A message from Iain Blythe, Diocesan Secretary
"The autumn will see us take a fresh approach in how we support parishes, schools, children and young people and those whose circumstances mean they use the services of the Social Justice Network. We are partners in our diocese and my aim is to ensure we in the Diocesan Board of Finance (DBF) support the work you do more effectively.
For parishes and benefices, this will mean the development of parish, finance and deanery toolkits which are being developed to assist you in growing your church and finances. We will review the work of the funded youth ministries and explore ways of expanding this work further to help create a lasting legacy and ensure every child has access to effective ministry.
Up to fifteen parishes will also take part in the Church Urban Foundation Academy, a national pilot which our diocese has been invited to take part in. I am keen for as many of you as possible to take advantage of the possibilities that Just Park and Renew Wellbeing offer and the DBF will continue to pursue options that make it that little bit easier to “do church” in our part of the country.
Later in the year, we will ask you to take part in a survey. This will be used to determine how parishes see themselves and what help the DBF might offer. Thoughts are turning to future funding requests which we would like to ensure reaches every part of our diocese and this is a chance for you to help determine what should be considered. We want this to be a conversation – you will be listened to and my colleagues and I will listen well.
I hope to see as many of you as possible at the Deanery Roadshows or at other events.
Iain