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A Message from the Rector

Well here we are, it's been a long time coming hasn't it? This is our opportunity to really forward the work of our church not just now, but for years to come. We have all known that our present church hall needs replacing. Structurally the building is deteriorating month by month. But that is not the only problem. It was built in a different era for different needs. Even if we could repair the building, which we can't, it would not be worth it. Yes we have to start again, but what a great opportunity this is. We can now build a hall which we can be proud of and which will serve the needs of the church into the foreseeable future.

I hope that you have had a look at the detailed plans for the hall which are at the back of the church. At the present time the plans are awaiting local planning approval but we are not expecting any problems as there has been extensive consultation with the planning department, the conservation officer and the highways department. I think the plans for the new hall are exciting and will allow a greater flexibility of use than we have at the present time. And we will have decent toilets!!

Of course we also know that to build this hall we are going to have to find nearly £600,000. That seems a lot of money, and it is a lot of money, but I believe we can do it. We know that we will be eligible for certain grants but those grants are dependent upon how much money we ourselves can find. I believe that the P.C.C. have already shown a generous spirit and have led the way in our fund raising. If members of the church follow their lead we will have no problem in getting the work underway at the earliest opportunity.

In our morning services we are at the present time thinking about Nehemiah. It's a very instructive book for us to look at. Nehemiah faced a task which was even greater than our - he was called to the task of rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem! I'm sure that for many the task seemed beyond them. But Nehemiah was a man of faith, he knew what could be accomplished in the power of God, and he knew what could be accomplished when Gods people turned their faces to the task. That is what we are asking you to do. To first of all pray for the success of this venture (for without prayer we will struggle on in our own strength) and then to ask ourselves what part can I play in this building work. How sad it would be if some decided, for different reasons, to distance themselves from this venture. How will they feel when they enter the new hall knowing that they played no, or very little part, in its building? That is what strikes me and that is why I have committed myself to this new build in both time energy and yes finance, and I ask you to do the same.

I believe that the task we are engaged upon is part of God's work and I want to be involved in it. Hopefully you will too.

"Unless the Lord builds the house the labourers labour in vain" (Psalm 127:1)

Let us all pray and work for a good end to this task so that Gods work can continue to flourish and grow in our community.

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