 |
Barnes in Commonthe magazine of Churches Together in Barnes
|
|||
|
Farewell to Roger Hutchings
Roger and his family had been worshipping in Barnes for nearly twenty years, covering the time when he was in charge of the BBC’s Songs of Praise, and so when he became Minister of the Barnes church he was well known, both in Barnes and in the Circuit. Roger was a splendid organiser and kept us on our toes. He was determined that by the time he left, the church would be well on the way to having paid off the debt incurred due the extensive redevelopment, and which we have now been enjoying for three years. It is true to say that that aim has been achieved. In addition, we are all aware that the building is now occupied every day of the week. The lovely new hall and the side chapel, as well as the smaller meeting rooms, are used by a variety of groups: dancing and singing classes; Pilates; Yoga; counselling groups, all come into a building that a few years ago was used for only two hours a week. And our Saturday coffee shop welcomes a variety of visitors every Saturday of the year (except if Christmas Day happens to be a Saturday!). During the winter months we are hosts every Saturday night to a group of homeless people who arrive in the evening for a nourishing meal and a warm place to spend the night. Such work would have been impossible a few years ago and it’s marvellous that we are able to show these people the love of God in this way. Dr Obiabo has still to get to know us and we have to get to know him. A few people have met him and his wife Ene and we are all looking forward to working with him. It will be different, but no minister is the same as their predecessor, and each brings something new to the church and its understanding of God. |
| ||
