Vision 2026

Post date: Jul 23, 2017 6:46:01 AM

From the Vicarage

Vision 2026

2026 marks the 100^th anniversary of the creation of the Diocese of Blackburn and to celebrate that after a great deal of prayer, reflection and consultation the Diocese has developed a shared vision entitled ‘Healthy Churches Transforming Communities’. In order to achieve this goal the Diocese desires to make the Good News about Jesus Christ more widely known and encourages every church to work together to fulfil that vision. In particular we are to Make Disciples of Jesus Christ, Be Witnesses to Jesus Christ and Grow Leaders for Jesus Christ. As part of this strategy we are encouraged to “create the varied patterns of Sunday and weekday worship necessary to welcome all kinds of people, especially the newcomer”.

St. Mary’s PCC has chosen to respond positively to this, and has taken note of the results of the Church Questionnaire which was commissioned and produced before the arrival of our Vicar. Of Parish Residents 46% want ‘shorter, informal services with better music appropriate for all ages with no Holy Communion every week “ while amongst Church Members, 33% want shorter informal services with Holy Communion less often and music varied, as often old fashioned”. However, 57% of Church Members “don’t want the service changing.”

In order to accommodate these very different points of view the PCC has agreed to a slightly revised pattern of 9:30am services, beginning in September.

1st and 4th Sunday Choral Communion with choir

2^nd Holy Communion (without specific choir items) – therefore a shorter service

3^rd Morning Praise – Family and All Age Worship (without communion)

1^st Sunday in the month at 4pm, an informal service of praise and worship with an emphasis on contemporary worship hymns and songs.

Following the unexpected resignation of the choir master the church will shortly be advertising for a replacement and any news will be shared as soon as it becomes available. This pattern has the support of the Archdeacon and our prayer is that it will help us to “welcome all kinds of people, especially the newcomer” to St. Mary’s.

And so “ since we have a great High Priest who rules over God’s house let us go right into the presence of God with sincere hearts fully trusting him.. Let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm, for God can be trusted to keep his promise. Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. And let us not neglect our meeting together…but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near” (Hebrews 10:19-25)

The Vicar