I found Foxwood Community centre easily with the directions from the website (even though the housing estate it is on seems like a rabbit warren). There was sufficient parking in the centre car park and I made my way in through the double doors.
As I walked into the main hall I could see chairs spread out and sound equipment in the front and a mixing desk at the back. There were only a few people there but one or two made an effort to welcome me and I started to relax.
I was offered a hot drink and I sat down with a cup of coffee. There were some people scurrying around setting up microphones and other equipment, and people arriving a few at a time. I looked around and noticed that there were families with children & singles and that the average age was probably not that high for a church!
Soon after 10.30am the minister Stephen Redman, who had been one of those who introduced himself when I walked in called the room to order and prayed.
There seemed a very upbeat atmosphere and people were relaxed.
There was someone playing on a keyboard in the background and then a few singers went to the front and sang to it’s accompaniment.
Someone was strumming a guitar as well.
I expected lots of different things but found that Stephen started preaching straight away. In the thirty minutes that he stood there talking, there were times of laughter and also serious moments. I was moved.
As the preaching finished everyone started to pray again, and people in the congregation shouted out loud. Several people came forward to be prayed over and a crowd would gather around them. Then they started to share bread and wine together after a short explanation that this was a celebration of the Lord’s death.
The singers were out there again and lead several songs which everyone joined in.
There was something in the air like electricity and I knew it was good. I desperately wanted to be prayed for. The person next to me asked me if I was OK and asked me if they could pray for me. There in my seat I received something from God.
Soon after noon there were a few announcements and then proceedings drew to a close.
I noticed no-one came around with a bag – I wasn’t used to not being asked for money in church – but there was a box at the side and I saw some people putting envelopes in.
Sunday morning worship at the Ark was more intimate than I had expected and there was a just a real sense that in this community centre God was there.