AN open session and display to discuss the possible future of St John’s Church in Hale, will be held on Saturday (May 27), at the church from 10am to 2pm.

The discussion will centre around the ideas generated from responses to a recent survey sent out to residents living close to the church.

This asked for their ideas about how to ensure the church remains open in the long-term and how it can be used for the local community during the week as well as on a Sunday.

The survey was delivered to 1,700 houses in Hale. The overall response was positive to the idea of the “interior of the church being altered to create a space for complementary uses, while maintaining worship as its primary use”.

Ideas include removing the pews and replacing them with chairs which would be used in church services including baptisms, weddings and funerals, and also allowing complementary uses during the week such as a soft play area, a cafe, and groups offering support for those suffering with addictions or needing debt counselling.

The space created could also be used for art exhibitions, or for orchestra and choir recitals.

One respondent commented that by “removing the dark pews and replacing them with bright comfortable chairs will create a versatile space and be lighter”.

Another added: “As much as I love the pews, they do limit the way the space can be used and make worship very formal and perhaps for many do not foster a feeling of participation and equality.”

However, for some of those who responded, the idea of reordering the interior of the church is painful and difficult.

A respondent who regards himself as a traditionalist sad that he could “see the need to increase usage of the church for other activities apart from church services” but would “just have to accept it as progress”.

However, another added: “St John’s will remain beautiful whatever happens and to me will feel more beautiful if the building is more full of life.”

The feedback session with refreshments will run from 10am to 2pm this Saturday, come along to discuss some ideas and options for the future of St John’s.

For further information, contact Rev Hannah Moore on 01252 659267, email revd.hannah@bad

shotleaandhale.org or visit https://badshotleaandhale.org.