Our Vision
Since coming together as a Benefice in 2017, we have developed a deeper appreciation of each other’s strengths and are increasingly looking for ways to grow together in faith and love, whilst maintaining our individual characters. We would like to become more outward focussed by being the people that Jesus calls us to be; people who are loved and who love in response.
Our vision as a benefice is to continue to grow in the love of Christ so that we can more effectively share His love with those around us. We seek to do this guided and strengthened by His Spirit, Word, Prayer and Sacrament.
“I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.“ John 13:34–35
The Five Marks of Mission
- To proclaim the Good News of the Kingdom
- To teach, baptise and nurture new believers
- To respond to human need by loving service
- To seek to transform unjust structures of society, to challenge violence of every kind and to pursue peace and reconciliation
- To strive to safeguard the integrity of creation and sustain and renew the life of the earth
Outreach Services
We have recently started to explore new ways of worshipping together that appeal to those not familiar with traditional worship services.
Family T@4 is aimed at young families with children from new-born to primary school age. We meet monthly at 4pm, usually on the fourth Sunday in one of the halls or churches across the benefice. See the Services page for details.
Family T@4 in Norton Village Hall
Café Church is aimed at anyone who is exploring faith or wants to grow in faith through fellowship and discussion. We meet monthly at 10.30am on the second Sunday in one of the halls or churches across the benefice. We start with tea or proper coffee with pastries and cake and plenty of chat. We pray, sing some songs, read a passage from the Bible and spend time discussing it.
Taizé is aimed at anyone who favours a more contemplative approach to worship, with time to be quiet, to meditate on God’s word and to allow God’s Spirit to move us. We meet every few months in various churches – see Services page for details.
Schools
There are five schools in the Benefice; a primary and secondary in Stoke and church primary schools in Montacute, Norton and West Chinnock. The church has a weekly presence in the schools with Open the Book alternating with collective worship led by the rector or one of the ministry team. The church schools have foundation governors who are church members.
Open The Book presents Bible stories in the primary schools. The children enjoy dressing up and acting out the stories helped by the team of volunteers.
“Open the Book is a really good way of telling people about the bible and teaching us about Jesus. By acting it out it makes it more interesting. It brings the story to life. You can imagine it in your head later” (Year 5 child).
Pastoral care
Some of our lay ministers and all clergy offer to bring Home Communion to anyone who is too frail to attend church.
Some churches have a list of neighbours who can arrange lifts, so if you have difficulty getting to church otherwise, do ask the churchwarden.
If you would like to arrange a visit from one of the clergy or lay ministers, please contact one of the team shown on the Who’s Who page.
Discipleship
God still speaks through His Word, the Bible, if we take time to listen. Housegroups give an opportunity to study the Bible, to discuss our faith (or lack of it!) and help each other to grow as disciples.
Anyone who wants to learn is welcome – no previous knowledge or church attendance required! There are groups meeting throughout the benefice. If you are interested in joining a group or would like to know more, please phone, message or email David Mangles (07786554399, david@northdownfarm.co.uk)
An Alpha course is offered every January: Alpha is an opportunity to explore the Christian faith in a friendly, open and informal way.
Each session includes a short film followed by a discussion, where you can share your thoughts, ask questions or just listen.
There’s no pressure, no follow up and no charge. What have you got to lose?
www.alpha.org
Our Mission Prayer
God of Mission, who alone brings growth to his Church, send your Holy Spirit to give Vision to our planning, Wisdom to our actions, and Power to our Witness. Help our church to grow in numbers, in spiritual commitment to you, and in service to our local community; through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.’