---

Dear Friends,

In my report to the Annual Church Meeting, I referred to the United Reformed Church’s Vision2020 initiative launched over 10 years ago.  I reminded myself – and, perhaps, you – that the programme included a list of priorities for mission with the challenge that, in each area, the denomination, including each local congregation, would be able to articulate a clear sense of how they were addressing this mission priority 10 years on.  In order to help stimulate reflection on these challenges within the life of PURC, I list them here and I will be glad to hear from you about how well you think we are doing.

Statement 1: Spirituality and prayer

We will grow in our practice of prayer and spirituality, nurturing strength for our witness to Jesus Christ, and developing our discernment of where God is and what God is calling us to do by reading and studying the Bible and through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Statement 2: Identity

The URC will be a Church where every local congregation will be able to say who they are, what they do and why they do it.

Statement 3: Christian Ecumenical Partnerships

We will be more confident in our identity, valuing the treasures of our tradition, discerning when to seek ecumenical partnerships, and when and how to seek the further unity of the Church.

Statement 4: Community partnerships

We will be a Church that is more active in the life of local neighbourhoods.

Statement 5: Hospitality and diversity

We will be a Church committed to becoming even more welcoming and hospitable, and embracing all people equally.

Statement 6: Evangelism

We will be more confident to engage in evangelism, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom of God with friends, families and strangers, through story and action.

Statement 7: Church growth

We will be a growing Church with an increasing membership.

Statement 8: Global partnerships

We will be a Church that is an active partner in God’s global mission with other Churches around the world.

Statement 9: Justice and peace

We will be a Church committed to peacemaking and reconciliation that keeps faith with the poor and challenges injustice.

Statement 10: The integrity of creation

We will be a Church that has taken significant steps to safeguard the integrity of creation, to sustain and renew the life of the earth.

Any thoughts?

With love and prayers, Russell

---

Posted – 1 July 2021