Background to a discussion on contemporary use of the interior of the Church building

An Extract from The Rector's Letter in the Easter issue of the Parish Paper 2003.

"I also bring before you some of the matters mentioned at the Parish Annual Vestry Meeting on 2nd March 2003 ...... Another topic has been the Church carpets and giving some consideration to the inside of our Church building by way of a moderate upgrade, looking to the future as we have already done so successfully with the kitchen and Meeting Room. An informal discussion on this matter was introduced in recent Business at the Annual Meeting.

Here are some ideas for your consideration and conversation. The sanctuary and aisle carpets have been under discussion for a number of years. There is now a suggestion that the church might be re-carpeted and that reverse cycle air conditioning and cooling be installed. There is some concern about the steps to the chancel, and the need for God's People to have a more flexible use of space at the front of the nave.

To enable further informed and informal discussion on this issue I will lead, in the winter months of July - August, a series of discussions on "Contemporary Use of Church Buildings for Worship and Mission", based on the book "Re-pitching the Tent - re-ordering the church building for worship and mission" by R. Giles, Canterbury Press 1999. Following that there may be further discussion and decision making at a special Vestry Meeting in September/October 2003. Any outcomes as approved could be implemented in the first half of 2004 in time to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the St. Saviour's Congregation in September 2004 with a special speaker and programme. The first worship service for St. Saviour's was on 3/911854 'm the then local Mechanic's Institute and later in the Public School. The first Church building at St. Saviour's was built in 1862.

The aim of each discussion is to talk about the topic together in an atmosphere of care and trust, speaking out of your lives and experiences, from your thoughts and feelings. in a spirit of gentleness and respect. Each discussion may take up to one hour.

ENJOY, GROW IN YOUR FAITH