The Rector's Letter

Dear Churches of the Winterborne Valley and Milton Abbas Benefice,

We have just had one of the most fantastic confirmation services. Thank you to all those who helped in so many ways. And a big thank you to God our Father for making it such a Spirit filled time! This was the first confirmation service in our benefice since 2001. I had not expected to be arranging one in my first year here. There will be more - if you feel this is a step you want or need to take, do speak to me.

Often, I think we wonder where our church is going and what is happening, because there is a failing in communication. So I am taking a moment to write to you, to let you know about what is going on behind the scenes. With 6 parishes, there can be quite long periods between when we meet and see each other which can mean that communication can be erratic.

At the Churchwardens' meeting in December we thought about how the first disciples put Jesus in a boat and pushed it out so that he could be seen by more of the crowds. I suggested that we, as Christians, should be doing that, both as individuals and as churches. Christmas would be an ideal time to focus on that. Winterborne Whitechurch's short notice Carol Service and Winterborne Stickland's Christmas morning praise service were part of that.

I also asked the gathering to review our mission statement and see if they could come back with a statement that responded to three points. The points were: 1. Something we could remember. 2. Something we were able to do and 3. Something that was achievable.

At the Churchwarden's meeting last week we had an item on the agenda: Reports from the parishes: Making Christ Visible. It was really exciting to hear all the reports on what has been going on and is continuing.

When we came to review the mission statement, it was  observed that we had it on the agenda in three words: Making Christ Visible! We have been doing this. It is thrilling to see groups of people working together and encouraging each other to make Christ visible. This is how our mission statement has become "Making Christ Visible." There is no doubt in my mind that this is what the first disciples did and what God is asking us to do. And we can do it! As we do, we should remember that whilst judgement is God prerogative, so is his love. It is his love that I ask you to show the world around you.

The second significant decision made, was to change the name of the Churchwarden's meeting. It was unanimously agreed that the meeting will now be known as the Benefice Leadership Meeting. This alteration in the name changes the dynamics of the meeting. It means that others can be members of it. For instance, it means that a PCC lay-chair, who might not be a churchwarden can now be involved. It means that the benefice treasurer can now have a voice beyond financial matters.

 

These are small but significant steps forward for our benefice. They will influence our thinking and decision making.

I hope and pray that as we move forward, we move united by the Spirit, engaged in the mission of God, opening up his Kingdom for many by making Christ visible to all.

Blessings

Alan