On Saturday, 9th, September, St. Boniface P.C.C. spent the day at Wistaston Hall discussing a subject of no small importance to their church - its future.

The day began with a look at people's expectations, their hopes from the day - and their fears. The St. Boniface "Mission Statement" was discussed and updated and then, with it firmly in mind, the P.C.C. divided into three groups to work on their vision, and on three things to be achieved towards its realisation, for St Boniface Worship, Youth and Fabric in 2005.

Later on, after lunch, the teams met up again, to discuss urgent priorities and how to achieve the resources needed.

WORSHIP

The vision of this team was certainly comprehensive: in 2005, worship at St. Boniface would be alive, vibrant, God- centred, natural, varied, capable of meeting people where they were, appealing to all ages, organic rather than set in concrete, under God's control, inclusive to other denominations, engaging and reflective of the seasons.

Their three targets were to be:

(i) Within three years, an established single core Sunday Service, with other Services at other times to meet differing needs and styles of worship.

(ii) The setting up of a Worship Committee.

(iii) Worship to be supported by other activities which also would encourage people's spiritual growth.

The urgent priorities: * "Common Worship" service cards for January, 2001. * Improved facilities for children. * A "milestoned" plan for the new scheme of worship. * Consultation with the whole congregation over the single core Sunday Service format. YOUTH The three targets: (i) In 2005 the youth of Bunbury would be attracted into the life of the church, fully integrated members of the congregation, enjoying all that the church offered. (ii) Specific Youth Services. (iii) Big Music. The urgent priorities: * A youth worker. * Facilities to be provided for up to 100 children. * Involvement of young people in the work of the P.C.C. and Committees and in developing more services of their choice. FABRIC The three targets: (i) A church building to meet the physical needs of all. (ii) A churchyard that would enhance the reputation of the church in the community. (iii) Sympathetic development to facilitate the church's expanding activities. The priorities: * A development plan for the graveyards, identifying necessary manpower and costs. * Toilets, kitchen, meeting-room and storage by 2002. * Beginning work now on a new Church Hall - identifying the site, developing the design and beginning fund-raising. Phew! It had certainly been a productive day - full marks to the Churchwarden who had suggested it. We came away hopeful, excited and (slightly) anxious. The five years start here. Let's begin! Rick