On Thursday (27 November), staff gathered for a heartfelt leaving service to mark our farewell to Church House and to give thanks for the many years of ministry, work and community shared within its walls.
It was a gentle and reflective time – a chance to honour what has been and to look with hope toward what comes next.
The service opened in the reception of Church House with words of welcome and introduction, followed by the lighting of candles. It marked the start of a time of reflection, looking back on ‘the wows and the ows’ of our years at Church House.
Prayers and responses were then offered by members of staff, including a prayer written by David Williams, giving gratitude for the spaces we have inhabited:
Gracious God,
As we step out from these familiar rooms and hallways,
we give thanks for all the work, the conversations,
and the gentle moments of Your presence
that have filled our time at No 4 and our other spaces at College Green.
Bless these buildings and all who have passed through them.
Hold our memories with care and grant us peace as we let go.
Go before us now into our new offices.
May they become places of welcome, wisdom, and service,
where Your Spirit guides our labour and deepens our fellowship.
Keep us rooted in Christ, united in purpose,
and ever open to the new things You are doing among us.
In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
The staff at College Green shared a prayer which offered thanks for the beauty and history of Church House, and asked God to guide us with courage and patience as we move to the new offices:
Faithful and unchanging God,
Thank you for privilege of having worked in College Green,
for the close connections to the cathedral,
the rich history of the places we have inhabited, and
the chance to witness all the busyness and beauty of life through those coming to visit,
work and worship across this Close.
As we journey on to the new offices
grant us courage as we approach the unknown,
patience as we learn new ways of working,
and a sense of joy and community for this new season.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen.
The service concluded with a final blessing, sending us out with peace, unity and hope as we move from Church House to our new offices. The team went outside to light sparklers to symbolise the light that guides us.
For those who could not attend, we hope this summary and the photos below give a sense of the warmth and gratitude as we said our goodbyes and prepared to step forward together.
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