Grand Opening Weekend

Dear Friends

I don’t think that any of us would have anticipated the response to our Opening Weekend that we achieved. With a conservative estimate of approx. 350 – 400 passing through the building over the two days, we couldn’t have been more pleased to be able to show so many people what we now have to offer as a facility to the community and how we have enhanced our worship area to the glory of God in Crediton.

I am sure that we were all getting weary as time and years dragged on throughout this project and at times I was personally wondering if God really thought we deserved to be able to accomplish what we were setting out to do. God was with us and though tested many a time, the Church community has pulled this project through to the completion of the building refurbishment. 

As those who came to support us on Saturday and Sunday will be well aware, the appropriate uplifting sermons by Rev Steve Wild and Rev Steve Santry reminded us that this is just the beginning. We must now refer to our vision of why we have done this for ‘Mission’, mission within our own Church and beyond into the town communities. Rev Steve Wild said that there were two certainties in life a) Death and b) Criticism. I think the time has come for all to come together as a Church and embrace the new way forward, appreciating what we have achieved and realising the potential of what can be done in the future here in Crediton.

The support on Saturday and Sunday was overwhelming and I was not the only one brought to tears by the love and encouragement we were receiving from everyone who attended. Let’s build on that and buoyantly move forward with exciting plans to utilise this new ‘tool’ of a refurbished building to the best advantage.

Thank you so much to all who have given me and the team so much help, support, shoulders to cry on and just given general love and affection as we have carried out the work to this end.

What an amazing weekend– one that will be remembered for a long time in the church’s history. The Mayor, Councillor Frank Letch cut the ribbon at 11.00 am and Mrs Anne Jerman cut the ribbon to open the ramp for visitors with mobility problems. 

During the 6 hours the premises were open, approximately 400 people visited to look at the wonderful new premises which have been designed so as to provide flexible worship space and opportunity for the community to take part in activities. There were flower displays depicting the Church’s heritage and displays of activities currently at the church throughout the week. 

MellowD who rehearse in the downstairs premises gave a short performance in the morning and Crediton Singers performed in the afternoon.

Refreshments were available throughout the day and a delicious BBQ from 12.00 noon to 2.00 pm – and not one burnt sausage in sight!

Everyone who visited agreed that the premises had been refurbished in a very sensitive way and to a very high standard. The premises now offer brilliant facilities not only for worship but for the community as a whole.

The Re-dedication service led by Rev Ann Varker with the preacher Rev Steve Wild, a past President of the Methodist Conference and currently Chairman of the Cornwall and Scillies District. Rev Wild gave a very light-hearted and amusing sermon but at the same time a very challenging and inspiring one. Over 100 people were at the service and more than half stayed on for a delicious lunch provided by Gill Sutton and helpers – thanks Gill.

Sunday evening the Circuit Service was well attended by representatives from most of the 28 churches in the Exeter Coast & Country Circuit . Again Rev Ann Varker led and the preacher was Rev Steve Santry, Circuit Superintendent. The sermon was again challenging in that Rev Santry reminded the congregation that the church was not bricks and mortar, even though they have been so expertly refurbished, but the church is people and members of Crediton Methodist Church have a task to continue showing God’s love in Crediton, which was commenced some 127 years ago.

Finally a message from one our previous members.

Dear Friends,

The weekend of the 14^th and 15_th September was a most memorable occasion and, for me, it brought tremendous joy to meet so many old friends at those momentous events.

You will recall that it was a joint decision, through my daughter, my two sons and I, that I moved, just over a year ago, to be nearer my family.

So my memories of my visit to Crediton Methodist Church on that very special weekend will last a very long time. I admired, so much, the refurbishment works which has achieved the objective of providing a facility which can be used in such a wider range of public events, which was the original objective of the refurbishment

I hope the public will benefit and make use of this much improved facility.

In the love of Christ,
Roland Ash