Vision Day Update
Last Saturday (16th May) around fifty representatives from our churches gathered in Sedbergh to discuss the plan for the next five to ten years in the Western Dales. Thank you to everyone who came and contributed to the discussion. By the end of the day, we agreed on the following plan of action:
As we gathered for our Vision Day, we felt that it is not an option to return to more separate forms of worship. There was an even balance between those who felt we were called to
keep structures as they currently are and continue to work ecumenically together, or
explore closer working together
through greater amount of joint worship and different worship styles, and
through the possibility of becoming one joint council
We propose to establish a working group to:
Consider how to respond to the issue of the ‘20s to 50s’ ‘doughnut’ gap in our church congregations
Begin a conversation with Cumbria Circuit about having a part- or full-time Methodist minister
Explore the possibility of more joint worship, with a variety and breadth of worship styles
Report back to the Mission Community on what steps would need to be taken in order to establish a Local Ecumenical Partnership with one Joint Church Council in the future, and consult with Diocese and Circuit on the future implications of this
Explore how to strengthen and unify our pastoral care