VISION FOR OUR CHURCH
WHERE ARE WE NOW?

Over the last 16 years Graeme has done a fantastic job in taking the church forward. He has been involved in numerous aspects of church life and ministry: Sunday Services: Music, rotas, sides people etc, baptism/confirmation prep.Pastoral: Bereavement team, home communion, Listeners, prayer team, visitors Discipleship & Training: Small groups & leaders, day conferences, 24/7 prayer, preaching series, small group notes, evangelism training Families: Marriage course, Babes & Tots, Butterflies, M.U., Alpha, Houseparty General: Website, notice sheet, magazine, finances, PCC, various committees.

There is also an enormous amount of ‘people business’ – daily interaction with people in the church and the parish.

MIND THE GAP!

When Graeme leaves we will have to fill the gap as a church. Steve & Jon can take on some of these roles, but not all of them.Pray for a good handover as Graeme ‘passes the baton’. Pray for wisdom, good planning & administration.

3 KEY MINISTRIES FOR THE FUTURE

Families: We need to maximise natural points of contact with the parish community: Baptism preparation, Babes & Tots, Butterflies, St.Mary’s School, Junior Church & youth work, etc. Lets ask ourselves what it means to be a family friendly church and how we can build on the good foundations already in place.

Fifty Plus: The church already has a number of groups & activities that offer something to the Fifty Plus group. We can offer people fellowship, friendship and a sense of belonging in a rapidly changing world.  Apart from the Sunday & midweek services there are small groups, Mother’s Union, Ramblers, Monday Lunch Fellowship and Friday Table Tennis, as well as new initiatives like the Holiday @ Home week. This is a good basis for mission! Lets consider how can we build on our good foundations.

Small Groups: These are at the heart of the church, both in terms of discipleship and pastoral care. Jon has the overall responsibility for small groups.  We are also putting into place Small Group Pastors who will give both spiritual and practical support to group leaders. Most small groups are definitely heading in the right direction but lets ask ourselves how we can be even more God centred, growing, serving, caring and sharing!

Steve Rankin

Come along to the ‘Re:Vision’ Meeting

Wednesday 22^nd July, 8.00pm.

To be informed; to discuss and to pray

about these opportunities.

COST OF COMMITMENT PRAYERS

Take my life and take my wealth;
Let them know your Holy Word.
Take my lips and take my voice;
Let them flow in ceaseless praise.

 We seek to be a growing church;
Though our worship, witness, work,
In commitment to The Lord,
And in the power of the Spirit.

Take my heart, it is yours;
It shall be your royal throne.
Let your Kingdom Come, O Lord
Let your will be done today.

Amen.

You asked for my hands
that you might use them for your purpose.
I gave them for a moment then withdrew them
for the work was hard.
You asked for my mouth
to speak out against injustice.
I gave you a whisper that I might not be accused.
You asked for my eyes
to see the pain of poverty.
I closed them for I did not want to see.
You asked for my life
that you might work through me.
I gave a small part that I might not get too involved.
Lord, forgive my calculated effort to serve you,
only when it is convenient for me to do so,
only in those places where it is safe to do so,
and only with those who make it easy to do so.
Father, forgive me, renew me, send me out
as a usable instrument
that I might take seriously
the meaning of your cross.
Joe Seremane, South Africa

Diary

Sun 12^th -19^th Feb  24/7 Prayer in the Music Room

Wed 22^nd Feb 8.00pm Re:Vision Meeting
                           A whole church meeting – to be informed and pray 
                           for the development of ministry in our church.

Sat 4^th Mar Day of Prayer and fasting – with a budget clinic
                          10.00am - Noon – Church Open

Sun 19^th Mar 10.30am Thanksgiving Service. Financial pledges.

Also Read

Magazine articles from January to March
March Link Letter “Our Vision is to be a growing church”
Book by Keith Tondeur (available from the foyer)
     “What Jesus said about money and possessions.”