Thank you, thank you, thank you
Holy God, creator, sustainer and life-giver,
We give you thanks for the provision that has enabled this building project to be completed. We give thanks for the many prayers that have been offered, the generosity of those who have been able to give financially, and the generosity of all those who have given freely of their time to bring this dream to fruition.
We thank you for all the skills and talents that you give us, that have been used to create this space of hospitality. We acknowledge your hand and guidance in all that has been achieved here.
We ask your blessing on the many hands that will come in this kitchen to offer hospitality. May they do so with grace and compassion.
May the food we prepare, the work of love done in this place, be a sign that you dwell forever with us in the everyday things of your world.
May Christ, our constant guest, make our simplest meal a welcome offering.
May the eternal spirit enfold this space with love and joy and the spirit of hospitality so that all who may enter know it as a place of welcome and peace.
Amen.
Biblical mandate
The importance of hospitality is illustrated throughout Scripture. We are called to do the same because as we serve others, we serve Christ. The church building is our parish home and whether it’s a funeral gathering, or after our regular Sunday worship, hospitality is a key part of these gatherings. We want, and need, facilities that are safe to use, and are welcoming for those who use them.
“Keep on loving each other as brothers and sisters. Don’t forget to show hospitality to strangers, for some who have done this have entertained angels without realizing it!” – Hebrews 13:1-2
Project Outline
Taken from our St Aidan’s Day 9:30am Sunday, 27th August 2023 service.
Click here for background information about the Refurbishment.
Fundraising
Thank you to everyone who contributed or pledged money to our project. We are very grateful to those who were able to donate in this way and for the amazing prayers that have helped us. We are still open to receiving pledges, and the details of this are below.
The pledge form can be found here. Contact Anne in the office if you want the form to be sent via email or if you don’t know your giving number. Please note this is a different bank account number than your usual giving.
Please note: A pledge form is critical to keep track of information. If money appears in the account even with the name and giving number, Anne in the office would still be unclear on the details of whether you want to be named, if it’s a one-off donation or a regular amount that you intend gifting. Donations qualify as tax donations (hence us ensuring you aren’t waiting until the end of the financial year for a receipt).
What if we fundraise extra funds?
What happens if we raise beyond our target? A very good question.
Rest assured, the donated money is in a separate building account, so any excess won’t get spent on expenses such as buying photocopier paper or paying the power account. Firstly, the projects are being paid for. After that, however, we will look to one of two other projects that the parish has long wanted to update. One is the Ladies’ hall toilets and the other is the hall kitchen, which needs repairs to broken cupboard doors and the vinyl floor which is held down in places with masking tape. It is exciting to think we may be able to do even more than we had dreamed of. We will keep you posted.