In the church office, Bishop Michael Ingham signs the Parish Covenant document, which wardens Terry Kennedy and Fiona Galway, rector Sharon Salomons, and warden Brian McIntyre look on. (Polly Betterton photos)

All Saints, Mission has completed the Get Fit Keep Fit process, with a new beginning.

After 10 people attended a Get Fit, Keep Fit diocesan event in March last year, they started planning a parish event.

On a Saturday in the following September, more people attended a discovery day than were at church the following Sunday. Using the Affirmative Inquiry process they shared their stories and formed a list of core values and wishes.

A steering committee then met to write a Report, which was finalized by November. The Canonical Committee found the information was invaluable as they created a parish profile.

Parish statistics and ministry information were available and little rewriting was necessary. Most useful was the fact that the strengths and challenges truly reflected the parish.

This also helped the Canonical Committee in the interview process. Following the arrival of our new incumbent, Sharon Salomons, the steering committee began meeting to create a new Covenant in Ministry. The parish now has goals and action plans for the next five years.

Bishop Michael Ingham speaks with children of the parish during the special service.

As the parish health has improved, many of the goals are already being acted upon.  Signing a parish covenant with Bishop Michael signals our desire to move forward as a parish in this diocese together.