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	June 2004				Gayelene and her team were kept busy with donkey rides. These young visitors were very happy with the face-painting. Children were invited to leave their handprints on a banner. Bishop John and James Collins chat with visitors.
		Getting involved - donkeys and white elephants in Snug by Ann Martin
			The Parish of Channel and Cygnet is an Enabler Supported Ministry parish with three centres : Cygnet in the Huon and Woodbridge and Snug on the Channel. The Ministry Support Team, together with the Parish Council and our Enabler, the Rev. James Collins, is currently developing a Mission and Ministry strategy to build up the Anglican presence in the Upper Channel region. The aim of the strategy is not only to provide adequate opportunity for a worship and other church-based activities, but also to increase our involvement in the life and concerns of the local communities. A first step was to review our resources and stewardship. This led to the difficult but necessary decision to close a fourth centre, All Saints', Margate and focus upon the nearby, more modern and better equipped building of St John's, Snug as the base for ministry to the communities of Snug, Margate, Baretta, Electrona, Peggy's Beach Estate, and Oyster Cove. A Family Fun Day was held at St John's, Snug, as an opportunity for the church and the communities to meet and get to know each other. Advertisements in the local paper, posters and a letterbox drop invited local people - the response to that invitation was great! Free! From elderly retirees to teenagers, to families with tots in strollers, the people came and enjoyed donkey rides; a sausage sizzle; face-painting; banner-making; showbags with colouring-in and puzzle books, lollies and balloons; and morning and after tea - all for free. There was also a stand with information about the parish and inviting suggestions, plus a very popular white elephant stall with nothing priced over two dollars. Bishop John was a very welcome guest-turned-helper, who did a stint on Gayelene's donkey-ride team, and chatting with visitors. The Parish of Channel and Cygnet realises that its Mission and Ministry strategy contains some very real challenges, but the response to our Family Fun Day was so encouraging. We have on the Channel and in Cygnet so many dedicated and determined people with a willingness to explore so many possibilities, that our vision for the future can only be a positive one.