The way forward for the Diocese of St Albans
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 in 2005. Download the presentation by the Bishop of St Albans here.
A major celebration of Vision for Action took place at St Albans Cathedral in February 2007. For more information go here.
Parishes are 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
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:
- 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.
Ministry
- First Steps - Ministry.
- Growing Together in Christ
- Working with small groups
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
Children and Young People
- First Steps - Young people and children
- Diocesan Youth Office Website
- The Work of the Diocesan Youth Service
- ReachOut Projects - Boats Website
- Canal Boats Brochure
- Canal Boats Poster
- Canal Boat Holiday - Narrow Escape
- ReachOut Projects - Enable Holidays Website
- How You Can Help Enable Holidays
- ReachOut Projects - Chellington Centre Website
- Chellington Poster
- Chellington Weekends
- Useful Websites For and About Young People
- Web site of Vanessa Cato, Adviser in Children's Work
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.
