Fifty four people from all our parishes met together at Manaton Parish Hall on 28th September 2024; this was open to all and included Clergy, LLMs, Worship Leaders, Churchwardens, PCC Members and others members of our congregations
It was an opportunity to meet and worship together and to understand how a shared vison might look as these parishes go forward in the future whilst being careful not to lose the distinctiveness and identity of the individual parishes and churches
The morning was largely spent with attendees splitting into seven groups to discuss different aspects of church life; these groups swapped round part way through and the group facilitators finally shared key points that had come up with all the attendees at the end
Below are the key points discussed within each group. Going forward PCCs are being asked to consider each point and determine what might be good to do in their own parish
The groups and points below are not listed in any particular order of importance
Communications
Printed information is still very important (North Dartmoor Parishes Magazine, local Parish magazines, Pewsletter, Contact etc). Some are embracing Social Media (Facebook, X, WhatsApp etc) PCCs may wish to explore these to engage with those outside their usual methods of communication. Identify someone or multiple people who might be able to do this, they need not be part of the PCC, but would need to be well acquainted with what goes on in the church locally
Noticeboards, both outside and inside our churches, should be kept up to date, fresh and display accurate contact information for clergy, churchwardens, administration & safeguarding officer
Short notice information – funerals etc – should be included in Notice Sheets & local Social Media, but do check with the family first
Something that needs more time and thought – How do we communicate that those sitting in the church pews on a Sunday are not part of a club and that all are welcome?
And a challenge for the National Church – The Church needs to be bolder, give leadership and clear guidance on important topics relating to the church, the state and internationally.
Prayer and Worship
Appreciation and encouragement of the variety of church services across the benefice, respecting and rejoicing in a variety of traditions
Group services on a fifth Sunday are worth considering
A greater concern for prayer – in groups (in person and by WhatsApp) and individually
Outdoor services, e.g. Palm Sunday and Good Friday processions, Nativity and carol singing
Using special occasions: pet services, crib services
Men’s breakfasts, Quiet days, Moor Praise
Resources – Buildings, Finances, Admin
How Parishes are to meet their Common Fund payments is a cause for concern for all
Parish Giving Scheme is worth considering. There is no deduction made for administration and all goes to the parish concerned
Costs of building insurance.
‘Friends groups’ can be helpful but also restrictive if they seek to determine what projects are undertaken.
Seemingly constant need for fundraising with many PCC’s suffering from ‘fatigue’.
Discipleship
Growing in faith through:
Small groups for discussion, Bible study, prayer and mutual support
Courses – Lent, Confirmation etc
Quiet days, retreats, weekends away
Resources from the Bible Society, Numa, Alpha etc
Using Dartmoor for inspiration, e.g. the Archangel Way, quiet day walks
Families, Young People, Schools
Increased provision of Family Services, perhaps themed services such as pet services etc may be appropriate, as in Drewsteignton, Manaton and Lustleigh. Informal and with food works well
Youth:
Needs to be mid-week and in a ‘safe’ place which is probably not church
An opportunity to build relationships and trust over time
Needs to be ‘cool’ and include music, sport, cooking, activities and hospitality
Primary Age:
Open The Book could be extended to other local schools, not just church schools. This can also draw in volunteers from outside the usual church community and increases bible literacy
Toddlers:
‘Little Angels’ in Chagford provides a supportive environment for parents and children.
Other parishes may wish to learn from it and adapt the format for their own church
Pastoral Care
A network of pastoral care across the parishes with a named pastoral care link in each, meeting regularly for mutual sharing, support and prayer. It would need an experienced co-ordinator.
Working with other non-church organisations across our communities
Better communication about what is available locally, e.g. Moorcare, Wellmoor, Memory Café, Friendly Friday, Community Allotments, The Pantry etc.
Community Involvement
Try welcoming newly-arrived persons or families in the parish with a small pack of information (e.g. local newsletter/magazine, North Dartmoor Parishes copy, local information sheet)
Initiating/supporting/attending events that meet a social need
Not all events need to be church building dependent – contact and fellowship can take place at any venue
When encouraging new faces to get involved, try a time-limited approach (e.g. one afternoon in a month, rostered once in a season). Encourage a toe-in-the-water experience rather than the prospect of a life-long commitment and let it grow from there.