Repurpose Or Relocate
Turning on my computer this morning the three words above nearly bounced off my screen. Naturally, my thoughts were with my parish in Duncan.
One discovery with Covid was to learn just how quickly we can adapt. We were able to make major adjustments to our worship. Parishes across the world discovered new and sometimes exciting methods to share the Word of God and to share in the sacred sacraments of the Church. We accomplished all this without a building — at least without people in the building.
We had “drive-through” blessings and recorded messages (preaching). The parish is now well aware of music, pastoral visits by phone and text messaging. In many instances we accomplished more ministry than in the past. I believe we improved our pastoral relationships within the parish community.
About the same time, the parish received a phone call from the Executive Archdeacon of the Diocese asking for a time to have a conversation about a proposal for St. John’s, Duncan. My memory tells me it would take place a few days later. I waited in anticipation! The parish is now well aware of the resulting conversation. Our bishop was approached by BC Housing if St. John’s property could be made available for a new Assisted Living Housing Development.
Our church buildings and property are traditionally used for worship, baptisms, weddings, funerals, and other parish activities. Our parish halls are gathering places for family events and for extended pastoral care after funerals and wedding receptions, wedding showers and baby showers.
Two factors in the operation of our buildings are the amount of time they rest empty, particularly in the sanctuary. A second is the question of how we maintain the upkeep of the building. The writer of the article, Repurpose or Relocate, shares the dilemma of many worship communities. As our facilities age and require repair, how do we discern the next steps? Do we repurpose or relocate?
It is interesting how making our property available for Senior Housing is the parish to see a variety of ways to repurpose. Over the next two years we will have support groups meeting in the sanctuary, parish coffee after church, church offices in the vestry and sacristy to name a few. Yes, we have discovered how we can repurpose. Rather than relocating, the housing project will provide for a new social gathering space, renewed kitchen, and improved washrooms which will serve people with all abilities. The new access ramps will meet the current code.
We love our buildings; at the same time, we are living in a world very different from the time they were constructed. As the project unfolds the parish will have allotted time to review how we share the work of the gospel in our facility and in our wider community.
The parish has a variety of treasures — treasures to share with the Cowichan Valley.
Blessings,
Archdeacon Brian+
