Announcement of New Service Structures

The following notes were used by JohnHurst (chair of Church Council) in a pulpit announcement at all morning services on 19 Sep 2010. They are recorded here for those unable to be at those services, but omit some of John's ex tempore interpretations of these notes.

Background

• Drift in numbers, especially at 9am
• 15 months discussion by Church Council
• suggestions to merge 9 and 11 services into one 10am

• much work by FaithCommunity to develop new plans

Recognize two issues:

1. Different styles
2. Ownership of times

Little disagreement on 1, much angst on 2.

Council has decided (with help from the Faith Community) on 1:

• meditative service
• traditional service
• children and families service
• youth service
• contemporary, experimental service

For the last, we have settled upon "Fresh Expressions"

• information sessions have been held
• Alanee currently visiting churches in the UK to see FE at first hand
• Council is excited about the possibilities
• no time here to tell you about it
• targets the "unchurched" with church needs

Timetable has been set

• 21 Nov is last 9am service in the current format
• Dec/Jan is single morning service (10 or 11)
• 2 Feb is first new 9:30 Fresh Expressions service
• 8, 11, 4:30, 7 will remain

Re ownership, we need to approach the issue with sensitivity, openness, compassion

• openness to new ideas
• sensitivity to the needs of others
• compassion for the deep feelings of loss of ownership
• discharge these through discussion, congregational meeting 22 Nov

John Hurst
Chair, Church Council

CategoryCouncil