The way forward for the Diocese of St Albans

This year the Diocese of St Albans has launched Vision for Action. The aim of this project is for all who worship in this Diocese to capture and realise the full potential of our vision for the future.

Aims

Vision for Action has five overall aims to:

Work together in love and commitment to proclaim the Kingdom of God.
Encourage, support and develop the ministry of each person.
Encourage each parish to develop the use of church buildings as places of worship and mission.
Strengthen the commitment to stewardship amongst clergy and laity in order to further the mission of the church.
Encourage and develop the necessary skills within parishes and deaneries to bring the Gospel to children and young people through worship, schools and other contexts.

A collaborative mission

Vision for Action was launched by the Bishops and Archdeacons at a series of events throughout September and October which attracted over 11 people. Download the presentation by the Bishop of St Albans here.

Parishes are being offered resources and support from key Diocesan staff. See below for resources currently available. For parish Vision for Action news click here. The is a Link Group that consists of individuals who will help to communicate Vision for Action within each deanery...more

If you would like to tell us a story or ask for assistance but are not sure who to call download and complete this form and send it to Carol Chisnall

The Diocesan Evangelical Fellowship will be holding a day conference in February...more

Resources

Mission

Vision for Action policy document This is the main working document which is the product of the Diocesan Policy Sub Committee. It has been approved by the Bishop's Council and endorsed by Diocesan Synod.

First Steps booklet. This is a practical resource to equip churches with background information and suggested reading was sent to parishes in June 2005. Sections of it can be downloaded for each of the main aims or you can download the whole document here:

Foreward by the Bishop of St Albans.
Mission.

Help with prayer This is the text of the Presidential Address given by the Bishop of St Albans in June 2005 at Diocesan Synod. It is on the subject of prayer with particular reference to the Vision for Action prayer.

Mission Shaped Church A presentation by the Bishop of Bedford.

SeeRound articles

Bishop of Bedford in the April 2005 issue of SeeRound...more
Bishop of Hertford in the June 2005 issue of SeeRound...more

Flyers

The Bishops are Leading the Way in Mission. The Bishop of St Albans is spending time in parishes doing whatever the local church wants to help in mission (within reason!). The Bishop of Hertford is focusing on supporting the Diocesan Youth Service and the Bishop of Bedford is offering teaching or mission weekends (three booked already)... more
Sharing God's Vision for a Sustainable Environment...more

Recent publications of interest

Moving on in a mission-shaped church, published by Church House Publishing, priced £5 (per pack of 5), available from www.chbookshop.co.uk A pamphlet to help parishes and groups to consider which, if any, of the 12 categories of fresh expressions of church might suit them.
New workbook for rural churches. Seeds in Holy Ground is a new resource aims to help England’s 10,000 churches in the countryside meet the needs of the 78.8% of the rural population who classify themselves as Christian – as well as the remaining 21% who do not.The workbook explains how rural churches face distinct challenges in meeting the expectations of their communities, while attracting the human and financial resources needed for their ministry. Problems in the rural community, too, directly impact on the work of churches in the countryside: huge changes within the agriculture industry, soaring house prices turning some villages into dormitory settlements and poor public transport links all affect the ministry of local Christian communities. Split into colourful spreads packed with up-to-date photography, each section of the workbook is dedicated to a topic of importance to rural churches, such as engagement with the wider community, working with church buildings or running mid-week activites. Each section contains questions for group discussion and activities linked to worship, mission, the surrounding community and celebrating rural life. Seeds in Holy Ground, priced £3.99, is available to order from (01727 818158; resources@stalbans.anglican.org)
Blueprint for a growing Church. A new book by church growth specialist Bob Jackson shows how the Church can take The Road to Growth.Packed with the results of three years’ intensive research and consultancy with churches and dioceses, the book offers a blueprint for how the Church can grow nationally. It identifies key action points that can lead to a sustained boost in congregation numbers and a renewed church life for those already in the worshipping community. The Road to Growth is published by Church House Publishing, priced £ 12.99, and is available to order from the Resource Centre (01727 818158; resources@stalbans.anglican.org)

Ministry

First Steps - Ministry.
Growing Together in Christ
Working with small groups
Sermon. This is the text of a Sermon preached by The Revd Canon Dennis Stamps, Minstry Development Officer, on Advent Sunday 2005 in Sandy...more

Stewardship

First Steps in Stewardship
Christian Stewardship by Geoff Fletcher, Diocesan Stewardship Officer
Gift Aid
Legacies
Parish Share Calculation
Proportionate Giving - Theory and Practice
Stewardship Programme
Steps in Giving
Article from November 2005 SeeRound on Stewardship
Stewardship News 2006

Church Buildings

Each church is at a different stage of its physical evolution. If you are just starting out considering additional uses for your buildings you might find these two leaflets useful:

First Steps. - Church Buildings
Making the Most of Your Church Building

Dealing with external advisers may seem daunting but the Diocese is working with our main advisers to ensure they are up to speed with aims of Vision for Action. A brief report of a recent training event can be found here

The Diocesan Advisory Committee (DAC) is here to help you. It has published a number of useful leaflets:

Appointment of Professional Advisors
Managing Asbestos
Church Notice Boards
Church Textiles
The Construction and Extension of Church Buildings
Disabled Access
Application for Faculties
Fire Prevention
Planning a Garden of Remembrance
Major Repairs to Your Church Building
Oil Storage Guidelines
Storage of Petrol and Petrol Powered Tools
Using Projectors and Screens in Your Church
Your Quinquenial Inspection
Schedule A - No Faculty or Consultation Required
Schedule B - No Faculty Required if Prior Conditions are Met
Statements of Significance and Need
Sound Reinforcement Systems
Commissioning Stained Glass
VAT and Listed Buildings

Recent news about church buildings

In November 2005 the Government announced details of the Memorials Grant Scheme...more

Children and Young People

Vision for Action Prayer

Almighty God and heavenly Father,

open our eyes

to see you at work in our world:

grant us wisdom in using our gifts,

grace to enliven our churches,

and courage to transform our communities.

By your Holy Spirit,

equip us for the challenge ahead,

excite us to follow your vision

and empower us in witness and service.

To you be the glory

through Jesus our Saviour

and mighty Redeemer.