Instead of the children’s address this morning I thought that I would take a moment or two to update you about our building project. It has been a while since I’ve mentioned it in church. I don’t think that I’ve mentioned it since March – for obvious reasons of course. I have been meaning to provide this update for a while but other things have come in the way of it.
This morning what I have to tell you is what you probably already know – that not much has happened. Our building project was picking up speed last March but we all know what happened in the middle of that month. Everything was halted because of Covid. Our Building Project Sub-Committee hasn’t met since the early months of last year.
The Congregational Committee have touched on the building project in passing at recent meetings in August and November. In short, we are in a reasonably good position. It is disappointing that our project has been delayed but because it hasn’t started, it hasn’t been delayed by restrictions or guidelines.
Back in March we were approaching the point where the project would go out to tender. That still remains the case. All being well and depending on when the pandemic begins to ease, we’ll be able to pick things up and get the physical work of building the new meetinghouse and halls underway.
I would ask you this morning to pray for wisdom in the months that are ahead. The Congregational Committee will have to make a decision about the way forward at some point. Committee will have to balance moving forward with the project with the fact that our economy is now in recession in mind. Great wisdom and discernment is required and we would very much value your prayerful support.
For your encouragement, the Building Fund remains very healthy. There is over one million pounds in it. Let me thank you for your continued financial support for the project despite all that has happened this year. We don’t take your contributions for granted.
Let me also tell you this morning that we have received a bequest from the late Joan Esler. I know that some of you will remember Joan from her early years in Buckna. She died on 4th December 2019. The bequest left by Ms Esler was to the sum of £10,000. We should view that as a great encouragement in these difficult days and also as a reminder of the Lord’s faithfulness to us.
It’s my hope and prayer that my next update on the building project will be sooner rather than later. If and when the project begins to move I will make sure to provide you with the necessary details.