Build it and they will come!

Our Parish Partnership with St Monica’s, Thika

St Monica’s is bursting at the seams. Over recent years the city-centre church of St Monica’s has grown and grown, and now ministers to over 650 people, including 300 children, teens and young adults.

This phenomenal growth has encouraged the church leaders to construct a new purpose-built Centre for ministry to the all the young people who are joining and participating in the church.

The new Centre is now in the final stages: putting in the fixtures, fittings, furniture and equipment. There are six fundraising groups in the congregation (named after Old Testament Prophets) who are in competition with each other to raise the funds to finish the building by April 2027.

On a recent visit I took pictures of the three-storey building: the idea is that the ground floor is for children, the first floor is for teens and the second is for young adults. Below are photos of the completed shell of the new Centre, with a view from the top slab (just completed), a picture of the traditional Acrow props supporting construction, and another looking down into the church car park.

The vision, commitment and energy of St Monica’s with its four worship services, multiple cell churches and wide range of ministries to women, men and young people, is inspiring and encouraging.

As our partner parish within the Thika-Exeter Diocesan Link, St Monica’s is an example of being a Light to the City. May we draw from their strength to press on with our own vision and strategy, trusting in the same God who has emboldened and empowered our friends in Thika.

Learning point: Vitality is a theme in African culture and theology. May we learn more about the God who has shared his life with us, so that we may we share his life together, and with others.