Topics and themes

Annual themes

Annual themes were introduced to encourage guilds to plan their programmes more effectively. These imaginative resources were introduced in the 1950s to give a focus for guilds but are sufficiently broad to allow for imaginative planning. The theme for 2010 to 2011 is Called to love mercy.

Topics

Topics were a later introduction. They offer a chance to explore a particular issue of current concern, possibly leading to some local action. The topic for 2010 to 2011 is Let's talk about... can we forgive and forget?

Resource material for each theme and topic is prepared and circulated before each new session and training days are offered to help local leadership teams use the theme and address the topic in their local groups. Additional material and notes for speakers are available on our resources area.

Strategies

From 2009 to 2012, the work, worship and focus of the Guild will fall under the strategy, What does the Lord require of you? based on Micah 6:8.

All six of the current projects supported by Guild members relate to the theme of the three-year strategy. You can read more about each of these projects:

Guild groups are free to choose to support any or all of these projects, both prayerfully and financially, while at the same time deepening their understanding of the underlying issues presented by each project. Guild projects have often been at the leading edge of the Church's work - addressing issues such as drugs, prostitution and AIDS, as well as support for training and initiatives for young people. Since 1997 the Guild has supported 30 projects and raised more than £2.75 million.