VISION 2019
THE ANGLICAN PARISH OF CHRIST CHURCH
GRANDE PRAIRIE, ALBERTA
On September 13, 2009, worshippers at Christ Church, Grande Prairie, were treated to a PowerPoint presentation on “Paternalism in the Anglican Church”, which was summarized in one sentence: “Paternalism in the Church is BAD.” As part of our efforts to take ownership of our own Church, the worshippers then answered these questions:
In ten years, where would Jesus want this parish to be in terms of
worship,
education,
prayer,
evangelism,
fellowship and
loving service to others?
In ten years, where would Jesus want the
Anglican Church of Canada to be in terms of
education,
prayer,
evangelism and
loving service to others?
While there were some time constraints imposed on the congregation by the context of Sunday morning worship, respondents were able to create the following lists.
In ten years, Jesus wants Christ Church to be…
in terms of our WORSHIP
- full of worshippers, implying that numbers are important
- evangelistic worship, responding to contemporary needs
- relevant to worshippers, addressing contemporary issues
- quality education about the gospel and the Anglican Church, highlighting and defining our uniqueness
- lively, joyful, youthful, alive, heartfelt
- continuing in our strong liturgical tradition
- less paternalism in our music, use of wider range of instrumentation and musical styles
- all styles of liturgy and music done well
- wide range of media used in worship
In ten years, Jesus wants Christ Church to be…
in terms of our EDUCATION
- education directed at current worshippers and newcomers
- less paternalism in education, both in the delivery (who is responsible for developing, creating and delivering educational programs) and in the reception (learners to take responsibility and ownership for their own education)
- cross-cultural
- inter-generational
- more students in Sunday School, again implying that numbers are important
- more volunteers in delivering educational programs
- encourage youth to be involved in both the delivery and reception of education
- highlight the relevance of the Anglican interpretations of Christianity
- content to be Christ-centred and highlighting the role of the Holy Spirit in Christian living
- use a wide variety of styles and media
In ten years, Jesus wants Christ Church to be…
in terms of our PRAYER
- more devoted in and to prayer
- less wanting (things, blessings) and more thanksgiving
- open to what God has planned
- seeing prayer as a daily discipline and integral to life itself
- providing encouragement to pray both as part of worship and as part of life in the city of Grande Prairie
- have the church building open for prayer more frequently
- developing prayer partnerships, both in the city and around the globe
- encouraging parishioners to take advantage of spiritual direction
- providing retreats and conferences
- providing prayer teams following services so that parishioners may take advantage of directed and specific prayer times
- seeing prayer as a way of life and part of our being
In ten years, Jesus wants Christ Church to be…
in terms of our EVANGELISM
- seeing evangelism as a genuine issue for the parish
- providing practical expressions of evangelism (community kitchen, etc.)
- establishing relationships both in the parish and in the city, so that Christians may meet on common ground
- less paternalism in evangelism, seeing it as everyone’s responsibility
- more sharing of our personal stories of faith inside our worship as well as outside
- proclaiming Jesus through our lifestyles
- be more intentional about advertizing, using a wider variety of media
In ten years, Jesus wants Christ Church to be…
in terms of our FELLOWSHIP
- alive
- accepting and inclusive
- inter-generational
- Christ-focussed
In ten years, Jesus wants Christ Church to be…
in terms of our LOVING SERVICE TO OTHERS
- a community service centre
- developing transportation for those in need
- involved in environmental and social justice issues
- increased involvement in city agencies and social service groups
- providing meaningful and substantive care for our clergy
§§§
In ten years, Jesus wants the Anglican Church of Canada to be…
in terms of EDUCATION
- facilitating diocesan and parochial educational programs
- make the Anglican Church of Canada known for its uniqueness and gifts, as opposed to its conflicts
- designate regional educational offices that can provide support to parishes, especially the rural parishes that make up the majority of parishes in the Church
- facilitate inter-denominational relationships and activities without apologies for specifically Anglican content
In ten years, Jesus wants the Anglican Church of Canada to be…
in terms of PRAYER
- serving as a centre for prayer, encouraging meaningful experiences of prayer in parishes and for governments, troops, social causes
In ten years, Jesus wants the Anglican Church of Canada to be…
in terms of EVANGELISM
- providing connections amongst all Anglicans of whatever style
- dedicate positions that can provide support to parishes in evangelistic efforts and ministries
- maintain links with other denominations, especially those with a history of evangelism
In ten years, Jesus wants the Anglican Church of Canada to be…
in terms of LOVING SERVICE TO OTHERS
- supporting care for parish clergy; care for the caregivers
- promoting PWRDF, Council of the North, social justice issues, environmental issues
- providing connections amongst denominations, dioceses and parishes
Following the creation of these goals, worshippers were encouraged to write out prayers that would work towards implementing such goals. These are our prayers for our parish and our Church.
Hear our cry, O Lord,
for this our parish of Christ Church
We pray that it will have increased our building size to hold the huge increase in parishioners, thus having a much greater amount of offerings to do God’s work.
Help us express to others our love and concern for them.
Enable us to have more popular music, more social functions, more people in our Church and less divorce issues.
We pray that we continue to grow.
Lord, guide us in our actions to show that our community is alive.
Help us to use what you have taught us to teach those around us.
Allow us to embrace changes and to create a space for all Christians to feel at home.
Thank you for all of our individual gifts, may we encourage each other to use our gifts in celebration of your love through worship, service, evangelism, prayer and education.
We pray that with God’s help our Church may be more involved in the problems of the community and the world. May we be less self-centred and more caring of others.
Hear our cry, O Lord,
for the Anglican Church of Canada
Lord, enable us to remain a traditional Anglican Church.
O God, grant us more clergy.
Father, help us to care for all human beings, and help us to banish greed from our lives.
Lord, enable us to help each Church and band together.
Lord, guide our hearts through the difficult pathways of change.
Allow us to work together as an Anglican community to infuse your light and love into a church full of life.
Thank you for your words, teachings, love and faith. Help us to follow the path you have set for us.
Father, make it easier to elect new bishops.
I pray that the Church changes its stand on marriage and divorce.
I pray that the Anglican Church will not be held back by tradition, but be more whole and rounded because of it and embrace new ideas along the way.
Lord, grant that with God’s help the church may be more co-operative and understanding of people of other faiths.
Hear our cry, O Lord,
for this our parish of Christ Church
Lord, may we have more compassion for each other, no matter how much money we have. It seems like the ones who have money make the ones who are less fortunate feel inadequate.
I pray that we may all be able to live in harmony with God and each other and that we may respect everyone no matter of status, rich or poor.
Lord, I pray that we reach out to the youth in our city.
I pray that this Church continue to be welcoming to newcomers, to be family oriented and be open to humanity (mistakes and all).
I pray that this Church continue to ask questions of its parishioners and challenge them to face difficult issues that they have with their relationships with God.
I also pray that the music and worship leaders be more inspired and lead with joy and passion.
Lord, I pray that Christ Church to go forward to obtain their goals with-in ten years.
Lord, may this Church be full every Sunday.
Lord, help us to be free in our worship to you. May we be filled in the Holy Spirit and abundant in our attendance every Sunday.
Hear our cry, O Lord,
for the Anglican Church of Canada
Lord, may our Church reflect the enthusiasm from the growing faith in the individual parishes.
God, may the acknowledgement of you, which was inherent in forming this country, be prominent in the social action of the National Church.
My prayer would be for God’s will in all planning and action in order to provide focus and relevance to all Anglicans.
Lord, I pray that the Anglican Church will follow the principles and true meanings of the Bible as to be more closely in tune with your wishes.
I pray for unity, also an understanding of different perspectives and ideas- diversity.
O God, I pray for a heart of wisdom, strength of purpose, clarity of vision and worthy of trust for our leaders.
I pray that the Church build on positive parts of our Church history and open lines of communication with every Anglican.
Lord, may we be more accepting of all faiths. May we embrace all clergy and become more inviting to fill our Church with fun and fellowship.
Hear our cry, O Lord,
for this our parish of Christ Church
May the parish of Christ Church be a vibrant, caring Christian community that seeks to build relationships within the church and city.
May Christ Church be a place where people of all ages are welcome and supported in their journey.
May Christ Church be a leader in stewardship of the earth and social justice.
Bless us, Saviour, with a heart of thankfulness that looks inward for your presence and outward to see your action and the need for your action and a willingness to be the conduit of your presence and action wherever it is needed.
Father, help us to develop a clear intent, open to worshipers of all races. Enable us to have a clear mission statement, available at the door, in the signage and the newspaper.
May we celebrate the Arts, allowing fellowship through a genuine meeting place in a vibrant community, not only Sunday services but also evenings, weekends, regular festivals and other occasions.
I pray that this parish may be alive and joyful as it shares Christ’s word to and with all believers and non-believers.
Hear our cry, O Lord,
for the Anglican Church of Canada
Lord, may the Anglican Church of Canada be a vital and relevant part of the global ecumenical community. May it provide leadership and support of the many provinces, diocese and parishes it serves and continue to be a steward for humanitarianism and social justice throughout the world
I pray that the Church will accept all people regardless of their differences.
Lord, grant that all sides will resolve their issues with prayer and loving kindness.
Father, may there be an expression of global hospitality among Anglicans everywhere in the love of Jesus as our personal Saviour.
Lord, may we be empowered to deal with our understanding of marriage.
I pray that the Anglican Church will become renewed and relevant while maintaining a rich tradition, and also able to be welcoming and evangelistic.
Father, may we be able to agree in some way, regarding same sex marriages.
Lord, I pray for openness to change where change is needed, for courage to make efficient decisions and to remain Christ centred.
Hear our cry, O Lord,
for this our parish of Christ Church
Heavenly Father, open our hearts and minds to your spirit. Help us to bring your Church to a place where your glory shines in all we do, that we would make our lives a prayer.
May our worship will be joyful, lively and full of praise with music that allows us to be free and open. In all this help us to still maintain the rich liturgy that we now have.
Help us to proclaim Jesus with comfort and certainty.
We pray that we may reach out to those who need our love, care and the good news of Jesus.
Lord, being your followers and children we need to listen to your plea. Help us to hear your voice and to speak your word. Help us tell our stories of our relationship with you so that you may have many more followers. We cannot do this without you Lord. We love you with our whole selves. Protect us from the evils of this world.
Dear Heavenly Father, we pray that you help our church continue to grow in the knowledge of your existence. We ask that you will always be with our parish, and that we may shine in your love.
I pray that our parish will have a larger congregation,
May we have too many volunteers, and be a welcoming place for people from all walks of life.
Hear our cry, O Lord,
for the Anglican Church of Canada
Lord, I pray for better communication and education
I pray that the Anglican Church of Canada will support all parishes to continue spreading the word of Christ.
Dear Lord, keep the Anglican Church together, with old traditions and yet gently introduce new traditions for all, including the youth for they are the Church of tomorrow.
I pray that the Church build on positive parts of our Church history and open lines of communication with every Anglican.
O God, who has brought us through many centuries of worship and living our faith, guide and strengthen the Anglican Church of Canada as it moves forward with the new vision you have given. Keep our eyes fixed on you as the perfecter of the vision.
May we move forward in confidence and in your will to a church that celebrates and shares the abundance and blessing of life in you. May we reflect your Son our Saviour, Jesus Christ, in all that we say and do.
Bless the leadership of the Anglican Church of Canada, particularly those involved in education, evangelism, worship, prayer and loving service.
We pray this in Jesus’ name.
Hear our cry, O Lord,
for this our parish of Christ Church
Lord, I pray for evangelism in the Church and that we be open to your will. May we have more fellowship, with social activities, youth groups and more lively music.
Father, may we grow in community and numbers, worship and action, so that a second parish is required in Grande Prairie.
Lord, I pray that in ten years we will have a loving, caring Church with meaningful worship and open to everyone in the community and that our service will be based on faith, love and belief in Jesus Christ.
Lord, I pray that the people of Christ Church will have the courage to open their hearts and minds to the wondrous plans that God has for our lives, to grow and nurture others, to seek Jesus in all things and to listen for him.
That we remove our egos and work as a whole for God’s will, embracing everyone’s uniqueness.
Lord, I pray for better attendance at the Church: for youth attendance to be large; for better involvement with the community at large.
May the Anglican Church be welcoming to anyone. May we, by the love and respect we have towards each other, show that God lives here.
Hear our cry, O Lord,
for the Anglican Church of Canada
May we grow in faith by encouraging individual parishes to do the same.
Lord, I pray for the Anglican Church of Canada to remember other parishes that are small so not be forgotten.
Lord, I pray for priests that need help getting people to come to Church.
Father, may the Anglican Church of Canada be less aloof. May they interact more with all the parishes across Canada from coast to coast.
Dear Lord, please let us be aware of the Church throughout all of Canada, the differences not only in living conditions but also in needs. Let us be better communicators.
Lord, I pray that the Anglican Church will follow the principles and true meanings of the bible as to be more closely in tune with your wishes.
I pray for unity and understanding of different perspectives and ideas- diversity.
Hear our cry, O Lord,
for this our parish of Christ Church
Please somehow encourage all Anglicans to return to Christ Church again. The city and surrounding areas of Grande Prairie are full of Anglicans. The Anglican Church has touched many lives and hearts in the past, many have been hurt in one way or another and have stopped attending. Heal their hearts Lord and encourage them to come back to worship at Christ Church.
I pray for new music with up-beat hymns and songs. May we retain our liturgy but expand our faith. May the sermons be shortened and message from the scriptures to be in today’s language related to today’s happenings.
I pray for growth, with more community outreach, care for congregation members, children’s programming (Sunday School & nursery).
Lord, I pray that our parish will allow all who attend to be more in-tune with the teachings of Jesus Christ and follow your commandments.
Lord, I pray you watch over our congregation and town of Grande Prairie. I pray you watch over all the sick people in the world and I pray for world peace. Thank you, for blessing us with our minister who is a great preacher. I pray that you please forgive me for my sins and make my heart pure.
Hear our cry, O Lord,
for this our parish of Christ Church
Heavenly Father we praise you for your gift of the Church. We know that we do not always live as the Church you created us to be and we are sorry. We claim your mercy as we seek to work out our community faith.
Lord, we ask your wisdom in looking at who we are now and the courage to see who you want us to be.
We ask for your presence and strength as we struggle to share our faith with one another and with those outside our community.
As we move forward, we beg the inspiration and guidance of your Holy Spirit. Open our hearts and minds to see and hear your will for this parish of Christ Church.
Thank you for the great gift of your Son, Jesus through whom we pray.
Dear Lord, please let us become more aware of the needs of others in our community and reach out to them. Let us continue to pray for our Church and its members, remembering that we are all different, have different needs and ways of life. Let us continue to pray for the world and victims of violence.
May we be vibrant with primary, youth and mature groups, making a family atmosphere.
