November 2011

‘In this world nothing can be said to be certain, but death and taxes’, so, apparently, declared Benjamin Franklin.

Whilst disinclined to be so pessimistic I have come to the conclusion that with regard to building schemes there is more than a degree of truth in the expression! Despite that however I will take a leap of faith and confirm that the Parish Centre will be completed by the end of November and that sometime during the early part of December we will begin to move in. Then, having allowed ourselves a little time to draw breath, we will organise a proper opening for early in the New Year.

There! I’ve said it.

May I not be proven wrong by any further unforeseen circumstances.  My confidence is bolstered by the sight of scaffolding being removed, painters painting, doors hanging and seeing kitchen units beings offloaded from a lorry. The building is quickly becoming a centre with colour, personality and a heart and our long wait is nearly at an end. For all that we give God thanks and praise. The task now begins to truly let the building be an expression of our faith and love in the work to which it can be put.

After we have taken possession of the building we will be inviting the leaders of our various organisations to come and familiarise themselves with the layout and mechanics in anticipation of bringing groups back in January 2012. At the same stage we will also indicate to them what storage will be available, how access will be controlled and what our expectations are for the use of the premises. Right from the start we would like to see them fully, but thoughtfully used.

 Part of the work now is fitting out the Parish Centre with new seating and kitchen equipment. Some people have been asking if there will be an opportunity to make a contribution towards this, some of our organisations have been asking the same thing. To coincide with the opening we will be organising a gift envelope to allow us to make a thanks offering. You will be able to pay for anything from a spoon to a plasma TV! Can I ask once again if you have not made any contribution to take this opportunity to do so? It would be my dearest wish that everyone who claims membership of this Parish might feel they had invested something in this new and exciting venture. And, as I’ve said before, with regard to that contribution I won’t add, ‘However small’, because God deserves our best and costliest devotion. In the New Year we will begin to honour our commitment to the church in Rwanda by making the first of our contributions to their work amongst the refugee population returning to the country.

The Fund Raising Group continues to make a valuable contribution to the coffers. In the magazine you will find a number of simple ways of getting involved. Can you note our ‘Eating Together Night’ at Frankie and Benny’s at Bloomfield’s on Thursday 24 November. There will be more details on the notice sheet but the evening will be something like the very successful Little Wing experience last year.

Friends of Bangor Abbey. As you have appreciated a major influence on the speed and cost of the building of the Parish Centre was the requirement for archaeological supervision. The dig revealed a number of interesting features and artefacts and I’m delighted that Kara Ward, the supervising archaeologist, will give an illustrated talk at the Friends AGM entitled, ‘Digging up the Past’, it should be a fascinating evening. To help with catering could you ‘book in’ with Stella Robinson if you intend to come.

Census. Every third year the Diocese carries out a census of those who worship on a Sunday. This will be taking place throughout November, please take time each Sunday to fill in the cards to ensure a reasonably accurate return to church House. The last Sunday in November is also Advent Sunday and as usual we will take the opportunity to be together for united worship on that occasion.

Best wishes,
Ronnie