Empingham – a village with vision!
Empingham is a pretty village in the county of Rutland, on the edge of Rutland Water, with a Methodist chapel in the middle of the village.
I arrived to take up my duties as minister of the church there in September 2002. I was greeted by a small but very enthusiastic group of Christians, who believed that God was calling them to be a community based society, rather than an insular group concerned with maintenance and keeping a few people together until inevitable decline. Four years ago, we began to pray to try and work out what God might be wanting us to do. A major factor that encouraged us to move quickly was that our building was becoming unsafe, water pouring in in places, floors needing attention and damp out of control.
In 2002, a village survey was undertaken which highlighted the need for a post office in the village. The authorities were not at first convinced by this need, saying that there were others nearby, but not really taking into account mobility of people in the village and lack of adequate public transport. We wondered whether our chapel hall might be a good venue for a satellite post office. After quite a battle, we convinced the powers that be and the Post Office returned to Empingham in December 2004, after many years of absence. Adele, our postmistress brings all the facilities with her from her home in Essendine, and each Monday from 2pm to 4pm there is a steady queue, round which we serve refreshments and fair trade produce. Importantly, it provides a space for people to get together and find companionship. It is hoped the Post Office will expand in the autumn and open on Friday mornings too.
However, the chapel still needed renovation and could be used to provide good quality community facilities. An architect was appointed to draw up plans to see what might be possible. The plan we wanted to adopt included a new roof, complete renovation of the worship area, replacing pews with chairs, recarpeting and redecoration of the whole building, new disabled facilities and a new kitchen. The bill for this came to
over £185,000. We wondered whether a church with only 20 people could take this on. We needn’t have worried. Grants came pouring in from District and Circuit and other agencies with the help of the Arthur Rank Centre, and local people rallied round with fund raising and support we will always be grateful for. The Post Office remained open during four months of building work, which enabled people to see the chapel slowly being transformed. We opened our new facilities in December 2005, with a dedication service in March this year.
What has this transformed environment and different focus enabled us to do? As well as our Post Office session, we run a weekly prayer and bible study group, a toddlers and parents group, a monthly Saturday morning group for primary school children, as well as holiday clubs at Easter and in August. We now provide a space for groups to come on retreat or hold meetings, and our Circuit uses us for its business meetings. We have just had a social capital grant, which will enable us to buy two computers and a photocopier to provide internet access and photocopying facilities for our village. On top of all this our church family has grown. We have received those who were on the fringe into membership, and we have become a place where all, young and old alike, value being together and are genuinely excited about the future.
How has this happened? It is quite simple. Small places can grow if people have a vision and are encouraged to realise the vision. Empingham is an example of holistic ministry, where the world and the church are one, and an example for others. So, if you are visiting the county of Rutland, come and see us. The people of the church love to share their story and it might just inspire you to have a go at something big yourselves.
Ian Pruden, Previously Superintendent Minister Stamford and Rutland Methodist Circuit
www.arthurrankcentre.org.uk
25
rural life and ministry
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32