OUR VISION
Over ten years ago, the Parish began a process of
Discerning the Vision for the continuing ministry and mission of our two parish churches and their congregations. We decided that the parish should:
- continue to maintain the two parish churches, each with its distinctive pattern and style of worship
- provide greater opportunities for the worshipping congregations and the wider community to engage in the life of the Church
- engage in a community audit in preparation for new initiatives
- rationalise its building assets.
A Community Audit was carried out in the summer of 2003 (click here for more details of the
audit. We consulted widely on the use of our buildings, to see how suitable they are for their current purpose, and how they might also accommodate new projects. In the light of these discussions, we commissioned an architect to draw up exciting plans. Land released for housing, and for building of a new facility for the Sea Scouts, would enable the parish to restore and develop the two church buildings, together with new rooms at St Andrew's and an adjacent church hall to St Mark's together with a new vicarage.
To find out more about the background to the
Vision, click here for some
Frequently Asked Questions from 2006.
Update 2010
The
re-ordering of St Andrew's is complete, and the church will be re-opened with a festival service by the Bishop of Kingston on 25th April 2010.
Update 2009
Planning approval for all plans from the Local Borough was gained in autumn 2007 and spring 2008. The Diocese of Southwark gave the go-ahead for the faculty process in July 2008.
The first phase of works began at the end of 2008. This releases land for building of affordable housing and the new scouts' facility on the site of St Andrew's Hall, and restoration of St Andrew's Church.
In July and August 2009, work began in St Mark's Churchyard in preparation for a new Vicarage, and will progress with St Mark's Church itself.
"Seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you ... and pray to the Lord on its behalf, for in its welfare you will find your welfare." Jeremiah 29:7
