At the end of July I mentioned that we were about to start some work on our church of which I am the property steward by acclamation.
Well we managed to get the roof put in and insert some new celestory windows. It cost a lot and I'm waiting for some cash to come from circuit to pay the balance but I'm delighted to be able to report that the various leaks have now been stopped.
Alas we've discovered some additional problems - dry rot in a load bearing beam. I got the quote for remedial work last night and I felt at the end of my tether. There is no way we can afford it if we are to meet our other commitments.
We are very much on Methodism's frontline as the denomination retreats from the inner city to the comfort of the suburbs.
We proclaim the Gospel in one of the poorest communities in the country. Our neighbours come from every corner of the world, many have never heard the Good News as they are followers of Islam. Basically we are left to fend for ourselves though fortunately now have a brilliant Minister to support us. Somehow we need to raise about £6000 from a congregation that can only afford to give about £14,000 a year.
I took the quote to church this morning feeling very low. I wasn't certain what to do or say. In the event I shared the problem with the congregation. I didn't bring the quote home. I just left in front of the Lord's Table, at the foot of our Cross. This will be a week of prayer and supplication.
If you have £6,000 you want the Lord to use in one of the most difficult corners of the UK simply make a cheque out to "City Road Methodist Church" and post it to The Treasurer, CRMC, 118 City Road, Birmingham, B16 0NL.
UPDATE : Popped in to see Ian this afternoon (he hasn't been well) and he mentioned that Heziekiah did a similar thing. Mrs MP's scheduled Bible study this evening bought up 2 Kings 19:14 which reads:
14 Hezekiah received the letter from the messengers and read it. Then he went up to the temple of the LORD and spread it out before the LORD.
Well it turned out OK for Heziekiah so it will turn out OK for us. We shall see![]()
Well we managed to get the roof put in and insert some new celestory windows. It cost a lot and I'm waiting for some cash to come from circuit to pay the balance but I'm delighted to be able to report that the various leaks have now been stopped.
Alas we've discovered some additional problems - dry rot in a load bearing beam. I got the quote for remedial work last night and I felt at the end of my tether. There is no way we can afford it if we are to meet our other commitments.
We are very much on Methodism's frontline as the denomination retreats from the inner city to the comfort of the suburbs.
We proclaim the Gospel in one of the poorest communities in the country. Our neighbours come from every corner of the world, many have never heard the Good News as they are followers of Islam. Basically we are left to fend for ourselves though fortunately now have a brilliant Minister to support us. Somehow we need to raise about £6000 from a congregation that can only afford to give about £14,000 a year.
I took the quote to church this morning feeling very low. I wasn't certain what to do or say. In the event I shared the problem with the congregation. I didn't bring the quote home. I just left in front of the Lord's Table, at the foot of our Cross. This will be a week of prayer and supplication.
If you have £6,000 you want the Lord to use in one of the most difficult corners of the UK simply make a cheque out to "City Road Methodist Church" and post it to The Treasurer, CRMC, 118 City Road, Birmingham, B16 0NL.
UPDATE : Popped in to see Ian this afternoon (he hasn't been well) and he mentioned that Heziekiah did a similar thing. Mrs MP's scheduled Bible study this evening bought up 2 Kings 19:14 which reads:
14 Hezekiah received the letter from the messengers and read it. Then he went up to the temple of the LORD and spread it out before the LORD.
Well it turned out OK for Heziekiah so it will turn out OK for us. We shall see
