OUR VISION
In 1999, the Parish began a process of Discerning the Vision for the continuing ministry and mission of our two parish churches and their congregations. We decided that the parish should:

• continue to maintain the two parish churches, each with its distinctive pattern and style of worship
• provide greater opportunities for the worshipping congregations and the wider community to engage in the life of the Church
• engage in a community audit in preparation for new initiatives
• rationalise its building assets.

A Community Audit was carried out in the summer of 2003 (click here for more details of the audit. We consulted widely on the use of our buildings, to see how suitable they are for their current purpose, and how they might also accommodate new projects. In the light of these discussions, we commissioned an architect to draw up exciting plans. Land released for housing, and for building of a new facility for the Sea Scouts, would enable the parish to restore and develop the two church buildings, together with new rooms at St Andrew's and an adjacent church hall to St Mark's together with a new vicarage.

Update 2008
Planning approval for all plans from the Local Borough was gained in autumn 2007 and spring 2008.
The Diocese of Southwark gave the go-ahead for the faculty process in July 2008.
It is now anticipated that the first phase of works will begin at the end of 2008. This will involve releasing land for building of affordable housing and the new scouts' facility on the site of St Andrew's Hall, and then restoration of St Andrew's Church.
Consequently St Andrew's will close on Advent Sunday 2008 for a period of about 12 months so that preparations can begin.

To find out more about the Vision, click here for some Frequently Asked Questions.

"Seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you ... and pray to the Lord on its behalf, for in its welfare you will find your welfare."   Jeremiah 29:7