Yesterday’s dedication of the extensions to the St Stephen’s Smithton church building was a fantastic celebration of God’s goodness and the fruition of the dreams and labour of God’s people. As I have said so often, Good facilities facilitate good ministry.
The extensions are both beautifully finished and much bigger than I had imagined. The extension of the worship area will allow about an extra 100 seats and as a multi-purpose area it also allows seating at 6 round tables that can be literally rolled out when needed from storage and are just the right size for 6 to 8 people for enjoying conversation. The view over the valley to the distant hills and sea are, well, North West Tasmania – just so splendidly scenic! Kitchenette, loos, indoor staircase to access the lower level where a matching finely finished room plus office, allows further activities.
Picking up on Rob Stanley’s comments, [happy birthday, by the way, to Rob today 🙂 ] on the diocesan website a few weeks ago,
A great encouragement by way of a letter from Jenny Poke as the Parish get excited about the January 23 opening of new facilities at St Stephen’s Smithton. I think it is a great encouragement for every church trusting God and pushing their own boundaries with exciting and challenging new ministries. Jenny writes:
“Far from being a small sleepy town in a parish in decline and devoid of young people, Circular Head Parish, it seems, is thriving. The introduction of a contemporary worship team a few years ago, has seen the whole parish flourish, with young children, adults and elderly all joining in worship together. The Circular Head parish caters for all ages. Two contemporary services are held each month which caters for families. These are Bop with God and ½ Eleven. Regular Holy Communion and Morning Prayer services are also held throughout the Parish. Two years ago it was decided that our buildings at Smithton needed renovation to support the new ministry programs. This included a large dining room, kitchen and toilets at the rear of the church, and an office and another large room downstairs to cater for our youth group activities.
A special service to open this project is planned for Saturday 23 January 2010, commencing at 11am and followed by lunch. A warm welcome is extended to join in with us at Smithton on this special day.
“It is exciting to see God’s amazing work, as such a wide range of people accept and help each of our diverse ministries work in Circular Head.”
PTL! 🙂 [Rob]
So exciting! So encouraging!
This great news might lead you to do one of two things (or possibly both):
1. Get on your knees and thank God for his great delivery of providence upon his people in Circular Head Parish, and for the faith and trust that He has built up in His family there.
2. Pray that God will do this in your Parish… wherever you are… For the sake of the Gospel and for the glory of God.
Indeed, we have a wonderful God!
Amen. Amen. Amen.
