We are moving!

As I’m sure you are aware, we have had reasons recently to reconsider the viability of remaining at West Road for our Sunday gatherings.  Following wide consultations and exploring different options I have some news!  As of Sunday 19th April 2009 we will be moving to an afternoon service at Parkside Community College.

Numerically we have not seen the growth we had anticipated in the move to West Road, and sometimes we have to face the facts that we are rattling!  On some occasions I’ve felt we have been a bit like David trying to fight in Saul’s armour! Our move is representing a return to being more us; vibrant in praise and acts of worship, responsive, authentic, loving, relational, creative and free.   

For many Parkside will be familiar.  Having weighed it up we are hugely excited about the space it will give us to rebuild together at this time.

Three factors have guided our choice:

Centrality:

Students remain a core part of our purpose, so this is important to us.

Consistency:

West Road was delivering less and less availability.  Building and growing at this time again needs consistency.  Parkside will be our sole venue – guaranteed to find us, whatever the week!

Accessibility:

With more of us coming in from distances, free parking was important.  We get that here. 

You might be aware that in recent years many new churches have started in the city resulting in occupied venues on Sunday mornings.  This was leaving us frustratingly with very few options.  Following wide consultation however we are taking the step to move to an afternoon service, thus attaining Parkside!

This is a really important time for us and we are looking forward to making Parkside our home for the next part of the journey.   It’s great to have you with us!