ST ERKENWALD'S

A church building that is well designed, welcoming and warm, both flexible and comfortable, catering for the wider range of needs of the church and the wider-community acting as a sign of God's Kingdom.

To date the Oasis Centre project has raised £144,000 as part of a goal to reach £1,000,000 for the whole project

The plans show the first phase of a new development known as the Oasis Centre which provides just the basics. Subsequent phase(s) will provide rooms of a flexible nature so they can be adapted to meet a variety of purposes from one-to-one counselling through small groups to larger gatherings. It’s our desire, and we believe our calling, for the Oasis Centre to be a place for healing. But our vision in this place is far more than bricks and mortar (see 2020 Vision). From time to time I ask; ‘Where do you want to be in five, ten or fifteen years time? In other words what legacy do we want to be remembered for? We’ve inherited the previous generations vision and our understanding is that we are to build on that legacy so that their ceiling becomes our floor. And in turn our ceiling becomes the next generations floor.

Imagine the time between World War I and World War II a period in time from 1918 to 1939 — roughly 20 years. In that time a vision for a church was realised. The parish of St Erkenwald came into existence around 1934. Five years later saw the beginning of Second World War which as we know came to an end - sort of - in 1945. But as you’ll know the declaration of peace does not bring an end to all hostilities - nor did it signify a return to all things wonderful. Rationing lasted for a number of years and many families would have been traumatised one way or another through the war. In 1955 another vision was realised — the church we now worship in was built and the building that served as the church became the church hall. Someone’s vision became a reality. Whilst things in the world may be falling apart. Things in the Kingdom go from glory to glory. What are we going to be known for in this generation. We know what we’ve inherited but what legacy will will leave.

Encounter God is a course for everyone, especially for those wanting to investigate Christianity, New Christians, newcomers to the church and those who want to brush up on the basics.

The course is free to attend, though you will be asked to contribute to the cost of your meal if you can afford it. So why not come and find out the real answers to your questions. Find out more

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