PARISH OF EXNING with LANDWADE

‘AWAY DAY’ AT CLARE PRIORY SATURDAY 5^TH MARCH 2016

This time together at Clare Priory will be entitled ‘Growing in God Together’ and will be based on the booklet produced by the Diocese ‘Growing in God’. Everyone attending will receive a copy of the booklet to look at beforehand.

It will be an opportunity for us, as a church family, to spend some time together, to reflect on the life of the parish, and think about how we would like it to develop in the future. Like most parishes we face the challenge of maintaining a flourishing, vibrant church as the Body of Christ in our community, when there are so many distractions and other activities going on around us. To ensure a bright future for our churches, we need to consider ways in which we can encourage one another in our journey of faith, to actively witness to our faith in the community, and at the same time attract others to join us.

We are very fortunate that The Revd Canon Dr John Parr (Diocesan Director of Ministry, Education & Training) has agreed to facilitate our discussions.

We will be sharing this day with our friends in our neighbouring parish of St Mary’s & St Agnes’. Over the last year or two, we have been moving towards closer cooperation with them, and although we have some differing traditions, I am sure that there will be some areas of potential growth where we can work together for the mutual benefit of both parish communities.

This day is not just for members of the PCC (although I hope they will all come) – it is open to all members of our congregations, and it would be lovely to have a broad spread of opinions and viewpoints. Please take this opportunity to be part of the future planning and growth of our parishes, and come along and have your say.  

I shall shortly be putting a ‘Sign-Up List’ at the back of both St Philip’s and St Martin’s. There is some limitation on numbers, so please sign up early to avoid disappointment!

The cost of this day is largely being covered by the Diocese, including a basic ‘Soup & Roll’ lunch. Depending on numbers, it may be necessary to ask for a small contribution from those attending, to avoid a shortfall.

If you haven’t been to Clare Priory before, it is a beautiful historic house in extensive grounds, home to a small religious community, and with an adjoining church which has recently been substantially refurbished. More details on the website – clarepriory.org.uk

Do please come and join us on 5^th March.

Andrew