Dear Friends

'Going for Growth' is the statement on all our Lichfield Diocesan documents. While the church has been slowly declining in numbers over years we do not accept that it has to keep on declining.

There are shoots of growth in many places, where a church has a heart for mission and evangelism. There are five themes for growth put forward by the Diocese, they are: Discovering the Heart of God; Growing Disciples; Reaching New Generations; Transforming Communities and Practicing Generosity.

As part of Growing the Church and Discovering the Heart of God, prayer is at the centre and the Bishop of Shrewsbury has issued an invitation for everyone is our Deanery to come to an event 'A Still Small Voice' at Ellesmere Town Hall 10-12.30pm Saturday 18th Feb. A Still Small Voice recognises that 'Mission without Prayer is like riding a bike without a chain - lots of activity but you just don't get anywhere.' It is an attempt to put first things first - to help focus on our relationship with the living God. If, as individuals and as a church our relationship with God is weak, what do we have to share with the world? Many of us struggle to keep a daily discipline of prayer and quiet when we can be open to God and the direction of the Holy Spirit. A Still Small Voice, based on the story of Elijah (1 Kings 19), is designed to inspire, encourage and assist us in finding ways of praying that help strengthen our relationship with the Lord.

The Bishop is expecting at least 20% of each congregation to be present for this event and he believes that if we are able to get such a critical mass at this event it will have a transformational effect in our churches. So will you please come?

Also as part of our effort to grow our church we have put forward our Vision or Mission Statement from the PCC which I hope everyone will latch on to, memorize, and become part of our church DNA - 'Living to Worship and Glorify God, to Encourage and Support His Church, and to Reach Out to His World'

Fr. Philip Edge - Vicar