A Gift for A the Gift New Year for us The image of an unopened present ‘A gift for the New Year’ appeared in the December Magazine. Today I want to open it and see what it contains as we look to mission and the future of the parish.

SMDT Shared Ministry Development Team What is it all about? Perhaps a little underwhelming? But lets see what its all about. What is it all about?

From the first moments of the Church leadership was shared among A founding principle From the first moments of the Church leadership was shared among many people. Shared ministry recognises, respects and enables the gifts and contributions of ALL the people of God Explain: 1) Judy Hirst, changes made... welcome, changes to services... what next? 2) Explored the principle, as modelled by the early Church; and spoke to churches with shared ministry 3) Found that a) shared ministry strengthens churches eg ... greater sense of ownership & involvement b) encourages prayerful discernment eg ... what does God want us to do? c) helps initiate new ideas and projects A principle to follow?

The principle of the shared ministry can be made possible by a Shared Ministry Development Team which the PCC want to set up We will do this with you. Indeed we can’t do this without you!

The SMDT will be a group of about eight people, recognised by church members as able to work collaboratively with the PCC and me. Open to all. Maybe you’re thinking I know someone, or even it could me!

The SMDT will be a model of prayerful practical working across parish life, encouraging shared leadership, fellowship and learning and growing in Faith Working with the PCC, members need not be of the PCC. The SMDT will be commissioned for a period of three years.

The SMDT will: Encourage a shared vision, co-ordinate & advance existing ministries To use their gifts to support the church, its ministry & develop mission To model and encourage a willingness to listen to God together to discern what is right for our church.

The SMDT will: Provide strategic thinking, ‘a think tank’ (not necessarily doers, but maybe recruiters?’ Encourage members to discern what sort of church we are called to be To identify opportunities for mission & growth To seek new ways to share our Faith To find new ways to serve

How do we make this happen? ... it begins with you 1 You will be asked to nominate a church member to join the SMDT after prayerful reflection. You can self-nominate. There is no limit on the number of names you can suggest, though you are asked not to approach anyone you may be thinking of nominating.

How do we make this happen? ... it begins with you 2 I will collate the names and share them confidentially with the PCC. After a service of Holy Communion, the PCC will be asked to sit in silence and reflect on the list without conferring or discussion. They will then indicate ‘support or not, or don’t know’ for the names put forward. They indicate this against the names on a piece of paper.

How do we make this happen? ... it begins with you 3 I will compile a breakdown of the responses and decide who should be approached to join the SMDT. This part of the process is carried out with Judy Hirst. 4 We hope to commission our new SMDT at Pentecost More info to come, key dates to be publicised, Q&A session, input from Judy Hirst and of course leaflets. Ask a member of the PCC ... stand up. We think this an exciting opportunity for growth and renewal. And ask that we seek God’s blessing as we commence the process.

Open the box, cherish the gift! The PCC believe shared ministry will make a big difference to the parish and help grow God’s Kingdom. Start thinking and praying around who might join the SMDT