Exploring the Way AheadBishop John, having been in the diocese now for a year wants to begin a conversation with people and reflect back on his time of listening closely to the diocese, in order to discern the way ahead.In my article in the last issue of The Bridge, I introduced the Bishop's discussion paper, which builds on the Diocesan Strategy called Sharing Life that Bishop Richard developed. Bishop John wants to suggest that the next stage of Sharing Life focuses on five priorities:
We want to gather your thoughts and comments on these priorities, both to pass on to our diocesan bishop and also to help us in the Parish of Kidlington with Hampton Poyle find ways of working more effectively with each other and the rest of the community, as part of our parish strategy. So over the next few months we are going to ask for your comments as we focus on these priorities one at a time. First: Sustaining the Sacred CentreThinking about prayer, spirituality, worship, spiritual direction, quiet days, retreats, pilgrimages, etc...What does sustaining the sacred centre mean for you? What sort of spiritual practices refresh and revitalise you? What additional resources in prayer and spirituality would you like to have access to within the parish? What gifts do you have that might help others in their spiritual journeys (please give your name)? Would it help to have a Diocesan Adviser in Spirituality, Prayer and Liturgy?Please add your comments to the sheets in each of our churches. In our times together in the various sub-committees and groups within our parish, please think about how we sustain the sacred centre, and feed back your thoughts to me. Thanks, from Hilary |