In addition to developing and improving what we are doing already, the Church Council proposes that we undertake to achieve these extra plans within the next 3 years. They are developed under the four main headings which the joint PCC of All Saints and St. Nicholas thought best described what our church community and buildings are and/or should be.
1 |
Worship and mission |
| |
This is central to the Church’s life, but our diverse community needs a wider variety of services to enable more people to engage in our life and mission. |
a
b |
In addition to the annual Service of Remembrance on the Sunday after All Souls Day for the friends and families of those who have died in the previous year, we also plan to hold an annual celebration and dedication service at our Dedication Festival in early July and invite all those who have been baptised, confirmed or married here in the previous year.
The service (adapted for all-age participation) would begin at 10.30 or 11a.m. and be followed by a buffet meal.
We also agreed that we expand and develop the variety of liturgy and music, especially in the Wednesday evening mass, and the existing 4 all-age Services on Sundays (ie. Mothering Sunday, School leavers’ service, Pentecost and Harvest. |
|
Mission: It is vital that we use all the contacts and opportunities we have to encourage people into the Christian faith. Therefore we propose:-
We send cards and the current Programme to all who have been baptised, confirmed or married here on their anniversaries to remind them that they are welcome to join us at any time and that they are still in our prayers.
We learn from the success of the Saturday morning “Women’s Breakfasts” where special guests speak about their life and faith. Similar occasions over meals should be organised to cater for other groups and sections of our church community, and
members be encouraged to bring friends, family, neighbours or
colleagues to join us.
|
2 |
A source of spiritual nourishment and healing (for ourselves and others) |
| |
This is to -
- build up saints and support those seeking faith
- help us to deepen our faith and commitment
- provide a variety of worship styles and learning opportunities.
Therefore we propose - |
a |
The existing Fellowship Groups and Prayer for Healing Group should continue and be supported and more people encouraged to join them. |
b |
A regular programme of learning and discussion should be available on a weekday or Sundays so that people can explore the faith and Christian discipleship, ask questions and learn from each other. An “Adult Sunday School”? |
c |
Either on our own or with neighbouring parishes we provide the opportunity for people to attend the Stepney Area New Step Course for adult Christians.
|
3 |
A fellowship which welcomes and brings together the people in the community
and which -
- shows and shares love
- sustains and helps everyone in the community, especially those who are vulnerable and in need.
Therefore, we propose:-
|
a |
We actively encourage a greater involvement of our church community in the work of Neighbours in Poplar and other community groups, building on the the active commitment of some of our members who are volunteers in these groups already. |
b |
We offer to host, support and engage with the Deanery project (funded by the Home Office) to develop better relations between young people in our area of different faiths and cultures.
|
4 |
A refuge – a place of calm, peace and safety
Therefore, we propose - |
a |
Once a month on a Saturday we support those who keep the church open by offering hospitality, refreshments and activities for children. |
b |
We regularly have a “Bring and share lunch” on a Sunday after the Parish Mass when regulars and newcomers can be
helped to get to to know each other better. |
c |
Recruit and train “welcomers” who before, during and after services will befriend newcomers and introduce them to other
church members. |
| |
|
| |
PLEASE THINK AND PRAY ABOUT WHETHER YOU CAN HELP IN ANY WAY – AND MAKE YOUR VIEWS ABOUT OUR PROPOSED MISSION ACTION PLAN KNOWN TO THE MEMBERS OF THE CHURCH COUNCIL. |
