NEW YEAR BALLOONS LAUNCH INITIATIVE
CHURCHES across Loughborough will be launching balloons on New Year’s Day to signal the start of a year-long initiative across the community. Dozens of people from churches of all denominations will come together at the Market Place to launch the balloons as part of plans to work alongside each other throughout the year. Following the balloon event, churchgoers will split up to go on a prayer walk to a number of locations around the town. Loughborough churches are carrying out the plans as part of their backing for a UK-wide Hope08 initiative that will run throughout 2008. Churches, Christian groups and other organisations, such as police and local councils, will join together to organise events and projects throughout communities in the country. One of its organisers, Andy Hawthorne, 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.’
