Sarratt, Holy Cross version: 1

Things seen about our local community

• Church building not centrally located in the village.
• Expensive housing makes it difficult for young people to remain or move into the village.
• Perceived lack of relevance of the Church in our Parish.

Three things we have seen about our church

• Lack of younger generation - under 40s.
• Good variety of worship and church-generated activities.
• Spotlight magazine seen as a good vehicle for information about church and village life.

Vision (for five years' time)

A vibrant Christian community characterised by its unity in Christ and self-giving love whee all are welcome and inspired to become disciples of Jesus. A thriving body of people with an outward focus who are living out the love of God and truly integrated in the local community.

Priorities (for the next five years)

• Develop intentional stepping stones to inspire and encourage people in the parish to faith in Jesus Christ.
• Nurture and develop people's faith and unity in Christ in order to become a church characterised by love and self-giving.
• To provide opportunities for families and children to encounter the love of Jesus.

Goals (for the next year)

• Run the Diocesan Welcome course for church members by Autumn 2015.
• To substantially increase church member participation in the existing open events - e.g. Bike and Hike, Village Picnic, Open House, Open Air Service.
• To review and develop the Benefice website and explore the use of Social media in order to fully promote what we are and what we are doing.
• To have a preaching series focused on Unity in Christ in the Autumn 2015.
• To develop and strategy to built better and stronger links with Sarratt School in order to improve engagement with families and children starting by September 2015.