Building on the Rock

According to John Havilik: ‘The church is never a place, always a people. It is never a fold, but always a flock. It is never a sacred building, but always a believing assembly. The church is you who pray, not where you pray. The structure of bricks or marble can no more be a church, than your clothes can be you. There is nothing in this world sacred but man, no sanctuary of man but his soul.’

The property group looks after the church buildings but, first, a word from our premises: ‘I stand at the south east corner of Marshalswick - a lot younger than a considerable number of my compatriots in the city.

‘I have a good record and service the community of Marshalswick. This causes problems, as many different people use my facilities each week - which causes concern in some quarters for my general wellbeing.

At this time of year, I begin to show my age but I look forward to the summer when a happy band of workers join the property group and give me a spring clean and lift for the coming year. Do join them during the month of August and have some fun making me smart again.

‘Last year, my heating system was fine-tuned and the new controller fitted, which means that it works all by itself. It has made me comfortable and has ensured that I have had a warm building throughout the winter months. I believe the group are planning a new front for the church, which will keep out all the cold drafts that blow in during winter but I am sure they will tell you more about that later. I look forward to fresh flowers each week and I appreciate the way people come in each week to clean, wash and polish my corners.

‘I would like to meet more people doing just this.’

The property group is responsible to two deacons - Trevor Trudgill and Ken Rankin - and we usually meet, as a group, once a month. The group comprises Roy Brackenbury, John Gardner, Geoff Wright, Bernard Lusby and Alan Tucker - ably chaired and controlled by Valerie Stubbs.

As well as the general run of maintenance of the buildings, we have two major projects on hand.

The Manse is undergoing a face-lift inside and out. The outside work is drawing to a close with completion of work on the front garden this month but, internally, the decorations are proceeding slowly - mainly due to lack of helpers. If you have an interest in decorating and can spare time, no matter how little, then Trevor Trudgill would love to hear from you.

Plans to develop the church frontage are progressing well. We have had a meeting with the architect to discuss the internal finishes to the new frontage, so that we can complete the drawings and get estimates for the work. There will be more news when we have the drawings finalised.

Jesus said that he wants our lives, our bodies to be his church where he can live. In Philippians chapter 2, we read: 'Let Jesus Christ himself be your example as to what your attitude should be.’
If we look at the mind of Christ, we see:
* Spontaneity: art, love and play.
* Individuality: unique, created by God.
* Moral sense: the difference between good and evil.
* Self-consciousness: man’s internal life.
* Volition: not my will, but God’s will.

May the mind of Jesus be in each one of us.

     Ken Rankin.