Review 2014

Just like you can't see the wood for the trees, it is often the case that you can't see God at work until you look back. When we can see the whole picture, we recognize that we were never alone. Not only was God with us, but he brought many others alongside us as well.

Each year at our Annual Parish Church Meeting we also look back to celebrate what God has been doing. If you look closely you too might see that - through the power of his Gospel - God is building us together into his Church here in Chatteris.

Here is a visual reminder of the year in a 10 minute video. The music in this video is from the albums of two friends, Brenton Brown and Steve James. If you like their music, I encourage you to purchase their albums. Enjoy

 

Chatteris survey 2013

Last summer the church set out to hold a simple survey visiting every house in Chatteris. We hope you’ll be interested in our results. In practice with about 20 volunteers we managed to visit some 700 homes in our town.  Many thanks to those who did the work.

We asked people what they liked about living in Chatteris

• 40% told us that in Chatteris the people are friendly

• 22% said this is a quiet and peaceful town. 

• Other answers included house prices, and some like Chatteris because they’ve always lived here.

Answers were more varied when people were asked to tell us one thing they would like to change. A lot told us nothing needed changing, but about one in six are concerned about the shops in Chatteris, empty shops and things we can’t buy without going to March or Ely. A similar number are concerned about public transport; some would like to see the railway re-opened but recognise that’s not going to happen, but many believe the bus services could be improved. Another popular concern was the shortage of faculties for young people.

The main purpose of the survey was two-fold. First of all it was a tool which our church could use to find out more about our town. It is so important that we keep in touch with the thoughts and concerns of those in our parish if we - as the church - are to be effective in our ministry. Secondly it was a way for people in the town to voice their concerns and if there were any burning issues we could pass them on. Some people shared concerns about the town others took the opportunity to ask for prayer. The church prayed over each individual prayer request at least three times. 

We continue to lift our town before the throne of God, praying for wisdom and revelation so that the eyes of our hearts would be opened to his kingdom coming in this place.  

Wedding Fayre

Love is in the air, or so it seems in Chatteris at least. Nineteen weddings booked and we are getting set for our second Wedding Fayre. It will take place on Saturday 18th February between 11:00 am and 4:00 pm. 

I am really looking forward to it! Although I had my hesitations first time around, last year's experience convinced me that it is a wonderful way to reach out to the community.

“I didn't realise that the Church was interested in weddings.” someone said to me.  We were waiting for the doors to open for our first wedding fayre and I was chatting with one of the stall holders. She went on to say: “I've never seen a wedding fayre in a church before. And I have been to a lot of wedding fayres!” 

I had to agree with her that hosting a wedding fayre was new territory for us. (I was shaking in my shoes!) But, when it came to weddings, and indeed marriage, I tried to explain that the church was in fact very interested. The Bible teaches that marriage was God's idea in the first place. 

That was the first conversation of many which convinced me that we needed to open our doors.

We hosted our first wedding fayer on Saturday 2^nd March 2013. The nave was cleared of chairs to make room for twenty stalls, from bridal gowns to bartenders, florists to make up artists. Outside was a hog roast while horses and a tiffany carriage stood ready to offer rides down the high street. 

“Wedding fayres are an absolute 'must' for the majority of brides” stated Ellen Arkle. “Holding a fayre in church is a natural way to embrace local business whilst welcoming those couples who have not considered a Church ceremony.” Ellen had helped the whole PCC to see the wonderful opportunity that was in front of us. Using her experience as a Wedding Planner, Ellen was able to organise a professional event while helping me to engage with couples who, for one reason or another, had not chosen to be married in a church.

The usual bridal gifts were offered, along with fashion shows and cake competitions, but this was a fayre with a difference. The vicar's table provided books about marriage guidance and a glass of champagne to those who sat down to chat about their plans, explore questions about marriage law, or discuss personal pastoral issues. 

 

After meeting with over fifty couples, I was amazed to see some brides in tears because they discovered too late that they could have been married in church. I was shocked to realise that so many myths remain about the church being an unwelcoming place for those who have not been baptized or who had been through a divorce. 

Pitch fees were reasonable and those who contributed were given a free space. Even so, over £1000. was raised for church funds. By the end of the day, we were tired, but grateful for all the postitive feedback from both brides and businesses. As Cake Decorator Heather Bicknell said, “The day was a beautiful way to show off the stunning historic building that is our church.”  The event not only opened the doors to our building but emotional and spiritual doors too. 

Hopefully the message is finally getting out: The church is very interested in your wedding!