Cardington, St Mary version: 5

Things seen about our local community

• The population is living longer with associated health needs.
• New housing developments.
• Increasing numbers of families with diminishing income.

Three things we have seen about our church

• New housing developments generating new families in the congregation.
• Significant deterioration in the health and income of a number of our core congregation.
• Greater co-operation within the benefice and other churches sharing resources.

Vision (for five years' time)

The parish we serve is a mix of rural and urban areas; we strive to continue to go deeper into God's love; we hope to become actively involved in transforming the community around us; also to encounter new disciples in St Mary's ministry.

Priorities (for the next five years)

• To establish St Mary's Church as a community resource - focus for the extended community.
• To be responsive and supportive of the needs of the parishioners.
• To continue to develop the church's ministry within the neighbouring community.

Goals (for the next year)

• To continue the work establishing the Memorial Garden. The Memorial Garden Sub Committee to establish a formal Memorial Garden within St Mary's closed churchyard.
• To continue the monthly Soup Lunch for both the congregation and the neighbouring community.
• To continue St Mary's quest to expand its' ministry within the local parish and beyond.
• The choir continues to be used outside the parish and within. Visits to Care Homes and outside events.
• Greater co-operation within the benefice: Social Thursday, Soup Lunch and Tuesday Youth Club.