It’s shaping up as an exciting year ahead for the Anglican Parish of Cessnock.
St John’s Cottage, which is located next to the church on Dudley Street, will undergo a much-needed refurbishment to create a more functional and accessible environment.
The cottage is home to the parish office, Christian shop, and serves as a meeting space where the church community strives to welcome and care for all who walk through its doors.
The refurbishment will enhance the parish’s scope of ministry, not just by creating a more vibrant work environment but also through transforming the book shop into the premier Christian resource outlet in the rural Hunter Valley.
With the nearest alternative more than 30 kilometres away and no public transport connecting the local community, St John’s Cottage book shop will house Bibles, Christian study texts, journals, gifts, arts, and apparel.
Apart from the cottage refurbishment, the parish is also excited to launch free community movie nights at St John’s.
Through the generosity and support of the local community, the project intends to inspire connection via the power of cinema.
The movie nights will provide a safe, welcoming place for families, young people, and film lovers of all ages to gather, enjoy shared experiences, and strengthen community bonds.
Mainstream films will be screened by a team of volunteers and light refreshments will be offered to raise funds for the parish’s ongoing work in the community.
The parish hopes these initiatives will help to foster growing engagement and revitalise the relevance of the church to the Cessnock community for many years to come.
