- Joint Annual Report
For 2009
The principal term of reference for the Renewing Worship Team has a broad based objective; to oversee the renewal of worship across the Benefice.
The Group’s first action arising from the initial meeting on 19.8.09 was to recommend and instigate a new pattern of Sunday worship which has been adopted as a trial, across the Benefice, running from Advent 2009 to Advent 2010.
The Group will be focusing on how our worship will enable us to grow our leaders and congregation, encompassing the following:
It was agreed to focus on implementing the new Sunday worship pattern first and work on other points after this has been established.
The Group has looked at Seasonal Worship and will be bringing proposals to try in ’Ordinary’ time from the beginning of June.
In January the group will be looking at alternative worship (style, venue, weekdays etc); March, Eucharistic prayers; May, music
Chair: Jeremy Dussek, Secretary: Penny PeetAs part of our Vision Process, a Discipleship Group was formed to consider the ways in which the Benefice currently provides for the nurture and encouragement of church members, particularly as regards spiritual growth, and to make recommendations as to its possible future development.
Currently, of course, we have the ‘Start !’ course (an introduction to the Christian faith) and Confirmation classes for adults and young people and we felt that these should definitely continue.
In addition, we thought that, in the coming months, we might consider the re-commencement of house groups, the establishment of a Christian Book Club and also, a suitably adapted ‘Emmaus Course’.
As the first step, Lis Sparrow led a small trial house group during Advent 2009 and, as it appears to have been a success, we shall be looking to offer this course (or something similar) to church members during 2010.
Another recommendation which came out of the Discipleship Group meetings was that some form of Confirmation follow-up course might be appreciated by those who had been confirmed in that year, although any such course should be open to anyone who is interested. This would probably need to take place in the months between Start ! / Confirmation and any seasonal house groups.
The Discipleship Group also felt that we should actively support those aspects of community discipleship already taking place in the Benefice (such as Interfaith, Churches Together, Christian Aid, Oxfam, links with Malawi, Kinmos, etc.) and, at the same time, ensure that publicity was given to any new opportunities (long and short term) in which church members might wish to get involved.
Jonathan Hodgson.The Hospitality Team have met on five occasions since September 2009. Our overall aim is:
With welcoming arms and loving hearts we are a church that reveals the love of God in Service of Christ which offers hospitality to:
- support specific and sustainable ministry to older people, the bereaved and housebound
- host meals, social events and trips to welcome newcomers and for all to enjoy
- improve our facilities to enable this
During our initial meetings consideration was given to the production of a welcome leaflet for the benefice, the re-establishment of welcome teams, opening church buildings and churchyard, improving communication including notice boards, Coffee and Co and social events including meals. Of these our main focus has been the production of a benefice welcome leaflet. With approval from PCC, this has now reached the final stages prior to printing. The increased opening of church buildings at St Mary’s remains dependent on improved security and a landscape architect has made suggestions re the churchyard, both of these remain on the ’back burner’. Ideas for improving notice boards and communication including website are currently under discussion. Coffee and Co continues to occupy its Saturday morning slot providing a need within the community that is worthy of further consideration. The joint social committee oversee many events including ’bring and share’ meals and other opportunities for Christian fellowship.
Christ welcomed all to his presence. We can do no more than follow his example!
Peter Jupe