Church Profile: Swanton Abbott Community Chapel

Continuing our series of features which highlights churches from across our county, we feature a small rural chapel this time which is having an impact on its local community.

Name of Church:         Swanton Abbott Community Chapel (SACC)
Location:                     The Street, Swanton Abbott, Norfolk, NR10 5DU
Denomination:            We are a free evangelical church, and we belong to the Evangelical Alliance.
Leaders:                      Jane and Kevin Everard
Contact information:   Email: info@thesacc.co.uk. Phone: 01692 538180
 

What is SACC like during a main weekly meeting?

We meet in a beautiful chapel built in the 1800’s, right in the centre of the village of Swanton Abbott. It has had a fresh makeover in the last few years, so you are sure to be surprised how good it now looks!
We meet for refreshments from 10.15am and our service starts at 11am every Sunday, and lasts for an hour or so.  We are a growing independent evangelical church, and have on average 30 people of all ages attending every week, including holidaymakers and visitors.  Children have their own activities that link with the theme of the service.  We also have a play area for pre-school children, and full disabled access.
We gather simply to praise and worship God in an informal setting, and there is always an engaging talk, based on biblical truths. The morning is centred on Jesus, and we expect to meet with Jesus every week. The songs are a real mix of contemporary and traditional. 

What else do you have going on during the week?

Our community café, Coffee On The Corner, opens on the first and third Tuesday of every month from 10.30am to 12 noon serving free refreshments, including home-made cakes, warm sausage rolls, teas and coffees, and soft drinks.   There’s always a play area for pre-school children, sometimes activities and crafts to do, and a book swap table.  
A life group meets in a local house every Wednesday in term time, from 10.30am to 12 noon.  It provides a nurturing environment with an opportunity to look at bible passages, share and then pray for one another, so that those who want to, can connect at a deeper level.
Every 5th Sunday, we hold a Connect event – when we have an alternative expression of church, or a more café style evening or afternoon, when we explore guest speakers, and just do something a bit different.  Look out for these on our website and Facebook. Christian entertainer John Hardwick will be leading a family fun event at the end of September – look out for more about this soon.
We are blessed to have wonderful community building, which we open to other groups who may find it suitable for their needs during the week too.  

How have you seen God at work at SACC over the last year?

• We like to get involved in local community projects, helping local charities, and raising funds for village amenities where we can, and the village always gets behind any initiatives we launch.
• We are grateful to God who supplies all our financial needs to enable us to do His work in the village and surrounding area.
• Our numbers are steadily growing, and our next vision is to provide something for younger people – maybe a youth club and/or Sunday School.   
• We regularly run Alpha, a free series of sessions covering the basics of the Christian faith, helping people find and follow Jesus.  We’ve always been encouraged when people have come along to ask their questions.
• The SACC seems to be well respected in our village, which is a true blessing in today's world.

What is the main thing you would like someone who has never been to SACC to know?

We are a vibrant growing church, welcoming all who want to find and follow Jesus, or simply just love worshipping Him.  Come and be part of what God is doing in rural North Norfolk, and encounter Jesus. 

What are your hopes for the future of SACC?

We are looking forward to welcoming more new people and building a strong Christian community right where God has placed us.  Church leaders Kevin and Jane Everard say “Since God called us to serve Him in the village where we live three years ago, we have witnessed His provision and faithfulness in all we do for Him, and He has begun to build a strong church family, enabling the chapel to be a “beacon on the corner”.  We want to bring the aroma of Jesus to our community and local villages, as the Holy Spirit inspires and leads us.” 
 
 
To find out more, visit thesacc.co.uk

The bottom picture shows the Swanton Abbott Village Community Choir at Christmas in the chapel.

The photos are all courtesy of Swanton Abbott Community Chapel.

Do you have a news story or forthcoming event relating to Christians or a church in North Norfolk?  

If so, e-mail tony.rothe@networknorwich.co.uk with details and, if possible a suitable picture.