FAITH IN THE COMMUNITY: How we're transforming our church in Paulsgrove

by the Rev Hugo Deadman, vicar, St Michael's, Paulsgrove

LET me tell you about one of my favourite things. It’s a colourful banner of St Michael, hanging in the chapel at St Michael’s, Paulsgrove where I serve.

It was made by Madge Sothcott, an angel of Paulsgrove, who did so much for our community and its people. Each morning I sit in the chapel and give thanks for all the angels of Paulsgrove, and for everyone who’s finding life tough. In fact, I pray for the Church. Because the Church is all about the people.

And our building is tied up with that. We can only be a church family if we have a home. Our home is filled with the stories, feelings and memories people have left over the decades.

But that home’s a challenge too. St Michael’s is a baby compared to many churches. But it’s got a pensioner’s aches and pains.

Nothing works. Everything leaks. The heating system is kaput. Some of the windows had nearly fallen in. The whole roof needs replacing. And that’s just for starters.

So we need cash. We’re very grateful to the Diocese of Portsmouth and the Church of England for backing Paulsgrove with generous grants.

We’re especially grateful to the excellent Holly Reynolds, the diocese’s Buildings Project Manager, who’s doing a cracking job sorting out a complicated building.

We’re also doing something equally important. The walls of St Michael’s are festooned with pictures made by children. In front of the altar is an image of a cheeky angel of Paulsgrove, covered with lots of little angels with people’s names on them, made at summer fair by hundreds of local people. That’s a sign that the building is for God but owned by Paulsgrove.

They might use our Bathroom Bank or come to our summer fair or belt out carols at Christmas. Or sit in silence, light a candle, when they’re hurting.

They might be part of our thriving Sunday morning worshipping community. They might come to our lively family activities on Sunday afternoons, organised by Clare, our families’ worker, filling St Michael’s with laughter and noise.

But they’re all part of the family – and all have a share in God’s house. But this can only happen because we’re making our building tell the story of its past, serve the present and be fit for the future, all within the amazing story of God’s endless love for us all.