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.