Thought For The Week 8 September 2024

As you know, Parish Council have been engaging in a thorough process of      discernment and consultation about the future sustainability of our parish life. One of the messages that emerged from our congregational hui was that it is time for a proposal to be put forward.

Over the last month the Parish Council and Admin have been preparing a proposal for your consideration. You will find an infographic outlining this proposal as an insert to your     service sheet, on the website, and in the upcoming Link. There is more detail available in the white paper that is available in the foyer and through the office.

We believe that it is time for the parish to come together and worship on one site, at St.     Stephens.

We believe that it is vital to continue our mission and outreach activities at both Trinity and St. Stephens.

We believe that our church properties are a legacy of the generosity of God’s people, and we want to make the best use of that legacy in the future.

There is no “silver bullet” financially here. Our deficit will not disappear overnight. However, by re-focusing our energy from maintaining our two existing worship services we believe that we will position ourselves well to make concrete progress towards a balanced budget over the next two years.

There are key dates coming up:

29 September – congregational hui after combined worship at Trinity to discuss the       proposal

25 October – deadline for written feedback on the plan for Parish Council’s consideration

24 November – congregational meeting to approve the long term vision.

Please join me in praying this prayer regularly:

“Lord, show us your vision. Give us hope for the future, wisdom for discernment, and    courage for the way ahead. Guide us Holy Spirit, guide us.”