Saint James' Church, Quedgeley

IN LIGHT of the recent initiative by the Bishop of Gloucester – Vision 2016 vision2016.org.uk/

Saint James’ Church Quedgeley is conducting its own conversations with local residents.

On July 19, the Rector and Parish Priest Father John Ward is opening up Saint James’ Church in Quedgeley from 7pm- 9pm (with light refreshments) to local residents so they can have their say on the future of their church.

The Bishop of Gloucester posed six questions earlier in the year, three for those from the Church community and three for the wider community.

The three questions asked of the wider community are:

• What is your hope or vision for your local community in the next five years?

• How might the Church be part of this?

• What is your opinion of the Church of England in your local community?

The Parish Council and local Councillors have been invited to this evening along with local key voluntary organisations.

Local schools have also been asked to contribute.

Field Court Infant Academy will be making models and producing art work for a display on July 5.

Father John has been invited so he can see how the youngsters would like to reshape the church.

Father John Ward commented: "It is important that we collect the views from all sectors of the local community, young and the not so young. I hope that the evening will prove eventful and that the local and church communities can come together and make their views known. The church is belongs to the community. Local groups working within it will also be asked for their views. I am particularly looking forward to seeing the displays produced by Field Court Infants and I hope we can display them in the church on July 19."

Following the visit Father John commented: “There were hundreds of designs, the most popular features were a roller coaster from the tower to the ground, my own swimming pool, slide and swing. There was also a sand pit, twinkly lights and bean bags. They were wonderful designs and the youngsters had really thought long and hard. The model was superb and really captured the imagination

We shall be displaying the model and their designs in the church”.