It’s all about community
Dear Friends
It’s been one of those weeks here at St Gabriel’s! It began with the arrival on the Monday of the Contractors who will be building our new extension to the side of the church and extending our present hall. Boy these guys are really skilled and I’m completely fascinated by the whole process. In just five days they created and fenced the compound off then portakabins of various sizes arrived along with a digger and a dumper truck. Tuesday saw them begin the work in earnest with the marking out of the site and then digging the trenches for the footings. They moved at lightning speed and by the Friday they were pouring concrete for the footings. I’m amazed, excited and a little anxious by the speed of all the changes. In the Bible God says through the prophet Jeremiah “for I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” He’s certainly doing that and we look forward to all that the new facilities will bring to this wonderful community!
Speaking of community … on the Thursday of this week we said a farewell to Jim Guntrip. Jim was a real stalwart of Popley and a real community minded individual expressed through his contributions to Merton Infant School as caretaker and as support for his family who have actively run the Rainbows, Brownies and Guides groups at Popley Fields.
It was the largest funeral we’ve had at St Gabe’s with just over 160 folk crammed into the church to hear and to share in the very special memories of Jim that so many of us hold.
Both the building work and Jim’s funeral have one thing in common – it’s all about community and at St Gabe’s that is where our focus is and will always be – it must be! I hope that many of you will take the time to visit our website www.stgabrielspopley.net and take a look at the work that’s going on and if you feel so moved come and visit – you’ll be made perfectly welcome. Secondly, can I encourage you to become involved in your community in some small way. There are so many great groups running in and around Popley and they’re always looking for more volunteers.
May God richly bless you and yours over the coming summer and may it be a fruitful one for all of us.
Every blessing
Revd Arthur
Vicar, St Gabriel’s Church