Building bridges between church and community
For us to safeguard our Christian future it is equally important for the community to be seen in church buildings as it is for the church to be seen in building the community. When St Sannan’s church, Bedwellty was restored some years ago, the PCC decided to open up the rear of the nave, removing obsolete pews, re-siting the font and renewing the floors, (all, of course, with the relevant faculty!)
Not only has this improved the way in which services and church meetings can be held, it allows greater use of the church building for community-based activities ranging from concerts and plays to antique valuations and a demonstration of making stringed instruments. These have all been supported and enjoyed by a wider section of the community than would otherwise have visited the church.
One recent event was an exhibition by the Cefn Fforest Art Society during two weekends in June with over fifty exhibits. Society members demonstrated their painting skill both inside and outside the church during the two weeks of the exhibition. The artists felt so renewed by their involvement in the church that they are planning other excursions to St Sannans.
An evening of classical and traditional music by Chloe and friends raised money for her chosen charity "Neve Shalom~Wahat al-Salam, a village situated between Jerusalem and Tel-Aviv where Jews and Palestinian Arabs of Israeli citizenship live together in peace. Education is the foundation of their community - they live with respect and understanding of each other's differences. Sisters Chloe and Lana play at the family worship service on the last Sunday of the month, Chloe on flute and Lana on violin.