Last year has been one of transition, reflecting upon where we have come from and asking the question, In what direction is God leading us? The Strategy Group, formed out of the PCC, was asked to look at this question for the Church as a whole. So far their focus has been upon the make up of small groups and their effectiveness in helping us develop our relationship with God, one another and our community. This has led to frequent meetings of the Strategy Group who have summarised their suggestions to the PCC at appropriate intervals and later engaged the whole congregation in this process of listening to God and discerning the path to follow.
Leadership training and effective two way communication between the church leadership and small group leaders were considered to be vital building blocks for healthy growth of these groups. So far, a training process has been put in place for those people who are prepared to be future group leaders with Chris Carr agreeing to undertake the role of Co-ordinator, ensuring good communication between the Church leadership and small groups.
The Lent Course was chosen with our vision for the future in mind, calling people to search the deeper issues of how we see and handle the whole of life the vocation of being called to know God and live authentic lives in the light of that relationship. Our hope is that this time of reflection will help us to recognise that we are each created differently, with an individual call from God and to recognise that our vocation is the fulfilment of what we have been created for.
I have enjoyed acting as Facilitator for the small groups over the last decade and now look forward to playing a different role within this new initiative with Chris acting as Co-ordinator.
Clive Weir