A New Start
The people here made a brave decision back in September 2000. They decided to adopt a new vision for the congregation: "...that All Saints should become the base for a new Evangelical Anglican congregation in Worcester. We should seek to grow in faith and an understanding of God's Word. Our worship needs to be of a style and quality consistent with this vision ..."
New Vision ...
Building on the dedication, faithfulness and prayerfulness of the existing and previous congregations, a new beginning was decided upon. Following that decision, Paul Swann was licensed as Associate Minister in May 2002 to help the church make this vision real. So, we have begun a journey together of change and growth. We know that we have not arrived, but we also know that we have definitely set off - God is our inspiration and our guide.
New Worship ...
We have begun a new pattern of worship which enables us to reflect more fully the contemporary evangelical emphases we have chosen to embrace - simplicity rather than ritual, the word alongside the sacrament, the contemporary alongside the traditional, and the informal alongside the structured; and all with a new openness to the working of the Holy Spirit in our worship.
New Teaching ...
Our teaching is Bible-based with an emphasis on relevance to daily living. We include teaching from the regular Church of England patterns of readings as well as specific teaching material. We look to offer opportunities for learning and sharing through midweek groups or cells as well as Sunday services.
New Relationships ...
The outstanding comment about the early church which transformed the world in which they lived was:
"See how these Christians love another!"
We aim to build on the relationships which already exist, as well as to take them further and welcome in those who will join us. This will happen through our continued worship together, working together, socialising together, and having fun together. It will be added to by recognising the value of church existing at the level of the small group or cell, as well as larger level of congregation and the big celebration gatherings too. It is in the small group or cell that we learn a high degree of trust and intimacy, as we learn together, worship together, witness together, discover and use our gifts, and share our lives. We aim for the time when the majority of our members are part of a network of such groups or cells across the city.
New Leadership ...
We want to model shared leadership and teamwork throughout the life of All Saints. A Leadership Support Team works with the PCC, meeting regularly to worship and ray together, as well as to give consideration to the life and work of the church. In the longer term, we will examine our structures so that, as we grow in numbers, the burden of leadership may be spread in order that each person may do best the tasks to which they have been called and for which they have been gifted by God.
New People ...
We are looking for new people to join us on this journey. Because we are still near the beginning of the journey, you need to be willing to accept us as we are. In turn we will try to do the same with you! You may well catch the vision of being part of building something which we believe will be exciting for us, and which will bring great glory to God. You are welcome to worship with us whilst you work out whether All Saints is the right place for you.