Parish of Ware
« Mission Action Plan »

Context of this review: the covid 19 pandemic has been a major impediment in making good progress with respect to the priorities of the plan which is under review and development.
We celebrate
1 Increased number of families with young children who participate in the Christian community of St Mary’s and the growth in child baptisms (up to covid restrictions) and confirmation candidates;
2 Use of internet technology has enabled increased number of housebound members of the congregation to worship regularly and participate in learning and other faith activities
3 Significant participation, albeit small, of children and young people in leadership roles in worship.
4 Enhanced opportunities for faith and spiritual development.
5 New approaches to youth work maintained fellowship during covid restrictions
6 Much improved accessibility to, and new flexible worship space in, the Lady Chapel .
7 Schedule of planned maintenance and improvement works for the building is in place. Implementation is subject to affordability.
8 Succcessful launch of St Mary’s Arts.
9 Significant increase in flowering plants in the church yard.
10 St Mary’s has become the hub for the Ware Food Bank with 2 members fulfilling key roles.
11 Much improved relationships with, and participation in, the life of schools in the parish.
12 Improved and constructive relationships developed with community organisation eg Town Council, Air Cadets, Town Band.

• Development of children’s faith and worship activities is less than planned and strived for.
• Network of families with young children remains a priority.
• Use of the church yard as a spiritual space remains under-developed.
It is likely that without the covid restrictions more progress in these areas would have been achieved

A vibrant and flourishing Christian community that loves God with all its heart and might and loves its neighbours as itself. A community whose love is clearly discernible in its spiritual life, pastoral care and mission in the world. A community that engages with its parish and its wider neighbourhood; living God’s love with generosity and joy, imagination and courage.

• Love for and care of God’s creation
• Visible faith
• Tolerance, openness, peace and reconciliation
• Inclusivity and welcoming all in the wider community irrespective of gender, race, age, sexual orientation and disability and concern for those in need
• Fairness and just treatment for all, locally and globally.

These values are informed and shaped by the Diocesan Vision, the Five Marks of Mission, and national church issues and priorities.

Growth in faith, numbers and reach, with a focus on three key areas: children and families, outreach into Ware, development of our building and grounds.

This is ongoing work building on our last MAP.

This responds to all three strands of the Diocesan Vision.

We have developed a comprehensive, dynamic, work plan which is monitored quarterly by a dedicated MAP group working with the PCC.

Creation: responding to the needs of the environment and the national church’s climate commitment. The work plan is focussed around these areas.
Creating development process infrastructure; St Mary’s organisational behaviour; developing an eco friendly building environment; ‘greening’ the church; personal behaviours; influencing others.

We have developed a comprehensive, dynamic, work plan which is monitored quarterly by a dedicated MAP group working with the PCC. This includes an Eco Church Audit.

Inclusion: seeking to respond well to a range of diversity questions, issues and opportunities.
For us this includes: LLF, race, educational and learning needs, access, and social issues.

This priority responds to all three strands of the Diocesan Vision

We have developed a comprehensive, dynamic, work plan which is monitored quarterly by a dedicated MAP group working with the PCC.