NEW YEAR WATER HANDOUT TO LAUNCH YEAR OF ‘HOPE’
NEW Year’s Eve revellers in Glasgow will be given bottles of water and ‘Hope’ from city churches that are teaming up to work together throughout 2008. The churches have organised The Big Water Handout as part of a new project – called Hope08 – which will see denominations laying aside differences to work more closely together next year. The Big Water Handout will run from 9pm and will be followed by a Hope at Hogmanay service at Glasgow Cathedral from 11pm. Churches across Scotland and the UK are joining forces with Christian groups and other organisations, such as councils and the police, to work on community projects and outreach initiatives. Andy Hawthorne, one of the leaders of Hope08, said, ‘I honestly believe 'Hope' in 2008 is an opportunity, perhaps like we've never had before, for every denomination, stream, conference and movement to play to their strengths and together to make a huge impact on this nation.’ Events already planned include clean-ups in parks and public spaces, arts and culture festivals, fun runs and praise parties. A spokesman for Hope08 said, ‘There are lots of projects planned and more will be set up as the year goes on. We want to demonstrate faith in action and show that our faith is one of love and care for the people in our communities. ‘The idea is that by the end of next year, people will see that Christians want to help others and be a part of their community. We believe that events such as arts festivals and parties will be just the start of future projects that will serve communities across the UK.’
