Our five year plan includes extending the church, increasing our numbers, growing spiritually, increasing our ministry potential, providing space for dynamic and creative worship, and improving on our hospitality skills. I have had a phrase running through my mind during this whole process which will take some time to explain, and it doesn’t roll off the tongue very easily. The phrase is ‘Increasing the capacity for God’s dwelling’.
It was fifty years ago when a badminton hall was purchased on the present site on the corner of Columbine and Downham Avenues for use as a church. The hall was home to the congregation of Christ the King, and saw some minor additions to accommodate the growing numbers. The congregation had foresight, then, and added the resources of a most beautiful hall and classrooms to the existing church.
In the just over eight years ago, the numbers grew tremendously causing members to sit in aisles or outside peering through the windows. Thought and planning began into extending the church to accommodate the numbers.
All the planning, preparation and fund raising have brought us to this fruitful stage of having begun the building of the new church. The original church seated 198 people, while we averaged an attendance of 280 people. On some occasions we had as many as 400 people attending worship. The new church will accommodate 680 people. In our planning we were advised at one stage by Bishop Peter to plan for 10 – 15 years ahead, so that we don’t have to consider extending again in a few years.
Our five year plan includes extending the church, increasing our numbers, growing spiritually, increasing our ministry potential, providing space for dynamic and creative worship, and improving on our hospitality skills. I have had a phrase running through my mind during this whole process which will take some time to explain, and it doesn’t roll off the tongue very easily. The phrase is ‘Increasing the capacity for God’s dwelling’. It goes beyond building a bigger church. It means having a bigger heart to receive God. We have simplified it by placing a banner outside the building with the following words, ‘Extending God’s house’.
I give glory to God that wineskins have been softened and stretched, that hearts have been opened for the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, and that God has already begun to find an abiding place in the hearts of so many people. We have been blessed with the generosity of so many people. Our congregation have been excellent in their contributions towards the building fund; three members have donated a total of R300 000; a company donated our foundation steel while a member paid R56 000 for steel for our roofing and mezzanine floor; doors and windows at reasonable rates; roof tiles at less than a third of the price; and carpets to be fitted at a reduced price.
At the outset our intention was to recycle all our building material. In other words to donate all material, such as, trusses, roof tiles, plumbing, cupboards, windows and doors to churches in the diocese. The builders have been excellent in removing them very carefully.
The transition with all of its discomfort and excitement has strengthened our relationship as a congregation and has deepened our spirituality as we make do with the present limited resources.
We thank the diocese for their support and continued prayers.
Stay blessed!
Canon Eric Ephraim
