Cliff Park Community Church has been meeting at Cliff Park Primary School for the past 25 years, but they are now moving to a new venue at the neighbouring larger high school, Cliff Park Ormiston Academy. The last service at the primary school included memories of the church’s launch in December 1999 and the joint efforts of St. Andrew’s Parish Church and Gorleston Baptist Church in setting up the church. The church was formed when both churches independently expressed interest in developing new work in south Gorleston. The first trial run service happened on Easter Sunday 1998 and the core team was formed by 15 people from each church led by St Andrew’s Associate Minister Paddy McGlinchey and Baptist minister the late Richard Hughes. Former Cliff Park Middle School head teacher John Poulter, who had warmly welcomed the idea of the church meeting at the school, attended the final service and spoke about how he was keen for the school to be involved with the community in a variety of ways. Despite the sadness of leaving their home of 25 years, the church is looking forward to a new and exciting chapter at their new meeting venue.
Cliff Park Community Church is grateful for the support and facilities offered by Cliff Park Ormiston Academy as they transition to their new home. The church’s minister, Rev Derek McClean, expressed the excitement for the new opportunity and looks forward to welcoming people to worship at the new venue. The first service at the high school will be on Sunday, February 11 at 10:30 am. The move to a larger venue reflects the growth and development of the church over the years and the impact it has had on the local community.
The church’s establishment and growth over the past 25 years at the primary school has been a significant part of the community, and the move to a larger venue at the high school presents a new opportunity for the church to continue its work in the area. The church leadership is deeply grateful for God’s faithfulness and provision over the years and is excited for the future of the church in its new location. The move to Cliff Park Ormiston Academy marks the beginning of a new and exciting chapter in the life of the church and its community.
