Storey book given to DSD Minister

The Minister was presented with the publication at a meeting of the Community Faith Forum in Lurgan.

‘The Extra Mile’ is designed to help churches find new and imaginative ways to serve practical needs in their local community.

Rev Robert Miller - one of the authors of the new publication - said: “Many people all across our community, including in churches, already work hard for their own locality.

“It is also true that the place of churches in local communities is changing and members are re-imagining their role.”

He continued: “’The Extra Mile’ is a very simple booklet that aims to do two things. The first is to help church members see where volunteering their time and energy to meet the practical needs of others fits into what the church is meant to be about.

“It also helps the reader to look at some of the practical questions a church should ask itself when wanting to engage in community work.”

Bishop Ken Good said: “This book is accessible, practical, down to earth and relevant not just to churches but to community groups as well.”

Archbishop Michael Jackson - launching the book in May - said: “The Extra Mile encourages people of all generations to do simple things. It manages to communicate that it is the simple things people do that can make the real difference”.

‘The Extra Mile’ was written by two members of the Church of Ireland diocese of Derry and Raphoe, Rev Robert Miller and Rev Earl Storey. Also speaking at the launch

It is available free of charge at The Diocesan Office, London Street in Londonderry or by visiting www.derry.anglican.org It was funded by the Derry and Raphoe Diocesan Volunteering Project through the Department for Social Development and the Department for Rural, Community and Gaeltacht Affairs.