POWERING UP FOR MISSION

With the busy-ness of Christmas I have been neglecting this blog a little and have failed to post the really big news which is, of course, our Mission Action Plan.  The MAP was launched by Archbishop Roger Herft at our Parish Thanksgiving Dinner on November 26.  The full text is available at the parish office and below is the summary.  See Dinner Pics on the right.

MISSION ACTION PLAN

 As the community of faith that is this parish, we are alert to Christ’s commission to us:

“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.”

We recognise the challenges He has given us and, embracing them, have developed and adopted a Mission Action Plan as our guide to the path we should follow in His name in the next five years.

 We are excited, enthusiastic and a bit scared of what we are planning to do!

Here is our vision.

In five years we will have a thriving community that is growing spiritually, transforming lives and seeking new ways to share God’s love with the world.

 Specifically, we shall

·       Come closer to God by prayer, worship and study

·       be risk takers

·       further develop our children’s ministry

·       develop fresh expressions of church

·       encourage and train new leaders

·       build our loving service to the wider community

·       explore every opportunity for a collaborative sharing of our joint resources and ministry with the Swan Valley Anglican School and the Ellenbrook ministering community

·       strengthen our relationships with our partners in mission (e.g Anglicare, Prison Fellowship, Kairos)

·       complete the building program at the All Saints’ centre

·       find solutions to the building structure problems at St Mary’s

·       be financially strong

and, in all things, make time for God.

The planning process has enabled us to better understand where we are at now and the wonderful things which are already happening in our parish. It has also enabled us to make prayerful decisions about where we should be heading.

Our principal resource is, of course, our people. In all our planning we recognise the priority of growing in faith through spiritual development, prayer and enough time to “recharge our batteries”.

The detailed Mission Action Plan is available in the parish office for all parishioners to read. As we implement the projects in it, Church Council will regularly monitor our progress and report to us.

As a servant Church and as disciples of Christ we offer ourselves and our plans to God for His purposes in thanks for His presence and love for us.

This daily prayer is a reminder of what we can achieve with God’s help.

Holy God,

Grant us a vision

To see what we can achieve

To reach out beyond ourselves

To share our lives with others

To stretch our capabilities

To increase our sense of purpose

To be aware of where we can help

To be sensitive to your Presence

To give heed to your constant call,

Through Jesus Christ our Lord

Amen.