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Taken
from the May 2008
parish
magazine.
This time last year there was a lot of discussion and
interest in the future of the old church and possibilities for a new
church for the future. The wheels seem to be turning slowly
but there is some definite progress. The plans for the old
church are being amended to try and answer most peoples
concerns. Unfortunately this will make the scheme much more
expensive and that will affect what is available for the community.
One of our main concerns is that there should be a parish church in
Stanley for the long term future. The best place for that is
on the current site of the church centre. Ideally we would
like to secure the site and build something that can be recognised as a
‘church’ and be something that the village can be
proud of.
Whatever
the details of what happens it is clear that it is going to take a lot
of money. This is a chance for people who do have an interest
in supporting a parish church to step up and be counted. We
were really encouraged by the number of people who have supported our
various events like the Summer gala and the pantomime. We
will be asking for help again, so if you would like to be involved
please get in touch. One area of need we have mentioned
before is the Community Café: if you would enjoy
volunteering to help there we would be very grateful
Fortunately, as we face these big concerns like finding large amounts
of money, we do not face them alone. We have just celebrated
Ascension and will celebrate Pentecost shortly. Jesus said to
his disciples to wait; don’t do anything till the helper
arrives. Sure enough, help came with the Holy Spirit who
transformed the disciples lives. They suddenly had the gifts
and power to communicate God’s love and truth in a way that
people could hear and understand. They received guidance and
the resources to follow it. The Holy Spirit helps transforms
us into the likeness of Christ, disturbing us and making us discontent
until we ask God’s help to change. He also empowers
us for serving one another. There are many people who have
received healing and comfort through prayer.
We receive by simply asking so let us together pray for help and
guidance and for the resources we need.
Rev W Henderson
