We have prayed and been planning for a new church centre for the last 7 years not only to have a modern building but also to be able to become a 7 day a week community focused church. Our church is currently locked during the week with the congregation being able to gain access by a door code. Our vision is for the church to be open and accessible to the people who live and work in the area. This will enable them to come in, be befriended and see the church as a non-threatening environment where they will feel comfortable entering, and ultimately find faith in Jesus.
New Church Centre Project
There has been a long build up to this in terms of permissions, legal issues and financial needs – the project is estimated to cost £800,000 to complete. At the end of 2005 the congregation were challenged to give to the project which resulted in pledges and gifts of approximately £350,000, and we have recently sold our existing church halls for £450,000 which means that the money is in place. Work commenced on 21 May 2007 and is due for completion in March 2008. Whilst the halls have been sold, the purchaser is kindly allowing us to use them until March 2008.
The new Centre will have 5 meeting rooms on 3 floors, a small office, a commercial kitchen and toilets including disabled toilet facilities. Whilst the new Centre will be smaller than the halls and existing annex combined, it will be modern and purpose-built (within the confines of the space we have available).
The vision is for the Centre to be used for the following purposes:
- Coffee shop and drop-in centre
- Sunday morning children’s work
- Good News Hounds (Friday evening 7-11 yr club)
- Wednesday Club (over 60’s)
- Prayer room
- Counselling room
- And such others as may emerge over the coming months!!
