Repurposing Group
In the Central Norfolk Circuit, we are discerning where God is at work in the contexts and communities we live in. One way we do this is through careful prayer and consideration of how we repurpose churches that no longer have a Local Church worshipping in them.
A Repurposing Group has been formed and is looking at each church which has lost its Society to prayerfully consider what its future might be.
The Story So Far…
We have spent several years doing this in different parts of the Circuit. Below are three examples where this has proven to be a tremendous success:
First, The Hive was created from a wish to provide a place for individuals to engage with spirituality through creative endeavors and gatherings. The Great Cressingham Methodist Chapel ceased to meet and now hosts events that empower people to simply exist and explore spirituality in non-traditional ways beyond typical Sunday worship. See more here: https://www.facebook.com/GreatCressinghamHive/
Second, the Methodist Chapel in Wighton had to close, but through collaboration with the Wesley Historical Society, the East Anglia Methodist Heritage Centre was born. It stands as a testament to the rich history of Methodism throughout East Anglia, with exhibits that showcase its historical significance. See more here: https://eangliamethodist.org.uk/who-we-are/wesley-historical-society
Third, the Walsingham Chapel, the oldest Methodist Chapel in East Anglia, dates back to 1794. The Local Church ceased to meet, but the church was able to remain open, acting as a heritage chapel. It has monthly worship, which includes a shared meal, that attracts a variety of people. The Chapel serves as an inviting space for visitors, including the many pilgrims that come to Walsingham and schools keen to discover the rich heritage of Methodism. See more here: https://walsinghammethodist.com/
What Now?
We are currently exploring more opportunities in the Circuit and carefully discerning what God is saying to us in these places. We wish to be a Church relevant to the 21st century, joining in with God's work in the Central Norfolk Circuit and building relationships with others. Each project is unique to the church building and the needs of the community it is situated in.