Chester Diocese
News Item
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Why ‘church’ can mean ‘hut’
St MARY-without-the-Walls in Chester is one of the diocese’s grander churches – but later this month its parishioners will gather to worship in an altogether humbler building nearby. On Sunday, 12 September, the evening service will be held in a scout hut on the nearby Westminster Park estate. The idea for the change of venue is intended to demonstrate that “wherever people to choose to meet in Christ’s name for worship, there is the Church”, says the Rector, the Revd Canon Chris Samuels. He added: “The Church as a community of faith is not confined or limited to a dedicated church building.” Usually, parish services take place in the impressive sandstone edifice of St Mary’s, a Victorian Gothic church, standing on high ground and almost rivalling Chester Cathedral on the opposite bank of the Dee as a city landmark. St Mary’s can accommodate a congregation of more than 500. But the parish’s second Sunday of the month evening service, at 6.30pm, will take place at the 18th Chester (St Mary’s) Scout Group’s hut in Manor Road, which holds about 60. The Rector has appealed for support for the scout hut service. He said: “It’s an occasion for all of us to worship, especially families, and to enjoy the informality of different surroundings.” One reason for the temporary change of venue is that the 18th Chester (St Mary’s) Scouts are soon to start preparing for their faith badge; another is that the scout hut was recently extended thanks to a National Lottery grant. (02/09/04)
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GRAND: St Mary-without-the-Walls, Chester
HUMBLE: St Mary’s scout hut will host worship
The Revd Canon Chris Samuels, Rector of St Mary’s
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