"These are my views:
>
> 1. We should come together as one congregation under one
> roof.
>
> I felt the first Sunday we met together at the school (17th
> Jan) was a very special time in many different ways and in
> my mind was a significant foretaste of what we could achieve
> together. We can be much stronger when we are together, but
> we are weak when apart. Sunday morning services should be
> our ‘shop window’ and known as the one to invite
> newcomers. Content should be well presented, the programme
> not long and involving all ages.
>
> I have not heard one opinion suggesting we should remain as
> two congregations. Everyone seems to say it is the way
> forward. However, everyone who accepts that, must therefore
> equally accept that the worship ‘culture’ inevitably
> must change at a personal level for all of us from the
> currently established positions in both CATS and COTC, if we
> are to move towards a single corporate act of worship on a
> Sunday morning. I am not sure many have yet recognised
> that!
>
> However there is little point in discussing detail such as
> styles of worship, times, venue, etc, until we have first
> established whether or not the congregations should unite.
>
> 2. Homegroups should be a central part of internal church
> life.
>
> Homegroups are the place where individuals can be part of a
> small family where they can be nurtured, taught and cared
> for and participation should be encouraged for everyone.
> This might necessitate expanding the number of groups and
> possibly the training of new leaders. Personally, I do not
> believe Homegroups should be the place for a primary
> evangelistic activity, but rather for caring and teaching.
>
> 3. A strong children’s and young people’s group is
> essential for the ongoing life of the church.
>
> Strong and effective leadership is key. Energy and
> resources should be devoted to a long – term strategy to
> achieve these goals.
>
> 4. We should endeavour to have an effective, practical role
> in village community life which involves a good cross
> section of the church family, acting under the name of St
> Michael’s.
>
> In all things, as mentioned in 1 above, the important thing
> is to determine the principles first and then iron out the
> detail subsequently.
>
> Geoff"
>
>
> 1. We should come together as one congregation under one
> roof.
>
> I felt the first Sunday we met together at the school (17th
> Jan) was a very special time in many different ways and in
> my mind was a significant foretaste of what we could achieve
> together. We can be much stronger when we are together, but
> we are weak when apart. Sunday morning services should be
> our ‘shop window’ and known as the one to invite
> newcomers. Content should be well presented, the programme
> not long and involving all ages.
>
> I have not heard one opinion suggesting we should remain as
> two congregations. Everyone seems to say it is the way
> forward. However, everyone who accepts that, must therefore
> equally accept that the worship ‘culture’ inevitably
> must change at a personal level for all of us from the
> currently established positions in both CATS and COTC, if we
> are to move towards a single corporate act of worship on a
> Sunday morning. I am not sure many have yet recognised
> that!
>
> However there is little point in discussing detail such as
> styles of worship, times, venue, etc, until we have first
> established whether or not the congregations should unite.
>
> 2. Homegroups should be a central part of internal church
> life.
>
> Homegroups are the place where individuals can be part of a
> small family where they can be nurtured, taught and cared
> for and participation should be encouraged for everyone.
> This might necessitate expanding the number of groups and
> possibly the training of new leaders. Personally, I do not
> believe Homegroups should be the place for a primary
> evangelistic activity, but rather for caring and teaching.
>
> 3. A strong children’s and young people’s group is
> essential for the ongoing life of the church.
>
> Strong and effective leadership is key. Energy and
> resources should be devoted to a long – term strategy to
> achieve these goals.
>
> 4. We should endeavour to have an effective, practical role
> in village community life which involves a good cross
> section of the church family, acting under the name of St
> Michael’s.
>
> In all things, as mentioned in 1 above, the important thing
> is to determine the principles first and then iron out the
> detail subsequently.
>
> Geoff"
>
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