The Parish Strategic Plan

The Parish of Opawa-St Martins is an Anglican whanau who bring life to the world through their loving care for all people, in their dynamic creativity, their seeking to know God, and in their coming together as a multigenerational community.

We are seeking to be a church that provides space for people to grow, to be nurtured and cared for within a companionable and refreshing community. We are open to growth and change and ready to adapt to new challenges. We want to welcome all who come to us and engage in loving service of the community. We seek to offer the best riches we can find from the treasury of our Anglican tradition and we seek to have fun as we worship, celebrate and work together.

Actions for the Future

Consolidation of what we have

• More study groups
• Use gifts of people
• Nurture spiritual needs
• Rest and reflection for all
• Hospitality from the heart

Communications (see also Finance and Administration)

Summary: Consolidation of Correct and Up to date Information, more easily available

• Up to date  and improved church notice board(s)
• Advertise community events
• Advertise through residents’ groups
• Database of skills in parish
• Develop St Mark’s Press
  • Welcome packs for new residents
  • Welcome packs for new parishioners
  • Welcome packs for those who casually visit church
  • Newsletters
  • Web
  • Directory of resources and activities

Community Outreach (see also Plant)

Summary:  Many possibilities

• Planet

Climate change action

Environmental group

• Locally Ongoing        

Blokes shed

Making toys

Sharing grandparents’ skills

Cooking lessons for Dads

Model making

Musicians/ Artists/ drama/ creativity

Afternoons for elderly at St Anne’s

Free lunch at St Anne’s once a week

Op- shop

Support Little Annie’s

Baby Sitting club

Veggie Co-op

After school programme

No sport on Sunday

• Locally One Off

Invite friends/neighbours to a special event(s)/ service(s)

Have a parish arts festival

Produce a giveaway cookbook – nutritious and cheap recipes

Finance and Administration (see also Staff, Communication)

Summary: Stewardship and 2-3 clergy needed

• Have faith money will be available for permanent leadership
• Stewardship
• Review committee structure

Parish Plant Possibilities (see also Community Outreach)

Summary: Use and prioritize resources

• Buy Café in Centaurus Roadand rename” Parish Pump”
• Coffee Ministry 20-35 year olds on Sunday Night
• Develop St Anne’s as Community Centre
• Prioritize availability of buildings
• Do we need all our current property?
• Use our resources better
• Develop a memorial garden

Pastoral Care

Summary: Looking Outward

• Visit those not able to come to church
• Ministry to Polytech
• Ministry Council Housing eg Vincent Place
• Support Glenelg Health Camp
• Support Waltham Community Cottage
• People on Fringes of Society
• Caring for Careers – arranger time out for them
• In our workplaces
• Aid stressed parents

Spiritual Growth

Summary: Seeking and searching for more

• House Groups
• Blokes Shed
• Confirmation
• Baptism
• Tikanga Maori – develop partnership, cultural growth
• Cursillo
• Theological Study
• More teaching about matters Anglican and liturgical and biblical
• Formation as Christians
• Educate children in basic Christianity
• Plan a pilgrimage
• Link to Mainly Music

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