In a "Four Churches, One Vision" Parish Morning, several members from all four churches of the Parish of Elstree and Borehamwood discussed the current state of their community, focusing on both strengths and challenges faced in our diverse Churches.
What's Going Well
Attendees highlighted several signs of growth and hope, including a rise in new and returning members, an increase in younger parishioners, and the addition of new Lay Leaders of Worship. They celebrated the welcoming atmosphere of the churches and the success of various community programs, such as Wednesday Lunch prayers and Morning prayer sessions.
Areas for Improvement
Despite the positive developments, the parish faces hurdles. A significant concern is the struggle to find a new Team Rector, along with a lack of consistent parish-wide support for joint events. There's also a feeling that a small group of people carry the bulk of the workload. Financial struggles were also mentioned, particularly with paying their Parish Share, and the need for a facelift for St. Michael's Hall was noted.
Community Impact
The churches were recognised as a vital part of the wider Elstree and Borehamwood community. They are a blessing to the town, offering weddings, funerals, and memorial services. They also provide essential outreach through initiatives like Warm Spaces with hot meals, the Welcome Café, and volunteer support for local food banks. The churches offer a safe, inclusive space for people to find spiritual guidance, and their legacy of prayer and charitable giving was seen as a key gift to the community.
Moving Forward Together
The group discussed how the four churches support one another through shared events, prayer, and financial assistance. They also identified specific ways to strengthen their collaboration. Suggestions included assisting other churches with key events, such as Pet Services, and distributing flyers for community programs. There was a strong call for parishioners to be more proactive in offering help across the parish, moving toward a unified "fighting force" mentality to further their shared mission.
Please see the PDF for a full breakdown of the discussions and issues raised.
September 2025