ECFVP Interview with Melanie Barnett Wright: “It has nothing to do with the building”
Additionally, Duke Divinity’s Faith & Leadership has an article by Lisa G. Fischbeck, “Moving Church”. Here’s an excerpt:
But after six years, the task of setting up and taking down our worship space every week was losing its charm. More importantly, we realized what a more-permanent location could provide for us and for our ministry.
We wanted to offer a variety of opportunities for prayer, contemplation and worship. We wanted to offer hospitality throughout the week. We wanted to plant community gardens and invite people into public space to organize and be empowered to work for God’s compassionate justice in the world. We wanted buildings with “porous walls,” inviting people to come and go freely.
We purchased 15 acres of land through the generosity of our congregation and donors and developed a vision for a nonprofit center, an intentional community and more.
But first, we needed a building in which to worship. Despite big dreams, we were a small congregation without much money.
As we considered our options, the Diocesan Historic Properties Committee approached us about St. Philip’s Church, an unused historic building in Germanton, N.C. Would we consider moving it?