Kingsgate . . . a Church on the Move!

The idea of a building (with distinctively shaped windows and doors perhaps) moving location might bring to mind thoughts of earthquakes or other disasters; but of course, a 'church' is a company of people, not the building they happen to meet in. On the 5th February 2006 the people who gather week by week as 'Kingsgate Church' in Bury St Edmunds, will be on the move, to a new venue in which to meet, and where there will be a church office open through the week. Since February 2000 the church has met in St Edmundsbury Primary School, in Grove Road, during which time is has become well established, whilst undergoing an number of changes as it has grown.

From early this year however, the Church leadership team has been in negotiation with the Charity 'Age Concern Suffolk', with the aim of using part of their new Oasis Day Care Centre, which is now nearing completion on Kempson Way, Moreton Hall Estate.  This beautiful new facility, which will enable Age Concern to continue to develop its day care provision for the elderly in our area, will be available for us to meet in on Sunday mornings and for some midweek activities.

We have built a very good friendship with St Edmundsbury School over these last years; (one of our elders regularly takes part in Assemblies) but the physical layout of the School has made it difficult for us to develop our children's work in the way we would want to.

We have sensed over these last months that God has shown us it is time to move on into the next stage of our journey as a church. Interestingly the name Oasis Centre speaks more of a 'stopping place' than a permanent location; and we believe that this move is the next step for us, rather than a long term goal.

Working with the elderly in our community is one of the areas of ministry that the Lord has told us that we are to be involved in, so we are confident that being alongside the vital work of Age Concern will help us clarify this part of our vision. Working with Paul Baker, the project manager for the charity has been a pleasure as we have grown in friendship.

We are looking forward to being a blessing to Age Concern, as we get to know them and use their excellent facilities.