Church & Community                            

"Reconnecting the Church to the Wider Community"

Anglican Church in the Heart of the Community in the Heart of God

APPEAL - Phase I

BACKGROUND:

To live or work in a world-city like London, is to be bombarded by noise, words and information over-drive. In such a multi-faith and multicultural mix and  environment, spaces, places and oases of quiet are at a high premium, especially in overcrowded inner city areas, where so many people live or work or shop.

The Church of the Annunciation, Marble Arch located at the heart of ‘The Portman Village’  and just behind Oxford Street, is strategically situated in one of the very busiest parts of the metropolis, with its hotels, restaurants and shops as well as with the many residents. Until very recently, the Church of the Annunciation like so many churches in our inner cities, has been closed – largely for security reasons – except for three or four hours a week and for one or two services.

From the beginning of 2009, the place of the Annunciation in the wider Community of W1 has been redefined and re-envisioned.

We are now committed to keeping the church building open throughout the working week, as well as at service times, on Sundays. In this way the church building will afford to the many thousands of people who work or shop or who are resident either in the many hotels or homes, ‘an oasis of quiet and a space away from the city’s crowded clangour’ (Scott-Holland). With open doors to such a space set apart for quiet, reflection and prayer, a ministry of listening and pastoral care could also be on offer to all faiths and denominations. In this way the Church can and indeed should reconnect with the wider community in which it is located.

Together with a collage of the church's interior and exterior, here are some pictures of the distinguished guests present at the Main Launch Event on 15 October 2009.

Approximately 80 people attended and the Appeal has already reached 50% of its target.

Pictured beneath, a the Launch Event on 15th October: Michael Gray, Chairman of the Sponsoring Committe,The Rt Worshipful Lord Mayor of Westminster Councillor Duncan Sandys, Gareth Clutton Chief Executive of the Portman Estate, Bishop Michael Marshall and Fr Barrie Newton (Honorary Assistant Priests), Patrick Walker OBE (Churchwarden) and Mrs Walker and Laura Royde, the Appeal Vice Chairman.

                                                                                                     MICHAEL GRAY - Sponsorship Committee Chairman

Duncan Sandys and Bishop Michael Marshall       Gareth Clutton                                                  Patrick Walker, Mrs M Walker & Bishop Michael   Lord Mayor, Cllr Duncan Sandys,           Fr. Barrie Newton, Bishop Michael, Laura Royde

Vision for a World-city Church:

There are of course some practical hurdles to overcome as well as some work that will need to be done on the building, if the church is to be harnessed afresh to this vision. There is an urgent need to break down the barriers, - physical, and spiritual even aesthetic - related to the exterior as well as to the interior appearance, - which otherwise will hinder passers-by from walking through the doors of the church.

If this is to be achieved, initially there are some basic works needed, not only to the entrance to the building, but also there is a need to facilitate an extension of the ministries that will be offered to the wider community within the building.