Church at the Centre

CHURCH AT THE CENTRE

I would like to update you on the situation regarding Church at the Centre (CATC).

In late December, I met with member of CATC to talk about the future. Following an open and frank discussion, it was concluded that it was the right time for CATC to close at the end of the year.

There was a real sense of peace about this decision, and that God was very much in the decision, so that the situation was not a sad one, but one of completion and of moving forward with God.

The folk from CATC will continue to meet informally in the club in Banks on Sunday mornings to read the scriptures, pray together, worship God and spend time discerning what next.

As the parish priest I have been asked by the group to help during this time of discernment and to offer pastoral care, which I am more than happy to offer.
Reverend Stewart Reed and his wife Sheila, who are committed members of CATC, will also be involved in the discernment process and continue to worship with the group.

I have informed Pete Spires (Archdeacon) and Steve McGanity (Area Dean) of this decision.

The connection between those who have attended CATC and St Stephen church will continue as folk from CATC still want to attend services at St Stephens, as they have over the years.

For me personally, I feel this is a new beginning for CATC and could be very exciting, and, having prayed about this so much myself, as have many others, now is the right time for CATC, as a church in the Church of England, to close and to step out into a new future.

Rebecca

CHURCH AT THE CENTRE

I would like to update you on the situation regarding Church at the Centre (CATC).

In late December, I met with member of CATC to talk about the future. Following an open and frank discussion, it was concluded that it was the right time for CATC to close at the end of the year.

There was a real sense of peace about this decision, and that God was very much in the decision, so that the situation was not a sad one, but one of completion and of moving forward with God.

The folk from CATC will continue to meet informally in the club in Banks on Sunday mornings to read the scriptures, pray together, worship God and spend time discerning what next.

As the parish priest I have been asked by the group to help during this time of discernment and to offer pastoral care, which I am more than happy to offer.
Reverend Stewart Reed and his wife Sheila, who are committed members of CATC, will also be involved in the discernment process and continue to worship with the group.

I have informed Pete Spires (Archdeacon) and Steve McGanity (Area Dean) of this decision.

The connection between those who have attended CATC and St Stephen church will continue as folk from CATC still want to attend services at St Stephens, as they have over the years.

For me personally, I feel this is a new beginning for CATC and could be very exciting, and, having prayed about this so much myself, as have many others, now is the right time for CATC, as a church in the Church of England, to close and to step out into a new future.

Rebecca