November 2018
Saint Wilfrid’s News
Last month we mentioned the upcoming congregational meeting to share the thinking of the DCC as we consider the future of Saint Wilfrid’s. It was a good meeting with some discussion around the various ideas.
We thought we would share the thinking with you – and if you have any thoughts or suggestions then please do contact Father Bob.
The DCC have identified that there are in fact 3 separate issues and discussions we need to be addressing. They are:
• Ensure the long-term feasibility and sustainability of SWISHERS as a provision.
• The building and its challenges – the time for constant patching and making do and mend is now passed – we need to have a clear development plan possibly in partnership with other groups or agencies or a developer.
• The development of the worshipping community and its engagement with the local community – as a place of hospitality, outreach and a ‘sacred space’ – for the time being within the current building, but aware that this may not be permanent, and we may need to re-locate.
It was agreed that we also need to build the confidence and self-esteem of the congregation and a pride in what we do.
To help to do this, the PCC will set up two working groups for the first two bullet points with an aim to having a clear way forward established by July next year. In addition, to help with the 3rd area we are doing the following:
The main gates will be left constantly open – to give a clear message that the Church is ‘open and alive’. Posters are now placed on fences to clearly identify this is a church.
A large A0 poster, colourful and well produced – will be placed on the main door– welcoming people in and giving details of the Sunday Service.
Thought will be given to how the entrance porch can be better used and look less ‘tired’
The chairs/altar in the Church will not be moved, so creating a sense of ‘sacred space’
The Church will be ‘decluttered’ and some new boards and displays produced
The chapel is being developed as a prayer space– with clear opportunities to light candles and use prayer resources, to be available to anyone when the building is open.
The Parish will ‘host a prayer breakfast’ in Advent (Saturday Dec 8th)
The Parish will run an Epiphany Messy Church as a one-off event. (Saturday January 12th)
Work with Parish on possible Eco Church registering.
Build on success of Bingo club
If you would like to be involved, or to help in any way, please let Father Bob know.