Sponsored by our Deanery Synodal Council – this list of resources was compiled in July 2025

Issues or practices having a bearing on this included:
How to reach those not yet knowing Christ … How to become a Church that embraces change … Importance of communal prayer … Need for synergy across the Deanery … Social gatherings/events … Need for better communication across Deanery. … Bible study groups to prepare people for Sunday readings. … Need for clergy to encourage and welcome lay leadership … Living Christ Retreats. … Alpha Groups. … Life in the Spirit seminars. … Importance of greeters at Church warmly welcoming people, helping them to feel valued, included and wanting to come back. … Support for families. … More follow-up to sacramental programmes. … More sharing of facilities, resources, ideas and talent across Deanery (including use of church halls and school halls). … Possibility of occasional Deanery Mass to bring people together. … Encouragement of small-group faith-sharing opportunities. … Some arranged transport to help people to attend meetings and church. … Improving public address system in church (where needed). … Need to find ways of attracting parents of young children to support them in talking about their faith. … More communication from parish councils within parishes and across the Deanery. … Greater willingness among laity to step forward to take on responsibilities so as to reduce burden on clergy (this needs encouragement). … More opportunities across Deanery for open dialogue about needs, developments and initiatives in other parishes – to foster more collaboration between parishes. 

NB. Concern about reaching out to and engaging youth was raised; this is the second of three priorities for our Deanery Synodal Council (the third being charity/outreach to those in need).  These priorities are also being addressed by the Deanery Synodal Council. 

Click on the small image above to get a full size pdf version with hyperlinks as appropriate.

John Sullivan, on behalf of Deanery Synodal Council for Sefton Coast North 
(Ince Blundell, Hightown, Formby, Woodvale, Ainsdale, Birkdale, Southport & Churchtown)