| A new parish centre to help foster our Vision of making Church the Centre of the Community Development Project / Centenary Fund - a Million Pound project - |
| The Development Group consists of: Andy MacLellan, Martin Clark, Jim Griffiths, David Brown, Roy Bradfield and Geoff Jackson. |
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We are not only looking to improve the present facilities, which are looking rather jaded, but create extra rooms and spaces for new ventures. Renewed flooring, heating, windows, seating, soundproofing are the basics. A new floor with upper rooms for office and meeting space for children activities and other community uses, new kitchen and toilet facilities. The wonderful vision of opening up the front onto Mill Road to make the most of the site's excellent position. We would love to have a coffee bar space where there was a welcoming atmosphere for people to come into. A Centenary Fund for capital work on St. Philip’s has been set up. Much has been giving already which is terrific!. We are still looking for people to consider one off gifts and regular payments above their regular giving as a thanksgiving gift in appreciation for those who have sacrificially provided the buildings for us in the past and is a gift for future generations. Thousands of pounds are required. As a church we have already shown that we can raise much through our own giving and resourceful fund raising events and through a better use of the resources we have. We have had an Auction of Promises, Marathon runs, Fashion shows, Smartie boxes, Curry parties - these have been some excellent fun and helped to raise money at same time. The Development Group had been looking at a business plan to develop the back of the St Stephen's site for housing to raise a few more thousands! This scheme was rejected by planners in February 2008. So we now need to discern the way ahead. This is an enormous project where much expertise and time will be called for. If you are able to help - do get in touch. Legacy gifts are a wonderful way to direct future giving. Some maybe contemplating making or changing their wills and can put a proportion towards the local church mssion here. The legacy from Clarence Melbourne's estate - a faithful local church member who died in 2007 - has been a real encouragement to us at this time, his house will eventually be sold and will make a substantial difference to our appeal. We are looking for someone who is able to help with Trust Fund applications, if you know of some one or willing to help yourself - please let us know. 01223 247652 or mail office. The most important thing longer term is to have people involved! We would encourage various activities that welcome different groups of our mixed local commuinty Our purpose statement of worshipping God in all we do, growing as disciples of Christ, serving the local community, and enabling others to encounter Jesus - remains our focus. . |