It is with real sadness that we have reached the decision
that the small Methodist Chapel here in Froyle must close. The building
has come to the end of its life and we know that we should invest our
resources in the growing work of our much larger church in the town
centre at Alton. However, as is so often the case, there is so much
that is good in the midst of the sadness. Let me share with you two
particular causes for thanksgiving.
When our chapel was built in 1862 I expect the relationships with the vicar and worshippers at the parish church were non-existent! Sadly, it has taken a long time for different expressions of our faith to accept and appreciate each other. Now we are able to say with sincerity that it is better for a small community like Froyle to have one church, a single focus for the spiritual life of the village. We rejoice in the fact that our small Methodist congregation will be a welcome part of the life of the church with thoughts and experiences to contribute from our tradition. Secondly, we give thanks that we can look back to so much that has been achieved. There are good memories of times when the Sunday School was large and busy, of times when the church was filled for services and when the support and care that was offered from the chapel to the life of the village were important. There is gratitude to God for people who have shared their gifts, time and faith among us and for the fact that their love and faith contributed much to individual lives. Because of their service the church does not die with the closure of the building. The church is not the building, it is the people, so the work of God will always continue among the people of Froyle. My prayer is that God will richly bless you all. Rev. Jean Simmonds. |
