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We have taken the decision to end the practice of afternoon baptisms. They now all take place within the main morning liturgy and all candidates have a regular member of the congregation as sponsor. It is now several years since we admitted children to Communion before Confirmation, something that now seems very natural and right within the worshipping life of our community. We have tried Alpha, but have now moved on to Emmaus and other groups, most of which tend to be lay led. The team has moved on a long way since 1992. We believe that we have achieved much in liturgical renewal and building up confidence in our faith. We are being challenged to find new ways of putting our faith into action and, for example, we are exploring ways in which we might better help the homeless who come knocking on our doors. We are involved in a soup kitchen and a drop in centre for the homeless and we have representatives on the local youth and housing forums. There is a growth of spirituality. This is expressed through retreats, quiet days, meditations in Lent and an open door retreat. The whole congregation is growing in understanding that ministry to which they are called as Christ's Church. Growing together as a Christian community empowered in mission is very much the direction we are seeking. We hope to call out more people to many different ministries, including the ordained ministry we need for the future. |
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