Vicar's Viewpoint
March 2010
Later this year - to be precise Sunday 13th to 20th June when the sun will be shining in a clear blue sky! - we are to conduct a mission to the homes of the parish.
Our aim is threefold: to tell people what is going on at Trinity, to invite them to share in our life and worship and to respond to any instances of pastoral care we come across. The last time we did such an event was more than ten years ago so this seems a timely opportunity.
Currently we are making a DVD with the Creative and Media Dept at Southport College that will include 'snapshots' of Trinity and short interviews with some of our people.
We think that this is the best way of communicating what we are about and why people value belonging here. The DVD will be given to every home along with a leaflet and a small souvenir of the mission to remind people that we called.
A team of visitors will be required to undertake this project - we reckon that we shall need about 40 people, particularly for those wishing to go out in pairs. To prepare visitors there will be a training session in church on Monday, 7th June at 7.30pm when we shall explain our intentions more fully and answer any questions or concerns. The session will conclude with a short evening service.
On Sunday 13th June the visitors will be commissioned for the work at the end of the morning Parish Communion service. Our intention is for the whole congregation to see the DVD that morning so that everyone can see what is being circulated and take home a copy for themselves or to show friends.
The Mission will last over the following seven days and on Wednesday 23rd June there will be a Debriefing meeting at 8.00pm followed by a buffet to thank all the visitors for their work. The meeting will be preceded by Choral evensong at 7.15pm.
We see this as an exciting and worthwhile opportunity to touch the homes of the parish at a time when decent church attendances remain crucial to the future of the C of E. We are hopeful that the mission will add to our numbers here. New faces are vital if a congregation is to grow.
If you would like to be part of this Mission could I ask you to complete the form below and return it to me or the Wardens no later than Mothering Sunday on 14th March. We can explain more at the training session in June but any prospective volunteer should be willing to attend on all the dates listed in this letter and be ready to devote a couple of afternoons or evenings to the Mission between 13th and 20th June.
I would encourage everyone to think about this undertaking, to hold it in their prayers as we plan and prepare, and to offer your help if you like what you have read here. Our Church Growth Team is coordinating and organising this Mission under my leadership. Toni Ashcroft, Angela Ellis, Vicki Woods and Janetta Lawrance will be happy to give you more information. Please keep our work in your prayers.
Rod Garner
SUNDAYS
8.30am Holy Communion
10.15am Parish Communion (First Sundays in month are usually a Family Communion with children taking part)
10.15am Sunday School
(For 3 year olds upwards - on all except first Sundays and school holidays)
6.30pm Evening Prayer
WEEKDAYS
11.30am Tuesdays
Holy Communion
7.15pm Wednesdays
Choral Evensong
7.15pm 1st Friday in month
Book of Common Prayer Communion
OTHER SERVICES
(e.g for Saints Days): as announced
Practising members of other Christian denominations are invited to receive Holy Communion.
If you are not confirmed but would like to receive a blessing please come forward with other communicants and place your hands below the altar rail.
We hope you will join us for refreshments in the Parish Centre after the Service