Building for future generations

 There is a downward spiral that a church gets into when the premises don’t match the congregation. We have seen many examples in the town centre. I think it is important for us at Offington Park to think about how we can help the future generations maintain a lively congregation here.

 The building programs here started after World War II with the Mary Humphrey’s Hall when the congregation stood at 250 people. A second hall, a new church and the pastoral centre were added when the congregation was growing to 500. In the new millennium however we have been experiencing a dramatic change in fortune and our congregation is back to the size it was in 1950.

To me this means ,we should be better adapting what we have to suit our needs. As we are trying to be an Eco-church as well, we ought to thinking about how can have a small gathering in a cost effective way. Lighting and heating being kept to a minimum but at the same time making it comfortable for all who come.

Roger Khanna October 2009