Church 21

On Saturday 1st November I attended a conference in the Isaac’s Hotel, beside Busaras, on the subject of ‘Church 21’. Church 21 was devised by the Church of Ireland. This initiative is on it’s ‘second time around’. It is a two year process where 2 parishes from each dioceses get the opportunity to evaluate themselves. Applications need to be with the Archbishop by Friday 14th November to be considered.

What does it involve? Three people along with the Rector, one under 50 years of age and one under 30 years of age, both genders would go along to a team day on 14th February. There is also an opportunity for a parish audit day where parishioners could come along and make suggestions.

The following survey was handed out to help decide if we have need for Church 21 in our parish. If anybody is interested or would like more information please contact me as soon as possible on 086 803 0293. – The Rector

Ten signs of a healthy Church

How would you evaluate your own congregation on a scale of 0 – 5?

0 = weak 5 = exceptional

1. A healthy church energises faith
2. A healthy church has an outward looking focus
3. A healthy church seeks to find out what God wants
4. A healthy church is willing to face the cost of growth and change
5. A healthy church has an enabling leadership
6. A healthy church has a participative laity
7. A healthy church is a loving community
8. A healthy church sees discipleship as a life-long journey of faith
9. A healthy church practises what it preaches
10. A healthy church does a few things – well

Our two strongest areas are: …………………………………………………………………….
Our two weakest areas are: …………………………………………………………………….