The Parishes, Schools and Chaplaincies of the Deanery of Hertford and Ware are Living God’s Love so that God’s kingdom might grow in our world.
Our vision is:
to see flourishing, Christ-centred communities inspiring people of all ages and backgrounds to discover God, grow in their relationship with Him and respond to His transforming love through serving others.
This vision, which deliberately mirrors the Diocesan Vision, has been adopted because of our understanding of the relationship between Diocese, Deanery and Parish. A Diocese is the seat of the Bishop, the primary evangelist, who ordains leaders and with them plants and nurtures churches in the settlements known as Parishes. A Diocese is also a united family of Parishes who share, with the Bishop, a common vision for the planting and nurturing of churches. For effective mission it is desirable to split the Diocese into a number of smaller, more responsive units of mission known as Deaneries.
Planning and Funding
At present there are no plans for pastoral reorganisation when vacancies arise. The Mission Action Plan provides an effective means through which the collaboration and relationships between Parishes within the Deanery will improve, as well as containing a Goal that Parish Share is paid in full and on time.
Priorities
We have identified two key Priorities: Collaboration and Strategic Working. These, and the detailed Goals are outlined on separate pages of this site. Progress reports, where available, will also be given on these pages.
Next Steps
Since even the longest journey starts with a single step, we have identified some of the key first steps on our journey to achieving our vision:
- Begin to address Goal 2.2 by identifying a specific project/issue to work together on to lead to a demonstrable change for the better – Deanery will present 4 options to Parishes: Fresh Expressions, Children’s Work, Finance and Improving the quality of our Worship. Then build the programme of Deanery meetings around the selected first project/issue, encouraging intra-Deanery collaboration and connecting Parishes to relevant resources and training.
- Also pursue Goal 1.2 so that a Deanery calendar may be produced. This calendar should be used to promote Parish-run training events and encourage them to offer places to other Parishes.
- Begin to address Goal 1.3 by building on recent meeting of treasurers and churchwardens to provide regular forum for exchange of good practice; agree topics (e.g. successful stewardship campaigns; experience of Parish Giving Scheme); and develop similar forums for other groups e.g. youthworkers.
- Develop a timeline for implementing the Goals and report back on successes.
Other matters
It was also felt that the Deanery should keep in touch with progress on significant new housing developments and respond strategically.