Money & Property Matters – and Barry’s Babblings
March 2023
This year we are celebrating the 116th Anniversary of our Church which was dedicated and opened on 20th March 1907. The cost of the building was £1,588 and was opened with a debt of £968 and this was finally cleared in 1914. The Father Willis organ was installed in 1945 and came from a large country house that was being demolished. The main hall etc followed and was opened on 24th May 1939.
If you would like to know more there are copies of the church history in the vestibule. The history was updated in 2017 by Jill Read and George Bunker. We therefore have much to celebrate.
Recently, it was lovely to welcome two new members to the Christchurch family – Nigel and Sheila. Others may be considering such a move and do please have a word with the Minister or a steward who would be delighted to tell you more.
You will find a Gift Day envelope attached in this Messenger and if you feel able to help this would be much appreciated. There will be a Gift Day Coffee Morning on Saturday 4th March from 10 - 11.30am when you are invited to call in with your gift and have a chat over coffee. Our celebration anniversary service will be on Sunday 5th March at 10.30am conducted by our own Minister, the Rev Crawford Logan. Do come!!
On behalf of the church may I thank you all for your support of the work and witness of our church. This covers both the financial support and all the practical help that is freely given to keep the property in good shape.
As you read this edition, we will have entered the season of Lent – sadly I am not too good at giving things up for Lent but I will try! The 4th Sunday in Lent will be Mothering Sunday and we hope to share flowers with all the ladies in church. We gents will have to wait a little while for Father’s Day when, possibly, we may receive some chocolate!!
Thank you for your understanding where our fuel is concerned. There is a balance between being hot and cold and we do our best. Our fuel contract ends on the 31st March and then a new contract will be agreed – sadly at a much higher price. We are grateful to Clive who looks after the day to day heating needs. Summer time begins on 26th March so we should all be able to enjoy warmer weather.
I recently conducted a funeral thanksgiving service, and the daughter gave a Tribute about her Mum and Dad. One sentence I found very profound ‘…..they didn’t go to church because they were perfect, but because they
knew they weren’t’. Enjoy Lent and look forward to Easter next month.
With my Christian love from Barry Turnwell, Church Treasurer and a Property Steward
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