We hear much about the "vision thing" these days. Of course, the Bible mentions the word in various contexts. Our Chaplain does not want to be accused of taking a text out of its context which makes a pretext! But, the verse in Proverbs 29 v.18 "Where there is no vision, the people perish!" seems to explain exactly what he is feeling about the future usage of Mariners' Chapel. Certainly we feel privileged that so many residents are coming to live in the Docks. We want them to feel that Mariners' is their local Community Christian Church, regardless of any denominational allegiance. Our Creed is essentially "All one in Christ Jesus and Jesus Christ is Lord." Any who believe that or are seeking in that direction should feel quite at home with us.
We us the liturgy of the 1662 Anglican Book of Common Prayer, but we are not hidebound to cold formality. BCP is a very good level from where to start and then progress in our worship of God and then our outreach to our neighbours and others to invite them to join us.
The "vision thing" in respect to Mariners' does also have some material practical outworking. Our chapel building is 160 years old and is requiring some major attention. Sitting here in my Vestry the Dock development goes on apace, though with some potential risk to the fabric of the chapel. The tractors, excavators and other machines are causing considerable vibration which can't be good for the building. We've called our architect to investigate the potential dangers.
The other material "vision thing" is related to the adaption of our Chapel for present and future. There are four major projects envisaged:
1. Having a gallery or mazzanine built at the back (east end).
2. Replacing the organ in the gallery (north east) and maybe extending it?
3. Placing the chaplain's office (vestry) on the other side (south east) of the gallery.
4. (All visiting preachers add another point!) Where the organ is presently situated, in its place we want to install a disabled person's toilet. For our aging members, a real need!
Well, as you can see, our "vision thing" is going to come very expensive. Mariner's congregation have yet to be convinced. A nice hefty donation would certainly be a convincing factor!
There are many other requirements to make our chapel more suitable for all kinds of use in the community as well as for worship. We haven't the use of a church hall, so youth activity and Sunday School and the like is severely restricted. So, its watch this space for news and challenges regarding our own Gloucester Dock's Development!
Douglas Drane