A Vision for the Future for St. Faith's Church, Havant

This is a question many people have: why do we need a vision? It may sound overly grand or rather forced, pretentious or even just unnecessary, but what happens if there is no vision? Without vision there is no focus, no common agenda that the people of the church can unite behind in their efforts to serve Christ. A vision not only unites but also gives a framework within which all decisions concerning church activity can be made. Without such clarity any good idea or project that is thought of may be pursued, but with a vision only the suitable projects will be embarked upon.

If we look back at examples from the Bible all the great kings, prophets, disciples, apostles and, of course, Jesus himself had a clear vision of where they were going. One such example is the vision of Solomon, David’s son and heir, who brought into being the temple that David had dreamt of. The temple was the great symbol of God’s presence with his people and the focus for worship and praise in Israel. Boldness of vision, then, is important, and so is a sense of timing but, above all, a genuine belief that God is willing His plan into action is vital.

Another crucial component of vision is that it invites commitment behind it, enabling the people of God to take part in the development of the church’s mission. We are all called to serve God and so, conversely, we all have a voice that needs to be heard if the God given direction for the church is to be pursued. An essential part of this vision, then, is the valuing of all God’s children and the gifts he has given us. Following a vision, then, enables the church develop its own plan, in accordance with the gifts of those in it, to bring about that vision!

In other words – the whole idea of vision only works if you are involved! If the Vision Statement and the process of bringing about a plan is influenced by you and helped through your ideas and gifts then God will bless our efforts.

In summary, then, a vision provides:

Focus for all future church activity
Direction for us as the people of God
A framework for making decisions
Commitment from the church to bring about the vision
A plan of action using the gifts of those in the church

How do we go about establishing a vision?

In the first place I shall expound a vision in this paper and invite you to think about it, pray about it and then to comment on it at the Vision meeting on Saturday 22^nd February in Church Hall (10am –12 noon). At that meeting we will be able to discuss the vision and then adopt a final version of the Vision Statement. Also, at the same meeting, we can discuss the process by which we hope to make a plan of action. This is an important part of the morning because if we set up the right ways to plan our activities we will also be establishing good practises with which to exercise that plan.

But above all else there is one vital element of our planning, thinking, preparation and activity without which there is no vision: prayer. All our work has to be grounded in prayer and out of prayer comes the vision. It is important that our personal prayer take on an exploration about our opinions about the church, and about the place of God in our lives: what do we really believe and think? How do we understand God’s activity in the world to be driving the mission of the church throughout the world and here in Havant? What, then, is the part that St Faith’s, along with St Nicholas, Langstone and Christ Church, Denvilles, can play in our area? At all stages of our thinking we need to bring back our ideas and conclusion before God – have we given the best of ourselves? Are we truly committed to what has been said? How do I ensure that God is the motivation behind what I say and do, rather than my own ego? These are the questions we ask ourselves in searching prayer.

Making vision will not be easy or simple. There are many people with strong ideas and we can’t all be right (not all the time), so there will be times when we are disappointed and even disillusioned. We have to ask God for a certain humility to deal with these times and maybe strength to convince the rest they are wrong! We also need to know that God is willing us to play our part, even if our part is a provocative or developmental one, rather than the one that is printed on the final Statement. A process such as this is born from a creative tension – think of the pain involved to women in childbirth and you’re getting close to the potential for problems here! Yet our trust in God will ensure the birth of the God-given vision – so let’s pray for that outcome!

So what is this Vision?

Everything I have said so far is a way of defining the vision – it’s about us as a group of people united in our common faith in the God who brings life from death. In Jesus Christ we celebrate God’s unique gift to humanity – resurrection: the chance to start again, to know that we are forgiven and that God forgets our past sins (even if we can’t). Most of the time it means that we dare to even think of starting again after an embarrassing and hurtful failure and that in starting over again we may be more the person God has made us.

If our faith is the first thing we honour, the community within which we share, learn and worship is the second. Our church services can often be uplifting experiences but it is the communion we share with one another that is most valuable to us. Through our participation in the various groups of the church (and when you see the list you may be surprised how many there are) we are not merely performing a vital function for the church, we are also engaging with one another and giving ourselves the space to live (albeit somewhat imperfectly) as the children of God.

The hope offered through this faith is special and worth celebrating and proclaiming from the treetops! But, at the same time, we don’t want to appear boastful and arrogant (after all we know that it takes time for us to live this sense of resurrection). We want to be able to offer to those outside the church the Christ-given hope that encourages us as well as the community life we share. The great question is how do we do this? This is the question that is at the heart of mission. The answer, I suggest, is crucial to our sense of vision. I believe that mission comes out of who we are and how we celebrate our lives of faith. By rejoicing in who we are we are an attractive proposition for others, as long as we avoid appearing smug and self-satisfied. This then is tied into what it is we are celebrating. And what we are celebrating is the fact that we are loved, valued and encouraged as unique and special children of God.

It’s a central part of this understanding that each and every one of us is of such value to God that we are all called to live together in the Kingdom of God. Therefore one of our most important functions is to welcome people into the church – not just at first when they are quiet and undemanding, but even after they gain confidence and start suggesting we change some of our cherished traditions! The converse of this is also true – that if we hide our light under a bushel, as the Bible phrase has it, we are depriving others of our gifts, and more importantly, not letting the church benefit from our God-given talents. For the church to be whole it needs to encourage everyone to exercise his/her gifts in god’s service. Therefore a huge ministry of encouragement needs to be carried out to enable everyone to emerge from his/her shyness (or fear of failure/embarrassment etc).

Of course in the life of Jesus we see a ministry that targets the abuse of power, as illustrated in some of the Chief priests and Pharisees. Rather than becoming a part of the establishment, Jesus spent his ministry wandering through the towns and countryside of Judea taking his ‘good news’ of God’s transforming love to all he met. So, then our reason to be here is to broadcast that same message to those in our neighbourhood. It is not sufficient to simply wait until people walk into the church building (even if many do), but to take our celebration to the larger community in ways that encourage and benefit appropriately that community.

So my vision would be very simple:

God’s love forgives us everything and gives us the chance to start again
We are unique in the sight of God, who loves us and values us
God has called us all, in our different gifts, to service in his church
Unless we exercise our gifts in God’s service the church cannot be whole
Our chief ministry is one of encouraging others in their gifts
We take our celebration out to the wider community

And so an example of a vision statement arising from this would be:

Through our faith in God’s love for all we are committed to celebrating the unique gifts of everybody in our community in service of God and his people.

Contributions Made at Vision Meeting on 22 February 2003

Following Fr. David's invitation to discuss what it means to be Christ's church in this community of Havant, these contributions were put forward by the 48 people present, representing all parts of the St. Faith's congregation. Church is about:

Values of Godliness, goodness, friendship, love, warmth, peace and enjoyment* Making contact* Reaching out to youth* Communication* Education* Getting alongside people in their needs and strengths*

Appeal to people of all ages Links and paths Hearing and responding Broad understanding

Value people Telling people Share gifts Praying for others Sanctuary

* In the conversation that followed the making of this list these points were thought to be the most significant

Robin Hine offered this observation as a potential statement:

"A place of worship and sanctuary, fellowship at ease with itself, affirming the value and contribution of people of all ages, reaching out with clear teaching and compassionate care for the community around us."

The following six workshops (and co-ordinator) were established to discuss the way forward in each of the areas defined:

WORSHIP (Colin Warlow/David Gibbons)

Intercessions Altar Services Sidesmen/women Readers Service Books

Range and Times of Services Ceremonial and Ritual Heating/Lighting/Sound System

Seating Arrangements Bulletin

PEOPLE & MONEY (Alan Hakim)

Accounting (Financial Accounts Management Accounts Budgets Payroll Gift Aid)

Administration (Correspondence Documentation Archives Secretarial Services)

Personnel (Recruitment Contracts of Employment Job Descriptions Staff Training and Development Health and Safety Child Protection)

Technical Support and Equipment (IT Support Communications Reprographics)

Fund Raising (Stewardship Special Projects The Charity Shop)

MISSION (Rosemary Thomas)

Young People (Schools Colleges Youth Groups)

Professional/Trade (Business Community Politicians Hospital and Health Authority)

Fellow Christians (Deanery Diocese Churches Together Those Baptised Those Married Those Confirmed Missionary Groups)

The Elderly The Magazine Notice Boards The Press and TV

MINISTRY (Paul Utting)

Music (The Choir Organ Band/Orchestra)

Housekeeping (Cleaning Laundry Flowers Refreshments)

Donations (Home Charities Foreign Charities Emergency Apeals)

Visits (The sick The detained)

Support (The Bereaved Young families The divorced The elderly The infirmed The addicted)

Social Events

CHURCH & BUILDINGS (Liza Roonan)

Property (Investment property Staff property The Church Church House Hall Leasing Maintenance Repairs Improvements Faculties)

Fixtures and Fittings (Inventory Logistics/Transport Furnishing and Floor Coverings)

Plant and Equipment (Tools Ladders Storage)

Services (Heat Light Water Insurances)

EDUCATION (Michael Laird)

Child Education (Sunday Club Junior Church Youth Group)

Adult Education (Women's Group Discussion Group)

Library and Training Aids (Books Tapes Videos OHP/Slides Screens Projector TV/Video Recorder)

Spiritual Progress (Baptism Confirmation Ordination/Vocations Marriage Communion before Confirmation)

Some Questions Answered

Just what is the purpose of the workshops? Workshops are set up to produce things.

What are we supposed to produce? A range of proposals that you believe will help us grow into the sort of parish described by the Vision Statement.

How will we begin? You will first need to look at the several processes and arrangements listed on your Opportunities List. You may wish to add to your list but remember, there are six workshops on the go, and you have agreed to look at this particular area of activity. Remember, you may contribute to more than one workshop!

How do we arrive at a proposal? Always remember, a proposal is a suggested way of improving the way we operate in God's name.

How do we start? For each process in your list, you must begin by asking questions.

● Why is this done, or in some cases, why is this not done?

● How is it done?

● Where and when, and who is, or could be, involved?

● Could it be done a better way? Remember, we hope to work smarter, not harder!

● Could we benefit from improved technology or a little professional expertise?

Who is supposed to give us the information? Always ask those people already involved in the process today; their experience is priceless, and they will probably have very good ideas of their own. Nevertheless try to keep an open mind on what could or should be possible.

What if we come up with something that's really new? Great! Don't be put off because money or expertise is not available today. If it's a good idea, it's a good idea! Remember, we are looking to the future.

What is going to happen to the proposals we make? Along with those produced by the other workshops, they will be brought to a Seminar to be held in the Church Hall at 10.00am on Saturday 5th July 2003. There they will be discussed and assessed by the Rector, the Church Wardens and representatives from all the workshops. All proposals will be tested against the spirit of the Vision Statement, and if successful, will be prioritised as Short Term or Long Term. You will understand why it is essential to estimate and record any benefit you expect to result from your proposal, should it be adopted, along with a rough estimate of any costs.

When will the parish get to hear of the proposals? A full list of all successful proposals, both long term and short term, will be presented to the whole parish at a second 'Vision Meeting' to be held no later than October this year.

This seems to be an awfully big job; what help is available, and how do I get it? Each of the six groups has it's own voluntary supporter, and further help could possibly be arranged by application to the Rector or the Church Wardens.

I want to help, but my home is not the best place to hold meetings, or discuss things; is there anywhere else we could meet? Again, contact the Rector or Church Wardens and arrangements can be made to make a room available at Church House.

Could you summarise just how we go about developing a proposal?

Select from the Opportunities List a process to be reviewed, and decide on it's purpose.

Seek out and write down what happens today; not what should happen, not what used to happen but what happens today, if anything.

Examine this information and ask Why? When? Who? How? and Where?

Try to find a way to improve the way we deal with the process, or a way of introducing a new process, if you feel it necessary. Don't be afraid to ask Why Not?

Try to show the cost involved in introducing and operating the proposal, along with the benefits to be expected. Benefits may not always be measurable in pounds sterling.

What happens if we get bogged down or need help? Let the Rector or Church Wardens know - help will always be available.

Meeting on 5 July 2003

The six workshops presented their findings and members were tasked to produce proposals for the Short Term, the Long Term, Timescales, Resources Required and Cost. These would be discussed and an overall plan produced.

Co-ordinating Group

A co-ordinating group is put into place consisting of the Rector, Churchwardens and a representative from each workshop. Each group presents to the co-ordinating group a full specification of proposals each identifying timescales, priorities, resources required and costs involved. The co-ordinating group meets to pull together these proposals into a Short term and Long term plan. The process of producing these plans is iterative and the groups may be asked for more detail or to alter proposals.

Vision Workshops

At the meeting on 5 July 2003, the six workshops presented their findings and were tasked to produce proposals for the short term, long term, timescales, resources required and cost. Here are the proposals of the People & Money and Ministry workshops.

People & Money Working Group

A. Short-term

1. To supply envelopes in the pews to allow casual contributions to the collections to be given under Gift Aid.

Resources needed. Minimal. To obtain supplies, and put in pews for services.

Timescale. Immediately.

Cost. 'Envelope Systems' can supply standard patterns of envelopes with the Gift Aid declaration at 1000 for £26.88 (reducing for larger quantities). Our church name can be printed, but the cost is much higher 1000 for £50.49.

2. Better hardware is needed for the parish office.

Resources needed. A better computer and copier.

Timescale. ASAP. (PCC has approved purchase of computer and printer)

Cost. Approx. £1000

3. A Parish Handbook would provide a central point of reference for all activities being done on behalf of the PCC. Quite often someone is trying to start work on something that is already being done by someone else. The Handbook would not only enable parishioners to find out whom to approach for a particular activity, but also prevent that duplication of effort. It should be loose-leaf, so that it can be easily kept up to date.

Resources needed. A compiler to collate the information, ring binders and printing.

Timescale. ASAP.

Cost. Perhaps £200-£300? A4 ring binders are very cheap, less than £1 singly, and we should be able to get a quantity discount.

B. Long-term

4. Management accounts are needed for budgeting. At present, the Treasurer keeps accounts of income and expenditure as it arises, but it is used to record historic data only. We need to be able to plan several years ahead.

Resources needed. A skilled person to run the software and a Financial Planning subcommittee of the PCC. In practice, both of these already exist, as long as they agree to take on the extra work.

Time scale. To be in use by 2004.

Cost. Budgeting software. We have already obtained a software package, Cashcall, and it is in use by Colin Carter in his conversion of the existing accounting system. It contains the historical data. It also handles limited forward planning; but the standard Microsoft Excel program could be a better solution. This can be done at negligible expense - other than time.

5. Storage for Parish Archives. At present, these are kept in small parcels all over the Parish. There is a high risk that some of them could get lost. They need to be brought together in a secure place.

Resources needed. Some cupboards, or better, filing cabinets.

Timescale. 1-2 years.

Cost: Probably quite low. We need to identify some existing space.

Ministry Working Group

Music

Short - Use combined children’s/ adult choir at Festivals

Short - Arrange weekday lunchtime concerts in St Faith’s Church

Long - Set up music club for young people to learn/participate in music.

Housekeeping

Short - Set up contact list for emergency repairs in Church – lighting, heating, organ, and building damage.

Short - Expand weekly cleaning team, organise regular church/ churchyard cleanups.

Short - Replace illegal ladders and stepladders (HASAW exposure).

Long - Procure professional cleaning services for high areas.

Long - Investigate co-operation with local churches.

Long - Consider purchase of a cleaning tower for letting to other churches.

Social Events

Short - Expand team.

Short - Improve communication with congregation of church’s needs – e.g., Kitchen cupboards.

Short - Display pew sheet on external notice board.

Long - Enhance/ expand church facilities for social events – toilets, kitchen, and meeting rooms.

Support

Short - Listening skills training for volunteers.

Short - Group for visiting the sick, newly baptised and newly married.

Short - Stewards in church outside services to assist security, support, or information about St Faith’s. Initially encourage the congregation to pop into church whenever they are in Havant

Long - Expand stewards with a rota of volunteers to cover high risk/ busy times.

Donations

Short - Develop external links with other churches in UK and abroad.

Short - Enable targeted giving, congregation to vote on concentration on specific giving projects.

Short - Review and improve collection/ offering containers in services – larger bags or a separate container.

The Parish Church of ST. FAITH in HAVANT