Our Vision and Priorities for the Future of the Parish

Our aim is to lead people to a closer relationship with Jesus through the renewing power of the Holy Spirit. The congregations have responded warmly to the change of emphasis over the last three years. The introduction of the Alpha Course is one means of achieving this aim. Fifteen courses have now been completed.  Sunday worship is the time when we come together to meet with Jesus through worship, hearing God's Word, and receiving Holy Communion. A mixture of traditional hymns and contemporary songs seek to bring us closer into the presence of God. The congregation needs to be open to the healing, life-changing power of the Holy Spirit and prayer ministry is available each Sunday at St James during the 10.00 am morning service.

For many years the churches here have been priest-led with little recognition of all-member ministry. The clergy seek to share their ministry with the whole congregation. The need therefore to identify and use spiritual gifts is vital.

The churches serve a vast population who know little or nothing of Jesus. Our prime task is one of mission. The churches need to present themselves to people as communities within which the love and power of God are seen to be present.