AFTER 46 years the dream to create a fitting entrance for the enchanting Catshill Methodist Church has finally been reached.
The church, which was built in 1968, was originally designed to allow the wall nearest the road to be either knocked down to provide more room or to make a more welcoming entrance.
Now, led by the Rev Andy Lyons and Rev Richard Wilde, residents will be able to see the new entrance with its large glass doors in all its heavenly glory at an opening and blessing service on Sunday (July 27) at 10.30am.
The works done to the church also include a new kitchen, disabled toilet and a new ramp into the body of the building.
After the dedication the church will be open again, from 3pm, for anyone wanting to see the changes and enjoy some light refreshments.
Residents have also been invited to a celebration service at 6pm in the newly-fronted church centre.
Plans have been made for a number of new activities including a coffee shop on Friday and Saturday mornings to encourage more residents to enjoy what the church has to offer.
As well as this, members of the church are also hoping to see the whole building used more by groups needing a suitable meeting place.
The new coffee shop will be open from 10am until 12midday on Fridays and will soon be up and running on Saturdays, from August 2.
Richard Wilde currently has pastoral care of Catshill Methodist Church until a new minster begins in September but the project was previously started by minister Andy Lyons who will be returning to the village to share in the dedication service.
Rev Richard Wilde said: “We hope and pray local residents will see the Catshill Methodist building as a centre where the church gathers for worship and mission rather than just a church building.
“We want it to be an inclusive centre for all people in Catshill.”
Visit www.catshillmethodists.org.uk for more.
