Church of England Diocese of Oxford Summertown Summertown: St Michael & All Angels

Everyday faith

"After moving into the parish I quickly understood that the church needed to open its doors to create a better welcome for everybody.This would become the main objective for the Threshold Project." - The Vicar, Gavin Knight 

Everyday faith at St Michael and All Angels is led through the Threshold Project - the modern extension of the original church building, offering a new, open and community-oriented space. Planning for the Threshold building began in 2014 and, after extensive reviews, planning and fund-raising, the construction work began in late 2017. The building was completed in early 2018 and formally blessed by the Bishop on 22 April 2018

The Threshold is a form of physical architecture that blurs the divide between 'in church' and 'outside of church'. Yet this material blending speaks to a much deeper spiritual reality; one in which the local community can enter into the space, and the church's minsitry can spill out. The Threshold has become an active centre of church life and prayer outside of normal 'worship' times, and new facilities have encouraged different user groups to enjoy the church space.

For more information, please read about the project on our website: https://www.stmichaels-summertown.org.uk/threshold/introduction

 

A story of everyday faith

What does everyday faith look like? Hear one person's story of how their faith impacts their daily life.

How we support you

A place of welcome — Opening up the church throughout the week and inviting the local community to enter and engage. The Threshold has become an active centre of church life and prayer outside of normal 'worship' times, e.g. The Book Club

A place for community — New facilities have encouraged different user groups to enjoy the church space. A meeting area, a kitchen, an office and much-needed toilets make St Michael's become more welcoming and hospitable for the entire local community e.g. Ukrainian Frienship Centre 

A place for healing — Creating an environment so that the church can be used for promoting care and welfare in the community. The Threshold will be offered to local care and health organisations for meetings, talks and consultations. The church environment lends itself to the pursuit of quietness and reflection e.g. Men's Breakfast Clib 

A place for creativity — Providing a creative space where talent and beauty flourishes. The Threshold will enhance St Michael's growing reputation as a venue for music and the arts, e.g. stmaa hosted classical music concerts 

What you can do

Through the Everyday Faith portal, the Church of England offers a range of reflections and prayer journeys to help people find and follow God in their daily life.

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