Vivid Vision
In August 2025, the Elder’s Assembly of the Parish of Traprain met to consider where God is leading us and to imagine a future vision for our church. This exercise built on the Vivid Vision for the Church of Scotland which has been set out by the national Faith Action Programme Leadership Team – https://www.churchofscotland.org.uk/about-us/departments/faith-action-programme-committees-and-departments/faith-action-programme/vivid-vision
During 2026, everyone connected with the Parish of Traprain is invited to contribute to this process of developing this vision for our church, and to consider our next steps for taking this forward.
A meeting will take place on 29 Jan at 7pm in Prestonkirk Stables for all who would be share their thoughts. If you are unable to attend this meeting, Douglas would welcome any feedback or comments that you have on the draft below. You can email him at dhamilton@churchofscotland.org.uk
The objective of the Parish of Traprain is to be a community of people who follow Jesus by loving God with all our heart, soul and mind; and loving our neighbours as ourselves. (Matt 22: 34-40)
In loving God, we enable people to draw closer to God through worship, prayer, learning and service.
In loving others, we show and share Christ’s love in tangible ways within our church, our community and beyond.
DRAFT VIVID VISION
Summary: We have a vision of a church without walls – alive in worship, rooted in Jesus, and welcoming to all. A church where every generation finds faith, friendship, and purpose; where love is lived out daily; and where Christ’s hope shines at the heart of our communities.
Our vision is of a church that is alive throughout the whole week, not just on Sundays. A church that is woven into the heartbeat of our community – where people know it as a place of friendship, welcome, and care. It’s a “church without walls”: not limited to a building, but present wherever people gather.
The church is more than its Sunday services – it is a living network of love, support, and service – a church where every person has a place to belong and a part to play. Members are not just attendees but servants and friends – encouraging, loving, and supporting one another. Together, we live out acts of kindness and compassion: sitting with the lonely, comforting the grieving, walking alongside the struggling, offering hope and healing to the brokenhearted. In every circumstance of life, the church is a first point of call, a steady presence that people know they can turn to, and a place where God’s love is made real.
Children and young people grow up knowing the church as a natural part of life. They find joy in the creative fun of Messy Church and holiday clubs throughout the year. Teenagers from Youth Club are getting involved in other aspects of church life and discovering Jesus. Families who might never have stepped through the doors before are drawn in by these events, finding faith through welcome, encouragement, and genuine community. The younger generation are learning to read the Bible, to pray in everyday life, and to see God as part of their story.
Across three main worship centres, the whole congregation journeys together as one church family, with transport available within the Parish to keep everyone connected. Worship is vibrant and accessible with different styles, discovering ways that meet people where they are and draw them closer to Him.
Buildings are cared for with love, looking fresh and inviting, and open throughout the week for prayer, fellowship, and community events. Social gatherings, meals, and celebrations bring people together – not just churchgoers, but neighbours, families, and friends. The church becomes a place where God is spoken about naturally, where discipleship is nurtured, where stewardship is practiced, and where people are invited to discover faith for themselves.
This vision is of a church filled with people each Sunday, and throughout the week, because it is a place where they truly belong and are known. A church that is Christ centred, welcoming, prayerful, outward-looking, and joyfully alive. A church where all are loved, supported, and encouraged. A church that is unmistakably part of the community, and undeniably shaped by the love of Christ.