St James Woolsthorpe by Belvoir - usual service pattern
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WOOLSTHORPE CHURCH—NEWS UPDATE
I know that there are many of you in Woolsthorpe and other villages wondering what is happening to St James' Church. As you may know, nine years ago a burst water main caused substantial damage to the foundations of the church. The pews began to sink inward and before long huge cracks appeared in three of the supporting pillars. The pillars were braced with steel and life got back to normal. Over the following years legal battles took place between Anglian Water and the PCC's solicitor. Add to that a change of Rector and long vacancy and hey presto … nine years have flown by without any repairs. With my arrival as new Rector, the case has been re-opened and once again we begin to look for compensation from Anglian Water.
However, in the course of our discussions our meetings in church with Diocesan officials and the new Archdeacon, concerns were raised about the actual safety of building now. In the nine years that have elapsed since the original incident it is now unknown how much further the building may have deteriorated. As a safety precaution the Diocesan Registrar has ordered that the church be locked and services take place in the village hall until safety for worshippers and villagers can be assured.
Like most things in life ... this takes time.
So here we sit, waiting, waiting, waiting ...
Safety of people is paramount, I'm sure you will agree.
One thing I can tell you for certain is that it is going to take an awful lot of money to make the church safe again. Money that the Church Council simply does not have. We could pass a hat round the village I suppose, but that will still leave us very short.
The average Sunday attendance is now about five people. They meet once a fortnight and give all that they can in terms of money. It isn't enough even to pay the bills, the insurance, the electricity. The only income your village church has is from what people give on the collection plate.
You can do the maths yourself.
The future of the building is uncertain. I'm praying for a miracle. I trust that you will join me.
The church exists only to be the servant of the people of Woolsthorpe, that is how it should be. We need your love, your prayers and your support. Your suggestions as to how things can be put right are welcome, so that the church can once again become a living, breathing, vibrant centre of love, hope and faith in God.
I'm happy to listen to your realistic ideas and also your hopes and dreams. Without you we can do nothing but fear the worst.
Rev’d Keith Hanson
