Members of both St Matthew's and St Nicholas, Warndon have been clearing the derelict former site of St Matthew's church, which was demolished in 2015. Seeds of new life are emerging on the old site, on which the War Memorial still stands, with the churches holding some short outdoor acts of worship over Holy Week and Easter.
On Palm Sunday, local boy Carson Lee Bozward was baptised by the Revd Richard Wood beside the old fallen font which remains from the old church and in which several members of his family had been baptised in years past. Part of the Palm Sunday service, Carson Lee was cheered on by the combined congregations and clergy of partner churches Holy Trinity and St Matthew, Ronkswood and St Nicholas, Warndon who gathered around the outside font.
Then on Good Friday, a Roman centurion (the Revd Richard's son, Judah) stood beside the memorial crucifix as several of the congregation read the story of the Crucifixion from The Gospel of Luke. The event attracted the curiosity of passers-by, and local children were able to try on the Roman helmet and shield.
Richard commented: “We have been delighted to be able to use this space within our commnity. Perhaps most symbolically, on Easter Sunday, the new fire of the Dawn Service was kindled on the derelict land, before the light of Christ was carried (via a storm lamp candle) to a continuation of the service in St Nicholas, Warndon. These short acts on the land signpost the beginnings of an emerging plan for the site, celebrating new life from death. St Matthew's rises again? Watch this space...!”
