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Growth
PLAN For The Weybourne Group of
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Overview
‘Fresh
Expressions of Church’ could not have come at a better time for the Weybourne Group. Established in 1989, six parishes
(population around 1500) form the United Benefice of the Weybourne Group. In
common with other communities on the coastal fringe, the indigenous population
(about 30%) has been increased by ‘incomers’, the retired, second-home owners
and holiday-makers. However, the number of young families appears to be
growing.
The Priest-in-Charge, Father Phil Blamire,
was licensed in January 2007. In response to the wishes of the Churchwardens,
as described in the Parish profile for the post, he made it a priority to lead
the parishes into growth.
A series of open meetings during the
spring and summer resulted in a positive and productive commitment to growth.
The sessions were designed to inform our thinking and our prayer; to stimulate
our discussions; to encourage us to see a way forward in our quest for a vision
of what God wants for us.
Strategy
The ‘both-and’ strategy
at the heart of ‘Fresh Expressions’
No change for its own
sake
We will sustain what we already do best
We will take on what we can sustain & for the immediate future,
no more
Realistic expectations not “Great
Expectations”
Prayer, presence, proclamation,
persuasion all
linked together by warmth and personal invitation