Members of an Anglican church in Normandy, Northern France, have voted to support a plan to move their place of worship and to develop facilities in their new location.
The English speaking congregation of Coutances has been meeting in a school chapel, which was otherwise unused on Sundays, but has now been offered the exclusive use of an ancient church at L’Hommëel-Gratot – not far from the city of Coutances – where worship and prayer can be held at any time.
After a consultation on the plans 95% of the congregation opted for the move. Their Priest-in-Charge, Rev Peter Hales, says “It was so wonderful that the vast majority of members of the congregation felt so positive about our move to the church at L’Homméel. More than ever it seems that Our Lord is moving in our churches destiny, moulding us all into his community.”
Having committed to the move an even greater majority voted to go ahead with the purchase of the Salle de Fêtes with its full kitchen facility, the former Priest’s House which can be used for meeting rooms and an office as well as a large meadow for Summer events so the church mission and ministry can expand in the future.
Now church members have the task of working and praying to be able to afford to buy the buildings and the land but church leaders are rejoicing at the support for this optimistic venture.