Month: September 2014

On Sunday 21st September fourteen people set out to run the Bristol half marathon to raise money for the Heart of the Community project.  A mix of church members and a few friends and family, some of whom had  little previous experience of running distances.  Everyone completed the course; the fastest time was 1:31:49. Seven people did it in under two hours, and seven did it in between two and three hours.  

Congratulations to all of them! Thanks to their efforts a total of £4,868 (without gift aid) has been raised so far.  And there is still time to donate. Let’s see if we can make it £5,000!  If you’d like to chip in simply go the the online giving page and click to donate.

A picture of the team also appeared on the live updates on the ITV web site (sixth photo down):

 

The Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, visited us on Saturday 13th September – as part of his weekend in Bristol and the West.  Archbishop Welby, described the  Heart of the Community project as ‘wonderful’, ‘courageous’ and ‘exciting’.  He said: “This project warms my heart. This is not about a community building: this is about building a community. It is a great example of what the church does best, which is loving and serving and transforming – and it’s about the future. 

“It is a huge project to undertake and I know there is a lot further to go. It is not audacious simply because it’s bold, daring and big, but because it is one of those projects that depends entirely upon God and God moving people’s hearts.  There is a real vision about what this community could be in the future and what is being put together here. The Heart of the Community is happening because it is God’s heart for the community now and over the next 20, 30, 40, 50 years and that is so exciting.  It is wonderful to be here. All of us should look around – any thought that God’s church has no future in this land is a complete delusion.”

As he dedicated the building the Archbishop thanked and blessed all those who had worked on the building, the project team and the vision behind the centre.  “May it be a light for its community, may it be a reminder of the love of God at the heart of the community. May you govern and direct the church and people of this area that it may be a place of help for those growing up, a place of safety for those growing old and a place of flourishing for those in work.”

Bishop Mike has also asked that his personal thanks and appreciation be passed on to colleagues and congregations in the Diocese.  “… the effort and commitment that both individuals and organisations have put into planning and engaging with this pastoral visit has been considerable… I would like to take this opportunity of expressing my personal thanks to you for all that you have contributed in planning and expertise, in prayer and through your physical presence at the events…”

To see the full gallery of photos by Rob Wicks please click here

 

 Today, Simon Jones had the opportunity to speak to John Darvell on this show at Radio Bristol. If you’d like to listen again,you can go click here and fast forward i to around 1 hour 35 minutes.  Simon talks about the Archbishop of Canterbury’s visit to the Diocese this weekend and also his visit to our lovely new building.  Why not take a listen?