| Sections |
|
About us
Our Aims
Mission Statement
Share Your Story
|
|
|
|
| |
|
| Adobe Acrobat |
|
This web site offers you a number of downloads in Adobe Acrobat format. If you do not have this free download installed on your computer, click on the icon below.
 When you see this icon, there is a downloadable Acrobat (PDF) file for this article. Left-click to view the file or right-click and choose 'Save Target As...' to save it to your computer.
|
|
| About This Site |
|
The information on this site is provided in good faith as guidance and stimulus to those involved in the Church’s strategy for new housing areas. No responsibility can be accepted for information which is inaccurate, and professional advice specific to particular places should be sought.
|
|
|
|
| The Church at Gamston | 15th May '07 |
| This vision to set up a church in Gamston came from Rev. John Wood, who was the vicar of St. Luke's Church in West Bridgford at the time. He realised that there was 'no heart' to Gamston - it was just a housing estate with a promised school and local shops which had not yet materialised apart from a Safeway. Some people on the estate felt isolated due to the lack of facilities and the necessity for a car to get to 'civilisation'. |
A 'working party' was set up which included John, the Doctor (who at the time was housed in a porta cabin), members from local churches and the surrounding community, including some from the parish council. Initially, a small local park was funded for all the local youngsters which proved to be very popular followed by a permanent building for Dr Kandola.
Focus groups were run by a local preacher whereby members of local churches housed sessions to talk about what the community would like to see to give Gamston a heart. Neighbours were invited along to these to 'canvas' opinion.
So the Church at Gamston was born using the local village hut with only a few attending and services only taking place to start with once a month. However, this was the acorn and after much hard work from all involved (leaders for the church, door to door questionnaires, leaflet drops etc.), a part-time minister was funded to take charge of this new church. A service was held for Rev. Marian Crawford on the village green so that local people could easily see what was taking place.
Meetings were still taking place by the original working party, but now with new members, and negotiations for a community centre took place with the local councillor.
Since then, the church has grown slowly and has now moved to community centre which is next to Morrisons (formerly Safeway). The Church became a fully constituted Local Ecumenical Partnership in November 2004 between the Methodist and URC Churches. Ordained Ministry is currently provided by the Methodist Church and there is a part time lay worker who is jointly funded.
Growth of the church has been slow. This is likely to be for many reasons e.g. church is not considered a 'cool' thing to do and Gamston is predominantly a housing estate for the younger generations. There has been much movement in and out of the church as the local population is very mobile. Also, the lack of a church building means that it is not obvious that a church even exists in Gamston. This has meant time and effort in leaflet dropping to all houses and we now have a sign on the roundabout going into 'Morrisons' to try and raise our profile. Of course no church building does have its benefits - there is no red thermometer outside asking for money for the church restoration fund!
The Church at Gamston now has weekly Sunday services with a strong Junior Church. It supports a young children's club called 7211 which is run weekly and an annual summer holiday club attracting 70 children. A house group takes place once a month as does 'Time out for women', a ladies group. The Church has strong links with Pierrepont Gamston Primary School (Church aided school) and other local schools. Links are also in place with local uniformed organisation groups, over 50's club and village hall committee. The Church is a member of the local Churches Together group.
The church currently has a membership of 22 adults, with several adherents and 18 children. The community greatly value the fellowship they experience at the Church and for many it feels a like an extension of their family. The Church would love to have more people and is currently exploring its current practice and future vision.
For more details contact Rev Helen Fyall. |
|