"Centenary House"

The new Church and Community Centre

Message from Our Minister

Dear Friends,

At last, we are the owners of "Centenary House", a name suggested for the house beside our church, which is now our property.

The purchase is an answer to the commitment and enthusiasm of so many people and is to serve as an extension of the Mission work of our church.

We are very appreciative to everyone who has supported us during the period of negotiation and to those who have made the purchase possible. The late Beat Carey and Cedric Gillham left us substantial legacies, which enabled us to proceed, and out Circuit has been both generous and supportive.

The use to which the house is put is a question many people ask. Naturally, it has not been possible to plan too far ahead until we had secured the property but primarily it will be a Resource Centre. It will give us more space for current church activities and it will be available for use by community groups. it is envisaged that both the house and the garden will be an integral part of our Church, Circuit and community life in the 21st century.

There will be opportunities for everyone to be involved in helping to both enhance and maintain the house. Your talents and gifts can all be used.

To renovate the house will be expensive and we are fortunate that we have funds to cover some of these costs, but there will also be the furnishing and running costs of the Centre to meet. Consequently we are launching an Appeal to raise £25,000. On the right hand side of this web page you will find links to a donation form that you can download, print off and complete. If you are able to help us we will be extremely grateful and I will acknowledge every donation.

John Wesley, the founder of the Methodist Church under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, wrote in one of his hymns, "to serve the present age, our calling to fulfil". That is what we are seeking to do and with your generosity and help we know we will succeed.

With best wishes

Roger Leslie, Minister

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Junior Church Ideas

Below are some of the ideas our Junior Church suggested for "Centenary House" that you will find both stimulating and informative:

• A room for the children
• A prayer room with a special prayer board
• A mini library / book room
• A quiet room
• A coffee room
• A sound-proof room for noisy activities, e.g. Timbrel practice
• White Board projector
• Somewhere for outdoor games

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Work on the House continues...

Following the meeting of our Architect and the Rother District Council Building Officer at the house on 17th October, we were able to discuss the more detailed plans at the recent Church Council Meeting. Please feel free to have a look at the plans, and if you have not yet viewed the house, please say and we will be delighted to show you around.

We also need help with further clearance and wallpaper stripping from the rooms. If you can help, please call the Property Steward on 01424 216456. Thank you.

Help our Community Centre Project

If you are interested or wish to know more, or you would like to help, do please call the Property Steward on 01424 216456.

We have launched an Appeal to raise funds for this project.

If you would like to donate to the Appeal please
download a donation form (Word format) or
download a donation form (.pdf format) If using PDF files you will need Acrobat Reader.

Thank you for your help.