The good news of the Gospel remains true in every generation. Recently, I was looking at the recorded history of the lovely little church of St Mary's, West Twyford, hidden behind the more modern addition. I found it truly amazing to think that there has been Christian worship on this site since 1181, some think it may have even been earlier. It has been suggested that it may have been rebuilt at the beginning of the 17th century by John Lyon, who lived in the manor house and is more commonly known as the founder of Harrow School.

The scene is St Mary's, West Twyford, early in the spring of May 2008. The little church is a picture of dereliction with overgrown ivy along the walls, windows broken, tomb stones leaning and some even fallen down; there are cracks in the walls and the churchyard is overgrown. Nothing new! In 1907 we have another record depicting the same picture. The Rural Dean of the day, the Revd B S.Tupholme DD, was distressed at the sad condition of the church. After years of waiting for clearance from ecclesiastical authorities he was appointed vicar by the king Edward VII and instituted by the Bishop of London in October. The building needed sorting, re-painting and re-furnishing. The pews, font, pulpit and communion rail were all that remained intact from former days. Once again people came forward to offer practical help and support. Some who had worshipped in childhood, others with an interest in the restoration project, gave money generously and the church re-opened, free of debt. Praise God!

In 1958 the same story was repeated. The church had a large extension added to that hidden jewel of London which was designed by the architect, N F Cachemaille-Day, FRIBA. The vicar, the Revd John Leeman said, 'a church of beauty, colour, atmosphere will aid our worship and devotions, let us make full use of it. Remember it is your presence (that of the congregation) that helps to create the atmosphere inside church. At the moment the building is just a matter of bricks and mortar, wood blocks, glass light fittings etc. When it is consecrated it will become a house of prayer ....' In the words of the psalmist, 'let us go up into the House of the Lord.'

Fifty years later, we are about to embark on a project following in the footsteps of those who have gone before us. Once again we wish to renew the spiritual life of West Twyford church and its changing community. We are beginning by clearing away years of overgrown weeds and cutting back and removing dead plantations. Broken bottles and rubbish are being collected - all with the help and support of Ealing council payback teams. They have received a warm welcome from the congregation and some were moved by the kindness and faithfulness of church members.

TEAM: Together Everyone Achieves More. That is what we are all doing. The Church should not be admired as a relic of the past - just an ancient monument, but as a place where we meet and serve the Jesus of yesterday, today and tomorrow. We need to examine ourselves and clear away the rubbish from our own lives as well as the Church and its grounds. We need to be filled afresh with the Holy Spirit and work as a team, helping each other on our journey and reaching out to those around us. "All of you together are Christ's body, and each of you is a part of it." (1 Corinthians12 v.27).

Kevin