THE RECTOR WRITES
November 2013
I’ve watched the scaffolding growing up over the Church of the Holy and Undivided Trinity over the last number of weeks. It’s been like ivy (very heavy duty metal and timber ivy) spreading up and across each of the faces of the building.
For now, of course, the building remains usable for services – and I’ve been very moved by some of the large gatherings we have hosted in the building during this time. Seeing people walking past the high level west window has been a little disconcerting.
The refurbishment works have, unfortunately, had an effect upon the Christmas Tree Festival and we are no longer able to host the event. I know that you will share my sadness in this – but the practicalities and logistics proved insurmountable. I know there will be exciting opportunities for events which will make the building a focus for our outreach in the months to come.
It is also worth saying at this stage that the church is likely to be out of action for the majority, if not all, of January to March 2014. During this period, it is likely that defective internal plaster will be removed, and the building dry out before re-plastering. During this time, we will make use of the parish hall for services. I value your understanding and patience, as well as your practical support, during this time.
Watching the external work on the church building reminds me of one of the insights of the apostle Paul.
He says in 2 Corinthians 5: “Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.”
Our hope for the church building is that once the outside is repaired, the inside will follow. What about our lives? Paul has a sense of getting older, weaker, physically more frail, while, all the time having an increasing spiritual vitality.
With the right resources, it will be possible for us to repair the fabric of a church building. It takes God’s Holy Spirit to inwardly and constantly renew, refresh and revive the church.
In a month which tends towards reflections on the past – let’s pray that God will be working in each of us as he leads us into his future.
Yours in Christ
Gareth