We have been continuing to get good numbers at our Summer Club for local children at the Kepier Hall – a project funded from a Community Chest Grant. We were joined by Colin Nicholl, husband of Rox one of the organisers of the club, who tapped into his previous experience in youth work and kept the children well occupied with some great games both before and after lunch. Then it was time for ‘Open the Book’ – we have teams from our church congregation who go into local Primary schools to share bible stories in this amusing and engaging way. We heard all about Noah, the flood and his ark and the children sat spellbound as Rev Judith Howes told the story while some children helped to act it out. Sheila Wynne, Joan Beattie and Rebecca had organised some marvellous craft activities that had the children making arks and animals and then it was back to some great active games to finish off.
Week four was something of a carbon copy of week three only this time we got to hear all about Jonah and the Whale thanks to David and Rita Turnbull. But we also had a visit from Ann Donkin and Jo Avery from Gentoo who joined in with the crafts and did some fantastic face painting.
None of this great activity could happen without the hard work and dedication of a small team of volunteers from Space4, our uniformed organisations and church.
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It was an emotional service with a full church this morning as Rector Sue conducted her last Sunday Eucharist with us. Rector Sue did a very rousing sermon based around Bernard Gilpin which gave us all lots of encouragement to carry on with the good work we are already doing and keep her legacy alive. She spoke about Generosity, Inclusion, Love & Laughter, (fighting)Injustice & Nurture. Distributing holy communion to the gathered congregation was very moving for both Sue and those who received and there were a good few tears. However, there was also celebration and thanks in speeches from church warden Simon, Councillor Juliana Heron, the Rainbows, Brownies and Guides and the Lord Lieutenant. Young church had been working on a marvellous farewell gift which you can see in great detail in the photos below. We ended our farewell in true St Michael’s style with tea, coffee and a gorgeous cake baked by Simon and decorated by Damien.
happiness and success as she moves on to new adventures and challenges in Wales.
On Thursday 14th June Space4 hosted a special lunchtime event to say a fond farewell to Rector Sue before she heads off to be an Archdeacon in Wales. Old faces and new gathered to share memories to wish the woman, without whom, there would be no Space4. An idea on the back of an envelope, vision and drive made our church community project a reality nearly 5 years ago. More recently when our position in our current home came under threat, it was Rector Sue who negotiated with the powers that be to secure us a lease and three years security. We are very sad to see her go but happy that she will be sharing her many talents and taking on new challenges. No one every imagined the success that Space4 has been, probably not even Rector Sue and we will carry on the good work as part of her legacy to Houghton le Spring.
