Grand Opening of Christ Church House, 9 - 10 July
Our two buildings have served generations well since they were built: the church building in the 1830s (with an extension 100 years ago), and Church House in the financially-tough 1930s. We believe that we need to continue developing these buildings so that we can be more effective for years to come.
Christ Church House is in use all week for Pre-school and toddler activities, children's and youth work, Cameo, Discover and other courses, and Adoramus. We see the need for more activities in future in order to welcome and serve visitors and help disciples to grow even more.
We have redeveloped the building to create a new frontage, with a welcome area and café for anyone to drop in, chat or ask for prayer. We also have more small group rooms for children's and youth work and multiple other uses, with the main kitchen relocated to a more convenient position for catering on all scales. Our building is now attractive and up to date to help our outreach to the community.
Rt Rev Richard Chartres, Bishop of London, officially opened the finished building on Sunday 10 July. Thanks to everyone who helped make the open afternoon, celebratory service and barbecue a great success. There is a website press release of the Grand Opening of Church House at www.london.anglican.org/NewsShow_15059. You can also watch a video of the Grand Opening on YouTube - thanks to Mark Ratcliff and Matt Lanstone for this.
CD copies of the Bishop of London's sermon are available from the bookstall in church, price £2; printed copies 50p.
After our initial proposal for an extension on the east end was rejected by planners, we now have a new proposal, which is more in keeping with the building's character and appearance and also provides more space. In summary, we propose:
We now have planning permission for the new entrance, so we will be able to start this work when funding is available. Detailed discussions are still in progress for the separate planning application to build the new extension. Meanwhile, we have started by replacing the pews with new chairs, which will provide flexible seating for the new east-facing layout.