newsletter

Spring 2002

Counsellor and Catalyst

The phrase "Counsellor and catalyst" was used some years ago in a leaflet describing our work. It continues to be an apt summary of our role as we meet with Christian churches of all denominations, thoughout the UK, large and small, rural, urban and suburban. Read about two very different churches where we have been involved this year:

Bryn Independent Methodist Church, at Ashton-in-Makerfield in East Lancashire contacted us a year ago. They told us that the church had come to a point of recognising that it needs to extend its premises, and had formed a steering group which had drawn up a proposal. They were in the process of interviewing architects, and wanted to talk things through with us, having heard our presentation at the Northern CRE.

When I visited for the initial consultation I found a small church in a mixed residential area on the outskirts of the town, occupying a Victorian Chapel, which has been extensively repaired, and a newer, flat roofed addition containing two meeting rooms, toilets and kitchen. Attendance at Sunday worship was steadily rising; and whilst the Sunday School was small, there was a very effective outreach to local children which had resulted in a "Kingdom Kids" club on Thursday evenings averaging more than 20; and a mother and toddler group on Friday morning of around 15. Other groups met during the week, and all of the work of the church was resourced and underpinned by prayer and bible study.

I met with the steering group, of about ten people, and spoke to them about the procedures involved in what they were proposing, and the kind of assistance we could offer. By the end of our evening together I was sure that they were proceeding along the right lines, and that they had prayerfully arrived at the right way forward. I discussed the impact that the kind of work they were proposing might have on their church life, and how they might live with having the builders in. I explained their responsibilities under the CDM safety legislation, which they were not yet aware of, and as a follow-up provided them with information on this aspect of their building scheme.

Although there was no specific way in which we could help them at that time, they were reassured to know that we were available to call on whenever they need advice, or assistance with any aspect of their proposals. I did not feel as if I had helped them very much, but they expressed their appreciation of my visit and felt that it had helped them to envision what was involved in a way that previously they had not been able to, and given them added confidence they they were moving in the right direction.

A year on they tell us that they have appointed a "good Christian architect who lives locally", and are about to go to tender with a view to commencing in May/June. They add "We are excited about the plans and trusting in the Lord to keep us in His will during the coming months."

Roger Munday, Northern Field Worker

Bryn Methodist Church is just one of a number of churches where in the last year Living Stones has been able to gently encourage and advise, without any formal involvement, and where the opportunity to discuss ideas with a group of people with no bias or ulterior motive, but a wealth of experience of doing God’s work in this field, has enabled a church to clarify and have confidence in the vision and calling that they have discerned.

Another example is St Martin's Broadmayne, in rural Dorset. Field Worker Graham Ball and the Director met with the PCC in July last year.

The church hall is in need of repairs and alteration to improve access and safety, and the church members are keen that a renovated hall should be a resource for the village. The main needs are perceived to be for a comfortable, friendly meeting place both for young people and for older people, and also for a general resource centre for information and signposting for local residents. In addition, the hall will continue to be used for church meetings.

Following our presentation and report, a planning group was set up and is liaising with the users of the hall to discuss the improvements needed. Draftsmen and architects are working on sketch plans, and a fundraising group will be formed soon. The hall is to be the venue for a monthly market for people to sell local produce. At the same time, a village plan is being undertaken under the auspices of the parish council. When this is completed the planning group will bid for funding under the Countryside Agency’s Vital Villages scheme.

Everyone Welcome??

Accessibility is high on the agenda when Living Stones works with churches. Since 1999 the Disability Discrimination Act has required churches to make changes that are practical in the short term, such as portable ramps, induction loops, large print service sheets, and the like, but by 2004 churches will be required to have taken “reasonable steps” to make permanent alterations to provide equal access for all to every event and facility on their premises.

Many a churchwarden or steward may feel discouraged when faced with the act, as they expect a large shopping list of alterations for which they have no funding. However, as Paul Dicken, Director of Through the Roof suggests in a recent newsletter, the DDA can be seen "not as a major problem to be faced, but as an opportunity for mission." By improving the facilities available at their church, providing things such as large print service sheets, hearing loops etc, congregations can attract those who would otherwise be unable to come to their church. In effect, they are making the Gospel accessible to all: Jesus Christ himself welcomed everyone, whatever their condition or status – and by considering the accessibility of our buildings, we can aim to do the same.

Within the Consultancy, we have the knowledge and expertise to carry out a complete disability access audit. Such an exercise includes a detailed report and suggestions for action, prioritised in order of importance and showing those changes which may be implemented immediately with little expenditure.

Contact Pam Nicholls for further information.

New Trustee

Last year we were pleased to welcome to the Board of Trustees the Venerable Trevor Lloyd, Archdeacon of Barnstaple. Trevor has been an Archdeacon for 12 years, and has responsibility for 150 churches, of which over 100 are listed buildings. He is a former member of the Council for the Care of Churches, and a Consultant to the Church of England Liturgical Commission.

Trevor has a particular interest in re-ordering schemes, having been responsible for a major re-ordering in the parish church where he was incumbent before moving to Devon.

Come and meet us...

Living Stones will be at the first South West Christian Resources Exhibition in Torquay 13-15 February 2002 (Stand C10), and at the 18th National Christian Resources Exhibition at Sandown Park, Esher (Stand P46) 14-17 May 2002.

For more information about these exhibitions, visit www.creonline.co.uk.