temporary relocation - FAQs

1. Why are we considering relocating?

We are a growing community and to put it plainly, we don't have room in the church hall to continue to grow. Guests find it difficult to find a seat, families are sometimes unable to sit together, and it is not easy for new people to enter into our common life. In order to enable our continual growth as a church community, while maintaining our roots and continuing to support Emmaus, we need to consider finding another place to hold our worship at least for a temporary period during the renovations.

2. Our church has a budget deficit. How can we finance this?

We have received a dedicated grant from the Convocation of Episcopal Churches in Europe which we have partly used when we worshipped at St. Benno in May 2024. We are confident that the remaining grant will cover relocation costs until the end of 2024.

3. How long will we worship somewhere else?

This is not yet finally determined but we shall begin with a three-month period starting in the autumn of 2024. By the end of 2024 we should have more clarity on the planning of the roof repairs. It is likely that we will continue to worship elsewhere through 2025 but our intention is to return to worship in the Emmauskirche as soon as this is possible.

4. Who decides where we shall worship?

The church leadership (Rector, wardens and vestry) make the decision. We have already a list of essential criteria to guide us, such as size, accessibility, rooms for choir practice and Sunday school to name just a few. And we will take your feedback from the survey seriously. However, we shall have to compromise on something – there is no perfect fit!

5. Have we considered other solutions?

We have considered holding two services in the church hall but this is not possible due to the timing of Emmaus holding their services. It would also likely divide our community and we would not be able to hold fellowship after each service.

6. Will we still be able to zoom the service?

An important criterion is internet/wifi coverage so that we will still be able to provide access to worship via Zoom.

7. Are we going back to St Benno?

St Benno is a beautiful church and we were warmly welcomed by the priest and staff. However, a number of things there were difficult and we hope to be able to find somewhere more aligned to our needs. That said, it is possible that we might return there on specific occasions.

8. How will we continue to support Emmaus?

Our Rector and wardens are in regular contact with the Emmaus leadership. We pray for our siblings in Christ, worship with them periodically, meet from time to time and will support them with their fund-raising efforts as best we can throughout the next year.

9. What does the Emmauskirche think about Church of the Ascension relocating?

We have explained to our Emmauskirche hosts that current circumstances mean that we need to explore other possibilities for worship on a temporary basis.We are not leaving permanently. They have been understanding and very supportive, observing that they also need to relocate from time to time. The hope is that we will continue to work collaboratively together and be able to regather as soon as the roof repairs have been completed.