Dear Friends,
As we begin our giving campaign in the Benefice of Rural East York, let me first thank you for the generosity that has been shown over many years and across our churches. I was so grateful to begin my ministry here knowing that our four churches were in a good financial position, amply supporting the ministry and mission that currently takes place, with stable reserves and having completed ambitious projects that required fund-raising. Our benefice has also consistently contributed enough to cover the costs of the stipendiary ministry we receive through the Free Will Offer sent to the diocese. So thank you; thank you for the time, skills, commitment and money that you have given to Holy Trinity Holtby, St Nicholas Dunnington, Holy Trinity Stockton on the Forest and St Mary Warthill.
Now we want to look forward with our new vision ‘growing together in community and faith’, as part of the wider diocesan vision of Living Christ’s Story. Under that vision, our strategy begins with three priorities:
- everyone grows in discipleship
- improve benefice working and reaching out to younger people. This is where I think God wants us to focus for now - each of us continuing to learn what it means to follow Jesus; drawing closer as churches to show Jesus' love through the ways that we love one another, and sharing expertise and practical help across our small churches; and then
- recognising that our culture has changed so we need to rethink how we invite younger people to be part of the family of God in Rural East York.
These priorities will need to be supported by maintaining and improving our buildings as hubs for our mission; people generously giving their time and talents in service; and actively managing our finances for stability. Some of the specific projects we’d like to plan and carry out are:
- For the whole benefice -Employing a Young People and Families Worker
- Holy Trinity Holtby - buying new pew cushions for increased comfort and working towards an Eco-church award
- St Nicholas - replacing our ageing heating system with a more environmentally friendly and sustainable option, and developing our audio-visuals for worship
- Holy Trinity Stockton - Having planned and created our open-plan space, developing its use for activities to reach out to younger people
- Warthill - adding a kitchenette to the back of church and building a toilet outside to enable us to use the building more often and share it with our community
Jesus commands us to love one another so that everyone can know we are his disciples. He calls us to be supportive communities as His body, being his hands and feet in the world around us. Please would you prayerfully consider during this week how you might respond to God’s call to living generously, and complete the response card and return it by 27th October at the latest. Thank you for reading and responding.
With blessings,
Rev Kath
