Oakworth Methodist Church

In the year 2000 the Methodist Conference adopted the 'Our Calling' process which encouraged churches to think of their life in terms of Worship, Learning and Caring, Service and Evangelism.

The church exists to:

• Increase awareness of God's presence and to celebrate God's love [Worship]
• Help people to learn and grow as Christians, through mutual support and care [Learning and Caring]
• Be a good neighbour to people in need and to challenge injustice [Service]
• Make more followers of Jesus Christ [Evangelism]

In 2004 specific priorities were identified as a vision for change and for hope in the Church as we seek to fulfil "Our Calling" 2005 - 2010.

Priorities for the Methodist Church

In partnership with others wherever possible, the Methodist Church will concentrate its prayers, resources, imagination and commitments on this priority: To proclaim and affirm its conviction of God's love in Christ, for us and for all the world; and renew confidence in God's presence and action in the world and in the Church. As ways towards realising this priority, the Methodist Church will give particular attention to the following:

• Underpinning everything we do with God-centred worship and prayer
• Supporting community development and action for justice, especially among the most deprived and poor - in Britain and worldwide
• Developing confidence in evangelism and in the capacity to speak of God and faith in ways that make sense to all involved
• Nurturing a culture in the Church which is people-centred and flexible

Oakworth Methodist Church will:

1. Encourage people to hear and respond to the gospel call, by the use of imaginitive, relevant worship, accessible to all. Where possible, joining with others so that we can feel the excitement of belonging to a larger and vibrant whole.
2. Pray for and care for one another in the church and wider community, striving globally for justice, peace and the careful stewardship of creation.
3. Ensure the effective deployment of God-given resources, both material and human - especially for work with young people.

All in the service of the kingdom of God.

We rely on the Holy Spirit to empower us as we:

1. Continue to offer corporate worship and prayer as the central aim of our church life. Services held at Oakworth Manor enable us to worship with those whose infirmity prevents their church attendance.
2. Plan strategically for mission, working ecumenically wherever we can. Outreach will be prioritised by using a half hour slot, before the well-attended Luncheon Club, as a basis for fostering relationships.
3. Improve pastoral care, spearheaded by a team of pastoral visitors. Continue serving light refreshments after service, as an important way of nurturing and continuing friendship.
4. Use our church building as a valuable resource, by making it available for use by community groups. We will try to make links with the users whenever possible, in the first instance through our support for the Salvation Army "food parcels" appeal.
5. Recognise the necessity of fund raising, for our own and other charitable use, by supporting the fund raising committee in the great variety of events they initiate.
6. Witness to Christian values in society, locally and nationally, communicating effectively with other Christians.