OUR
VISION IS:
evangelistic
pastoral
ecumenical
social
Expressed in the
following draft statement....
EVANGELISTIC ~
We set out to meet people where they are and as they are,
to bring them good news that is of real and lasting
value. Our worship and outreach programme is planned to
address what we believe to be the needs of those outside
our group as well as those already in membership.
Therefore:
- Our public worship is
a proclamation of the love of God: we aim to
be welcoming to all people and sensitive to every
need.
- We want to respond
with special sympathy towards those who are
physically, mentally, or spiritually challenged.
We aim to provide access for all, through the
deliberate employment of multiple channels and
diverse formats appropriate to engagement with as
many individuals as possible.
- We offer teaching and
training to help our members grow in stature
within the life of the Church. In particular, we
promote knowledge of the Bible, discovery of spiritual resources, familiarity
with religious traditions and maturity in human
reasoning as we explore what it is to be
people of Faith.
PASTORAL ~
We seek to provide support and encouragement for
individuals, for families, and for organisations - especially those facing
challenge and change. We are always ready to meet with
people at individual moments of crisis and we welcome the
opportunity to share in public recognition of major
personal events: birth, marriage and death being amongst
the most significant of these.
Therefore:
- We offer
companionship and concern for all who live and
work in this place, and on request we will visit
individuals, families, group homes, schools, and
places of work and recreation. We want to make
time for each person and every institution, since
we believe that all human life is of eternal
significance.
- We give a high
priority to Christenings, Weddings and Funerals
for all who live in our parish, and aim to offer
a service that is seen to be
(i) appropriate for each
individual circumstance,
(ii) of real benefit to those most
closely involved and their guests, and
(iii) in accordance with any
relevant guidelines issued by our Church authorities.
- We aim to be
sympathetic and fair-minded towards unusual
situations and special requests. Where we feel
restrained by national or local policy decisions,
we will attempt to give a clear and courteous
explanation, and, if possible, indicate channels
of appeal or alternative sources of opinion. The current table of Church of England fees is publicly
displayed in our church foyer and further
details of charges for local extras are readily
available in itemised form upon request.
ECUMENICAL ~
We are committed to work together with other Christians
and with all people of goodwill, both locally and
internationally. We want to engage in active pursuit of
justice and peace for the whole of creation.
Therefore:
- We have a special concern for those on the margins of society, all
who are battered and bruised, and those who lack
fulfilment in their daily life. We particularly
abhor any attempt to discriminate unjustly on the
grounds of age, race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, politics,
and other such forms of unfair treatment.
- We pledge ourselves
to work with all who seek a fairer distribution
of the earth's resources among her peoples. We will promote the
use of fairly-traded goods.
- We aim to deal
frankly and fairly with any complaints about our
own performance. Each parish is under the
authority of a Diocesan Bishop; any grievance may
be referred to him for investigation and
subsequent directions, although an informal
approach is always preferable in the first
instance, through the Rural Dean, the Archdeacon,
or the Area Bishop.
Best of all is where you feel able to share any
disappointment with us directly, so that we can work on resolving it together.
SOCIAL ~
We believe that the common things of life may be expected
to disclose spiritual realities; that human beings are
social creatures who reach their full potential only when
working in cooperation; and that the well-being of the
local community is vitally dependent upon the
functionality of individuals, families, and associations.
Therefore:
- We emphasise teamwork
in our approach, since our aim is to develop
resources that are relevant and resilient, thanks
to a broad base of local ownership. We are glad
to work with others who place a high value on the
social dimension of human life, especially the
voluntary and statutory bodies who are addressing
such concerns in our locality.
- We endeavour to teach
and uphold high standards in personal and family
life, whilst showing sympathy for those who have
met with misfortune and adversity. We want to see
a safe, secure community that is free from envy,
hatred, and spite, in which each person may reach
their full potential in harmony with others.
-
We are committed to best practice in all matters of compliance with diocesan and government standards, especially those concerned with safety, protection and fair dealing with others.
Local policies will be devised and displayed where appropriate, e.g. in relation to the safeguarding of vulnerable adults, child protection, health and safety (including fire protection and evacuation procedures), performing rights, copyright and other intellectual property rights, data protection, insurance, investments and risk assessments.
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