The Rector writes…
At the meeting on Tuesday evening the PCC voted unanimously to apply for a faculty for the internal reordering of our main worship space. The final Statement of Need (which includes some minor changes from the large plans on the wall) is available in church if you’d like to read it. The application for a faculty includes a 28-day period of consultation during which interested parties can make comments. The Diocesan Chancellor will then make the final decision based on our proposal, advice from DAC and any comments received. Please pray for a smooth process and for our plans for where and when we will meet during the period (4-6 months) when the church is closed. Please also pray for wisdom and God’s provision regarding Stage 2 (the changes to the Parish Room and installing a mezzanine floor). Whilst Stage 1 will be funded by a grant from the Hawkes Bequest, we will have to raise the money for this improvement work ourselves, from donations, grants and loans.
I’m sure we will all find it rather strange meeting elsewhere for a while. But our hope is not only that we will end up with a building far better suited to our needs but that the time away will, in itself, be an opportunity for witness, mission and growth. May God inspire us and bless us and grow his church through this time!