Examples of progress so far in parishes across the Diocese
This page aims to help and inspire. No parish is being compared with another. If we have used a quotation it is because we found it helpful and hope you will.
We are grateful to all the parishes who have worked hard and sent in their MAPs and also to the many who wrote and e-mailed and phoned, explaining that their MAP may not yet be complete but is on its way.
Throughout the Diocese, in every Deanery, there is evidence of hope, commitment and a willingness to engage seriously in mission thinking, mission praying and mission action.
The MAPs show a Church on the move. The MAPs are inspirational and challenging and people are truly dreaming dreams, having visions and actively seeking to work with God beyond the boundaries of our buildings in the heart of our communities.
What’s the use of Mission Action Planning?
Nigel Cahill talks to Clare Rabjohns, a youth representative on the PCC of Roath St Saviour’s.
Q How did you get involved in “MAPing”?
A There was a PCC meeting, and I am a youth member, and I thought about it a lot.
Q Why do you think “MAPing” is important?
A Because if you have something written down you can refer to it and it gives you targets to aim for.
Q How did you devise such an imaginative way of presenting the MAP?
A My mother and I learned about the PATH system via Circles Network Wales, and it seemed to me a good idea to use it to present the MAP.
Q What is “PATH”?
A PATH—Planning Alternative Tomorrows with Hope - comes from working with individuals who need help expressing themselves verbally or in writing. You gather together a group who commit to being with that person - giving their time and talents to help people take forward their dreams. You start with now and seeing how things are, and then you make short term goals for the next few months, then a year and then five years. All the people who have offered to help will work on the actions needed to transform the life of someone who may be disabled, and take them to the next step. The commitment is for good - for the long haul. People think "How can we make this happen?" But there must be no holding back. The key is: commitment and action.
The beauty of this sort of approach is that the sum of the talents is always greater than you ever imagine it could be for a small group of people, and the effect they have is truly transforming.
Q Why did you think PATH would be helpful for the parish MAP?
A It is useful to have something visual and to involve everyone. It's an easy way to involve all ages and make sure even the youngest know about our plans for the future. Even the words are easy to read.