Digbeth-in-the-Field United Reformed Church

VISION 2009 to 2012

Mission statement: “To share the Good News of Jesus Christ and his love for all people in love and action”

This is our completed Vision Statement for the next three years, as agreed at the November 2009 church meeting. Our commitment is to tackle at least one proposal at each elder’s meeting and at each church meeting.

This is what the letters after the ideas mean:

(D) = Do (we have agreed we will definitely put these proposals into action)

(E) = Explore (we have agreed we will explore these ideas further and then decide what to do)

Also: the ideas in CAPITALS these are ideas we are already working on (or have already put tinto action. 

£ = has or may cost money

Review: we will review what we have achieved each year at the AGM

1. WORSHIP We want to make sure that the worship we offer to God is of the highest quality and is accessible to everyone

Theme Sundays like Easter Egg Hunt to encourage more youngsters to come to Sunday Club (D)                £

Midweek service (e.g. Reflective/Prayer) (E) We have started “PUSH” Pray until something happens – a monthly prayer group

Deeper offertory plates (as ours are too shallow) (D)                £

Permanent screen/projector for ease of use in church (E) £

2. OUTREACH & MISSION We want to make sure that our church is welcoming to everyone and offers the opportunity for people to become part of the church as well as supporting other organisations who are sharing the Good News

More links with hirers of buildings MAGAZINES TO ONE GROUP/MONTH (D)

LAST THURSDAY COFFEE MORNINGS (April to September)

Resurrect website (D)                   £

An environmental project involving immediate neighbours and community (E)     £

Try and get more adult helpers for children’s work (E)

GAP YEAR VOLUNTEER                   £

Visit local schools to invite children (D)

Lunch Club – Breakfast Club (E)                £

Permanent Church Café (E)            £

Activities to encourage 30-55 year olds (as we have so few) e.g. Craft (E)

Better advertising e.g. leaflet in free newspaper/ use local newsagents; local radio (D)£

Leaflets at back of church for summer (D)

Response Cards for visitors (to put their contact details on) (D)

Notice Board outside to be made more attractive and inspiring for passers by/community (D)            £

Develop an interest in overseas mission/support a missionary or project abroad (E)      £

3. SPIRITUAL GROWTH & EDUCATION We want to help both children and adults to learn more about the Christian faith

Away days and retreats       (E)      £       

Church Holiday to Windermere Centre (E)  £

BIBLE REFLECTIONS (How to prepare short talks)

More training about evangelism (D) (This will come under Vision4life year 3)

Visit “successful” churches like Renewal to see how they do things (E)

Commence monthly or bi-monthly meetings: prayer meeting, bible study or house/cell groups (E)

4. OTHER

Bi-monthly social outings (e.g. cinema; meal out; Shakespeare in the Park, Firework display) Rotate organiser (E)

Social Evenings arranged by youth organisations every 3 or 4 months to encourage more interaction between young people and rest of congregation (E)

Invite youth organisations from other local churches to a social evening or event (E)