continue to communicate the joy of parish life and fellowship with others.

By Canon Tom O’Brien and Geoff Scargill

As the surrounding community of Crinken Church expands with new housing developments in Woodbrook and Shanganagh Castle, the church has taken significant steps to connect with our new residents. We have used the building around us to create a vibrant community hub that caters to the social, emotional, and spiritual needs of our new population aligning with the Church’s Five Marks of Mission to proclaim the Good News, teach, respond to human needs, transform unjust structures, and sustain creation.

An opportunity to connect through Outreach:

Crinken Church is positioned at the heart of these new developments. DLR Council building plans themselves situate Crinken at the centre of two new communities, welcoming an estimated 5,400 new residents. The church’s outreach plans aim to meet these residents with open arms, providing support systems that encourage a sense of belonging. This includes essential services such as access to mental health counselling, Health courses, English classes and the use of an outdoor coffee pod where pastoral care will be provided by staff and volunteers. All projects are designed to bridge the gap between new residents and their local community. By setting up a “Church Without Walls”, where the church is open Monday to Friday, Crinken allows for accessibility and inclusivity, inviting people to experience a welcoming space where they can connect with others.

Practical Support for New Residents

The needs of the community extend beyond spiritual guidance, and Crinken is ready to meet those needs head–on. With our Storehouse Foodbank, mental health hub, and plans well underway to develop vocational training, Crinken Church is addressing the practical needs of Woodbrook and Shanganagh’s diverse residents. But we also support spiritual growth too. We are running Exploring Christianity at this time and have plans to offer further courses in leadership, marriage and supporting Growth for teens. We are already hosting residents’ association meetings for Woodbrook, introducing them to our church and services.

The Camino in Shanganagh: building Spiritual Connection

Interestingly, St James Church Crinken is also on the Bray to Dublin Camino. This Camino draws on the traditional pilgrimage concept, encouraging visitors and locals to engage in reflective, spiritual journeys. By opening our doors to visitors who come to stamp their passports, Crinken brings a unique spiritual element to Shanganagh and Woodbrook that aligns with our mission of offering holistic care and the Five Marks of Mission, particularly the call to proclaim the Good News and engage in transformative ministry.

Why Community Engagement Matters

For Crinken Church, these initiatives are more than just programmes—they’re essential to elements that support the development of a thriving community. Crinken’s proactive approach combats this, helping residents feel connected, supported, and valued. Invitations are open to join our Men’s or Women’s breakfasts, engage with our Saturday Lunch Club, play Bowls, take on art, come to communion explore healthy food, access a food parcel or simply come for a coffee. Personally, seeing the church work to blend spiritual support with tangible aid and practical help is what Jesus Himself modelled in His ministry. The work we are starting is to be a community–centred Church, bringing people together to provide for a spectrum of needs. Our congregation and committees are central to the success of what we do. They are dedicated to serving the community because we all share the goal of creating a model for meaningful engagement.

As we continue to serve, Crinken Church remains a place where all are invited to “Come and See” to witness, belong, and grow within a welcoming community. And just as they leave, they are encouraged to “Go and Tell” to carry the message of love, hope, and connection into the world around them. This call, rooted in scripture, reflects our mission to build a thriving, supportive community that reaches beyond our walls and impacts lives near and far.

 

You can read Archbishop Michael Jackson’s reflection on the Church of Ireland census figures and his appeal to people to rekindle their connection to their parish here: https://dublin.anglican.org/news/2024/11/22/why-go-to-church-a

If you have a story to tell from your parish please email the diocesan communications officer – dcodublin@gmail.com