Priorities for the year ahead

The Benefice Council has just completed a listening exercise with the three PCC’s. As a result of PCC comments, the Benefice Council has agreed to investigate the following areas:

1. How we might help people grow as disciples of Jesus – especially opportunities to grow as a Christian outside of Sunday morning services.
2. How we might reach out into our communities, to bless them with God’s love and invite people to join the church family.

Recognising a large number of special services this Autumn leading up to Christmas the Benefice Council also wishes to form a small group of people who will help put these special services together.

Members of the Benefice Council will therefore hold three initial meetings to plan a 'road map' for exploring practical ways to further these priorities. The Council would like to invite members of the three churches to join them in the following meetings:

1. Wednesday 8th September - Planning our Autumn Services (predominantly Eynsford and Farningham, but Lullingstone welcome!)
2. Monday 13th September - Helping people grow as disciples of Jesus
3. Monday 20th September - Reaching out to our local communities

All three meetings will take place in the Rectory, with drinks at 7.30pm and business at 7.45pm.

It would be especially helpful if those people already involved in each of these areas could attend. Also, if members of the Mission and Ministry Group were able to chose to attend one of the meetings in which to add their input, this would be greatly appreciated.

Caring Concerns - starts Tuesday 14th September

The Pastoral Team needs some new members, and for that reason Gillian Hill will be running a five session course called 'Caring Concerns' on Tuesday evenings starting on Tuesday 14th September. The course has been produced by the Diocese specifically for those who would like to do a little more in the Parish but do not want to undergo training for a specific lay ministry, which would involve a big commitment in time and study. The course provides an opportunity to see what is meant by pastoral care and is not necessarily a commitment to join the team.