We are bursting at the seams

Last Updated on Wednesday, 31 March 2010 19:03 Friday, 29 January 2010 13:06

St Andrew's has a very nice problem.  Our congregation and the Catechesis have grown so much in recent years that we need some more space.

Atrium growing

The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd needs more space for its activities and equipment, and to cater for a growing number of children (there is currently a waiting list.)

The Atrium has moved temporarily to the former Geraldine Inder Studio in Queen Street, Masterton, until a new hall is built.

Storage space

While there is much more space in the church with the Atrium now located in town, there is no storage space.  When we have big services, furniture and fittings not required for a particular service have to be temporarily removed to external storage and returned after the service is over.

Morning tea

As there are no kitchen facilities at present, serving morning tea involves juggling hot water supplies, china and food on fold-up tables and trolleys, and morning tea people taking the dishes home to put through their dishwasher.  This is somewhat easier in summer, when coffee can be enjoyed in the sunshine, but is very complicated in the winter, when coffee and food must be served inside the church.

Getting ready for services

Robing for services - both for those leading the services,  and for Catechesis children - is currently done outside (in warm weather) or with everyone squashed into the tiny curtained vestry at the back of the church.  With the increasing involvement of the Catechesis in services, absence of a hall to get everyone ready creates considerable difficulty.