Exciting New from Father Alex
At St Matthew's church we were very fortunate to receive some generous donations from the general public after the BBC News item back in December. We appointed a working party in how best to use the resource we received and ensure St Matthew's could continue to serve the parish whilst being fit for the future. We have taken our time to consider how we could do this regarding the church space and it was clear we needed to be outward looking, beyond our regular and unchanged Eucharistic services.
Subject to permission being granted by the Archdeacon, the PCC has authorised a temporary re-ordering of the church (for 18 months) to create opportunities for education, worship, prayer, socialising, community engagement and events. This will mean rather than putting all the chairs back after Covid-19 restrictions we will be putting some back and removing others to create a 'space' to offer to the community inside the church (all chairs that have a dedication plaque will be kept in use). The worship area will be more intimate and we look forward to 'unlocking' things (more on that below).
We will be exploring the possibility of opening church everyday, serving 'decent' complementary coffee and offering fellowship to our parish.
We will offer mental health support to those who need it and signpost the most vulnerable people in our parish to the correct people who can help.
We will be partnering ecumenically, and with charities, who can provide support. We will offer pastoral care and support to the most vulnerable people in our parish and beyond and support other churches in their work if required.
We will continue to grow our relationships with our church school and our friends from other schools in the local area.
We are now part of the Inclusive Church Network and we will ensure people of all backgrounds, colour, religion, sexual identity, disability will be made welcome and encouraged to explore their faith. We plan to make the church more accessible and user-friendly.
This is a exciting time for St Matthew's and as the Vicar I recognise change can be difficult, but also that change is sometimes necessary. We will continue our work humbly. This is a thought-through approach to try something different and we hope it is well received. As the Vicar I genuinely recognise this is a huge shift for the congregation and unchartered territory for our church but I do believe it offers us the opportunity for growth.
Please note, this is a St Matthew's church project and not in conjunction with any other church or churches, although we will support other churches if required and we are able.
The aesthetic and appearance of our beautiful church will fundamentally remain the same, and visitors old and new will still recognise it as it was. It has always been our intention to preserve the beauty and attraction of St Matthew's.
This update may arouse some questions, and myself and Rev Kat are happy to take questions or your concerns at anytime.
May these agreed changes help us to further spread the Gospel of Jesus, particularly to those who need it most.
Please keep God's church of St Matthew's in your prayers.
At St Matthew's church we were very fortunate to receive some generous donations from the general public after the BBC News item back in December. We appointed a working party in how best to use the resource we received and ensure St Matthew's could continue to serve the parish whilst being fit for the future. We have taken our time to consider how we could do this regarding the church space and it was clear we needed to be outward looking, beyond our regular and unchanged Eucharistic services.
Subject to permission being granted by the Archdeacon, the PCC has authorised a temporary re-ordering of the church (for 18 months) to create opportunities for education, worship, prayer, socialising, community engagement and events. This will mean rather than putting all the chairs back after Covid-19 restrictions we will be putting some back and removing others to create a 'space' to offer to the community inside the church (all chairs that have a dedication plaque will be kept in use). The worship area will be more intimate and we look forward to 'unlocking' things (more on that below).
We will implement tables, chairs, catering, and a food bank area. The Lady Chapel will soon return to a chapel used specifically for Holy Communion
We will be exploring new ways to worship, outside of our regular Eucharistic services, which remain unchanged. The Breakfast club will move into the church space.We will be exploring the possibility of opening church everyday, serving 'decent' complementary coffee and offering fellowship to our parish.
We will offer mental health support to those who need it and signpost the most vulnerable people in our parish to the correct people who can help.
We will be partnering ecumenically, and with charities, who can provide support. We will offer pastoral care and support to the most vulnerable people in our parish and beyond and support other churches in their work if required.
We will continue to grow our relationships with our church school and our friends from other schools in the local area.
We are now part of the Inclusive Church Network and we will ensure people of all backgrounds, colour, religion, sexual identity, disability will be made welcome and encouraged to explore their faith. We plan to make the church more accessible and user-friendly.
This is a exciting time for St Matthew's and as the Vicar I recognise change can be difficult, but also that change is sometimes necessary. We will continue our work humbly. This is a thought-through approach to try something different and we hope it is well received. As the Vicar I genuinely recognise this is a huge shift for the congregation and unchartered territory for our church but I do believe it offers us the opportunity for growth.
Please note, this is a St Matthew's church project and not in conjunction with any other church or churches, although we will support other churches if required and we are able.
The aesthetic and appearance of our beautiful church will fundamentally remain the same, and visitors old and new will still recognise it as it was. It has always been our intention to preserve the beauty and attraction of St Matthew's.
This update may arouse some questions, and myself and Rev Kat are happy to take questions or your concerns at anytime.
May these agreed changes help us to further spread the Gospel of Jesus, particularly to those who need it most.
Please keep God's church of St Matthew's in your prayers.