Kemsing PCC met for the first time since our Church Hall fire at the weekend.

There was a sober mood as we were updated on what happened, and as we started to plan our way forwards. But there was also a determined mood. There is still a God to worship, a village to serve, and the good news to proclaim. We worked together on our short-term solutions to get as many groups and meetings up and running as soon as possible. We also thought through our medium term strategy, accepting that it could be 1 to 2 years before a new church hall is ready. We planned, too, for the long-term, considering the various options for a replacement building.

It was clear that we are in the early stages of planning our way ahead. There is a lot to be done, and the fire was just a few days ago. Nevertheless, by working together, and with God's help, we will find that way forwards. We will do so, as well, with the support of the whole village community. Offers of support continue to pour in from local people, whether it's offering practical help, places to meet, or simply their sympathies. This is Kemsing at its best; we in the church are very grateful to everyone. But ultimately, it is the village that benefits. We exist for the benefit of our non-members, and so as the community supports us, in the final analysis they are supporting us as we seek to serve the whole village.