'Leading your Church into Growth' is the new Church of England's initiative.

We’ve spent much of the last six years taking forward the Diocesan Vision – Healthy Churches Transforming Communities and I don’t think we should underestimate the work that has been undertaken by so many members of our PCC and congregation at Christ Church over this time.
We have now, as a benefice, been invited to be part of the Parish Renewal Programme, ‘Leading your Church into Growth’ which will be our focus for the coming year and beyond.
David Ascroft and I attended the first induction session at Whalley Abbey along with Revd Judith, and a representative from each of the other three churches in our Benefice.
As with all good things in our church life, the key focus is prayer and how we can create an intentionally prayerful culture of growth. We learnt of the successes of other Parishes in developing this initiative in their churches and was given a brief overview of the programme for the year.
I am truly excited by what we heard and hope this will lead to more growth in all its aspects.
There will be an induction session for our wardens, treasurer, secretary and Vision Champion at the end of September 2024 when we will learn more. But in the meantime I ask that you pray intentionally for our church here at Christ Church and the other churches in our Benefice as we find new ways and develop those of our own, to lead our precious church into growth for both now and future generations to come. Jesus told us where one or two are gathered in my name, I am there among you.
God Bless,
Revd. Catherine Hale-Heighway.