Building For Life
Our Vision for the Future is for a growing church which builds on our commitments:
Provides worship which meets the diverse needs of our congregation
At St Matthew’s we are committed to maintaining the tradition of the Book of Common Prayer with services of Holy Communion, both said and with hymns; and a sung Mattins. The intimate atmosphere and deep sense of prayer across the centuries makes this church distinctive and special to a significant number of people. The challenge is to actively grow the numbers attending to sustain a viable future. The development of the St Matthew’s planning group has a crucial role.
At St Paul’s we want to continue to develop our imaginative Eucharistic worship for all ages, both nurturing those who already come and attracting newcomers. Our children and youth work on a Sunday morning is central to this. Our recent experience is that the way we express our faith, both in worship and all that flows from it, is connecting with peoples’ everyday lives in a complex world. We are ambitious for growth both in inner spirituality and in numbers.
Provides opportunities for spiritual growth in our everyday lives
Faith development is key to our self understanding. Our aim is that everyone engages with the theme of a personal journey with God. There are a variety of opportunities on offer ranging from bible study and house groups to silent prayer and individual guidance. We seek to provide a menu approach to meet varying needs, personality types and preferences. Alpha is a valuable tool. Lent is a widely promoted key focus and opportunity.
Extends and expands its programme of care into the wider community
The key development in recent years has been the training of a team of Parish Visitors (PVs) to work alongside the clergy and Readers. This is proving very effective and will become increasingly important with many people living longer. More PVs are being trained and we envisage more courses in the future. We are looking for further opportunities to engage with individuals and groups with particular needs. The provision of improved community facilities at St Paul’s is key to the welcome and hospitality we can offer. St Matthew’s with its smaller building and numbers, and older congregation enables much friendship and care.
Imaginatively carries the Christian Good News to our local community
We believe that God is already at work in everyone’s life. By the actions, lifestyles of us, and all who call themselves Christian, we long to bring many people to acknowledge God as the source of all goodness, beauty and truth. We believe in Jesus Christ, the Son of God, as Lord and Saviour; and that his life, death and resurrection have overcome the power of sin and death. Jesus gives us the definitive pattern for human living. We realise that there is much opportunity, and need, for us to develop our vision in this area.
Has facilities which attract, welcome and retain
We are severely limited by our buildings both at St Matthew’s and St Paul’s. Much good work has been done in the last 10 years to maintain what we already have and prevent further deterioration. We have plenty of ideas and ambitious outline plans. We see this development in a holistic way and as integral to our wider Mission.
Has sufficient funds for our beneficial work
We are not embarrassed to talk about money. What individuals give away is one of the signs of their commitment to Christ. We encourage everyone to give at least 2.5% of their take home pay to the church in a planned way. We are developing a pro-active legacy policy. Fund raising events and grant applications are crucial for future developments.