I am very grateful to all who took time to respond to the first phase of our Vision Consultation. Thank you too for the thought that went into those contributions and the gracious way in which views were expressed.

Following the close of the consultation period, six generous Parochial Church Council (PCC) members summarised the feedback in time for a special meeting of the PCC on Saturday 2 May. Under the careful leadership of Neil McDonald we spent time discerning where we believe energy and attention needs to be focused for the next phase of the consultation.

As a result of that day six issues (or projects) have been identified.

Issue 1: To identify gaps in the current worship provision, to research how we might fill them and propose how we might realistically take this forward, including considering how children and young people can be engaged more effectively.

Issue 2: To consider the church's buildings with a view to exploring what changes would facilitate the worship and outreach goals.

Issue 3: To develop a package of initiatives to attract men aged 20-60.

Issue 4: To implement a learning programme under which all are encouraged to assess their training needs and are helped to find suitable learning opportunities.

Issue 5: To identify and equip sufficient teachers / leaders to achieve our learning and youth goals.

Issue 6: To carry out a comprehensive communications review, including a survey to understand our 'market' for outreach purposes.

Our aim as a PCC is to establish working groups that can take each of these issues forward. These groups will in turn hope to involve, consult and communicate! Meanwhile, all that we value about life at St Nicolas will continue to take place.

These could be exciting times for us as we hold before the Lord the work of St Nicolas and seek his leading for our future direction. Please do continue to pray and to ask 'what will build the work of the kingdom of God in this place?'

In Christian love

Alan Jenkins