THE BENEFICE OF SEEND, BULKINGTON & POULSHOT “LET’S TALK” 1. THE PERSONALITY AND CHARACTER OF THE CHURCHES IN OUR BENEFICE: THE CHURCHES PCCs Historic Small percentage of village Little change regular worshippers but over past year they support each other in village activities Perception is that Impact under church is passive banner and conservative of church is very little Seend Bulkington Poulshot 2. Perceived current 1. Local directory of aid Need to strengthen our 1. Inspire others in our priorities organisations, eg Age resolve to make own faith UK, Community First etc changes to church to 2. Raise awareness of to whom we can refer accommodate and the Church and its work issues. attract a wider 3. Raise the profile of 2. Look after the congregation. the church as a leader “bedrock” – the aged. in the community 3. Engage and embrace 4. Recognise and the needs of children respond to the needs of through toddler groups, the community the school and youth 5. Work together, in groups. partnership with others for practical matters and marketing the church 6. Be visible in the community 7. Pray together 8. To keep the church open 3.In line with priorities 1. More pastoral visiting 1.Maintain support for 1.Greater involvement including newcomers to the older population with the Parish Council the village. Talk to other 2.Strengthen links with (attend meetings) churches to see what the young . Build on our 2.Greater awareness of they’re doing (eg St good links with the what is happening in James, Devizes) school. the community 2. Link with school with a 3.Develop a “Help Line” 3.Identify needs and view to supporting for the village take action poorer or disadvantaged community and re- families in the introduce the village community “Welcome Pack” 4.Ways to work A more helpful DAC with Greater support from 1.Be more flexible and together our reordering. Diocese when trying to willing to take risks make changes – eg 2.Be innovative reordering 3.Work in partnership with others both in practical ways, and in marketing the church 4.Willingness to change and challenge 5.Measuring quality Improved attendance in Success criteria for 1.A feeling of and impact of church church. Keeping it open church is whether it is “belonging” and worship life and functional so that it making a difference. are not natural factors. is there when needed. Consider regular 2.St Peter’s is an (annual?) analysis on established church – we how church impacts on are dutiful the community. 3.Increased Measurement should congregation numbers not be about numbers attending church on Sundays. .