From my window, I have been watching the scaffolding go up around Blunham Church, so that the contractors can get up onto the parapets and make repairs to the stonework. As each level is erected and the scaffolding gets higher, I am reminded of how our great Cathedrals were built all those years ago when there were no such things as the tubular poles, complicated clamps and fittings that they use these days. It was an all-wooden structure with ropes and cords holding it all together – totally amazing when you consider their size. Not only that, but also the building blocks of stone were manoeuvred into place almost to perfection, with the windows and patterns of carving to embellish the massive structures. Once our churches and cathedrals were complete, services took place to give thanks for their completion. We must also remember that there were fatalities during construction when things didn’t go quite as planned.
The work carried out enables us in this present day and age to worship in incredible spaces – even though they can cause frustration and much fund-raising as we try and maintain them for future generations. As we look forward, we must give thanks for those who in previous generations have kept them alive and maintained them for us to worship. They gave of themselves for that purpose as we do now, and we hope that those who are yet to come will do the same.
Do come and join us as we worship together in our churches, praising God for his love towards us through his Son, Jesus Christ. I also take this opportunity to say “Thank you” to those who in their generosity enable us to continue to maintain and develop our buildings and worship. I look forward to seeing you soon.
With God’s love and blessings.
Revd Graham
