VISION DAY UPDATE

Your openness, honesty, and insight at the Vision Day have provided a strong foundation as we seek God's direction for the future of St Mary's Church and the Parish of Sholing.

What We Heard

St Mary's is called to be a welcoming, outward-looking community where people belong, grow as disciples, and live out their faith in everyday life.

❤️ Community

🤝 Welcome and belonging

👐 Practical care and service

📖 Growing deeper in faith and discipleship

Key Themes Identified

Several common observations emerged:

· People often connect through relationships and belonging before belief.

· There is a growing desire for faith to be lived out in everyday life.

· Our congregation does not yet fully reflect the demographics of the parish, particularly among families, children, and younger generations.

· There is a strong instinct to serve the wider community.

· Communication needs strengthening if we are to move forward together effectively.

FOUR KEY PRIORITIES

1. 🤝 Welcome and Hospitality

Our Aim: To develop a culture where everyone feels genuinely welcomed, valued, and able to belong across all areas of church life.

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WELCOME • BELONGING • CONNECTION
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2. 📖 Growing Disciples

Our Aim: To become a community that is intentional about spiritual growth, where everyone is encouraged to grow as a disciple and help others grow in faith.

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FAITH • LEARNING • DISCIPLESHIP
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3. 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Children and Young People

Our Aim: To invest in the next generation so that children, young people, and families belong, grow, and participate fully in the life of the church.

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CHILDREN • YOUTH • FAMILIES
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4. 🌍 Making a Difference in Our Community

Our Aim: To deepen our impact across Sholing and be known as a church that brings hope, care, compassion, and practical support.

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CARE • HOPE • SERVICE
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Supporting Everything: Communication

📣 Communication was identified as an important area that underpins all four priorities.

Effective communication will help us:

share vision clearly;
celebrate progress;
invite participation;
strengthen relationships across the church family.

Looking Ahead

The next stage of the journey will involve:

🙏 Prayer - lots of prayer

🎯 Prioritising the key areas identified

👥 Establishing focus groups to develop each priority

👂 Continuing to listen, discern, and move forward together

Could God Be Calling You?

As we begin forming focus groups, there will be opportunities for everyone to contribute.

Even if you were unable to attend the Vision Day, you are warmly invited to become involved if you sense God prompting you.

If you would like to know more about:

· the detailed feedback and ideas that were shared;

· joining one of the focus groups;

· helping shape the next stage of our vision journey;

please speak to Su Brakewell.

THIS WEEK PLEASE PRAY FOR:

Chris & Jenny A, Dave R, Ann J, Cathy E, Kevin, Anna B, David W, Jake C, Hilary & Chris L, Tyler.

The prayer team continues to pray for all who have requested prayer.

To request prayer: Email: prayer@sholing.church

REMEMBERING

Sheila, praying for Clive, Christine, Georgina, grandchildren Marie, Edward, great grandchildren and great, great granddaughter.

RIDE & STRIDE

SAVE THE DATE: Sat 12 Sept

If you would like to take part this year:

Riding your bike – contact Philip - email philip@sholing.church

Striding - contact Mick – email mick@sholing.church

‍The Parish Giving Scheme - A simple and efficient way to support your church regularly. The Parish Giving Scheme makes giving easy, secure, and tax-efficient - helping your gift go further and reducing administration for the parish. If you’d like to know more, please speak to Ben or Garry.‍ ‍

SHARE YOUR STORIES OF SHOLING & ST MARY’S

We’d really love to hear from you.

‍As part of our Heritage 160 celebrations, we are collecting stories, memories, and treasures that make up the living history of our parish.

We’d love to hear about your connections to St Mary’s Church Sholing or the wider Parish of Sholing. Your contribution will help preserve our shared heritage for future generations. There are forms and envelopes available in the Hall or you can speak to one of our team or email us at Heritage@Sholing.Church‍ ‍ ‍

This Summer’s Church Camps is on Thurs 6th - Mon 10th August including a ‘Camping Communion’ by Garry on the Sunday morning.

If anyone would like more information, please contact Michele on 07555136378.

WHAT’S ON - LIVE CALENDAR

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Pew News - 7 June 2026