Rev Keith Davies, Rev Baroness Kathleen Richardson and Rev Paul Wilson in the church's entrance-porch enjoying a well-earned cup of tea following the Thanksgiving Weekend Service on Sat 6th January 2007.

In a nutshell, this was exactly what it was all about. It wasn't quite an epic of Biblical proportions; but for those of us who saw the vision of our church redevelopment being birthed, planned for and finally being set in motion, it was a very satisfying celebration of all the hard work, prayer and anxious times experienced in between. How much more satisfying it must have been to our team, who were on the front lines of the planning and execution…

The event was attended by the Knutsford Town Mayor; the Macclesfield Town Mayor; Mrs Briggs who was representing her husband, the High Sheriff of Cheshire; and the Chairman of Cheshire County Council. Some of the former ministers of Knutsford Methodist Church were also present, as well as the clergy of our town, Circuit and District.

The key of the church and community centre was presented to Steve Wilkinson by Alan Waldron from Armitage Construction, and the church and centre was rededicated to God's glory. We were able to recapture the story of the redevelopment: firstly, by remembering the vision. Paul reminded us that the cross is at the centre of our worship. The sanctuary reminds us that Jesus is our High Priest; and the community centre reminds us that He is the light of the world. Secondly, we recaptured the vision made real; John M showed us some of the before-and-after shots. Thirdly, Howard K shared with us the financing of the vision.

John Niven, the architect, and Hannah L read the scriptures for us, before Rev Baroness Kathleen Richardson, who is a past President of the Methodist Conference, brought God's word to us. She shared some of her experiences; of Jacob's Well; and of Mombasa (Kenya), where the church "building" was an Almond tree. She reminded us that though we treasure tradition, we are not bound by it; and that it is Jesus' presence that rededicates us. He will bless all that is done in His name. In a lovely anecdote that she recounted, she said that sometimes we will want to ask Jesus to slow down!! Rev Richardson led the prayers of rededication, and then Rev Dr Keith Davies, who is chair of the Manchester and Stockport Methodist District, led the prayers of intercession. After the blessing and dismissal, the presiding clergy, Civic guests, redevelopment team and representatives of the church processed into the entrance hall, where a plaque was unveiled to commemorate the day. We, the congregation, were able to watch the ceremony on a screen.

Appropriately, 6th Jan was also Epiphany; and for me, there was a very real sense that we were also offering our gifts to the Christ-child: our church, and ourselves, to His service and to His praise and glory. God was filling the church with His presence; and at no stage did I feel that it was a celebration of human effort, like a modern-day tower of Babel. The day belonged to the Lord, and it was set apart to honour and glorify his name.

"For now I have chosen and consecrated this house so that my name may be there forever; my eyes and my heart will be there for all time." - 2 Chron 7:16.