It is some time since the proposed plans of the Church redevelopment were produced and amended - most notably to remove the wheelchair lift, which was widely seen as a costly and ineffective solution, and to defer some of the "green energy" elements for the present. The revised plans were granted planning permission by the local authority, which will be valid until late 2024. Some computer-generated images can be seen below.
Work has begun: the pews have mostly been removed, which has given a glimpse of the flexibility the completed project will provide. The old central heating boiler has been replaced, using funds from the Norwood & Newton grant. The architect has produced a sizeable body of detail drawings - once the structural engineer's input is added, we hope to go out to tender in April.
Two groups are at work: one to investigate and apply for grants from Church bodies and outside funders, and the other to generate ideas for fund-raising events and activities we can run ourselves. This month we have received news of substantial grants in response to
two of our applications to various funding bodies. More applications
for grants are ongoing, and represent a major effort on the part of a
gallant few on our behalf. So far, we have over 96% of our funding target in place, through grants awarded
and a series of successful and enjoyable events, and thanks to
interest-free loans promised by members.
We have a JustGiving page. Anyone can donate to our project, and GiftAid will automatically be added; or you can "Fundraise for us" - for example, set up a page for people to sponsor you, or make donations in lieu of giving you a birthday present. And...
Green light from the District
We have now received District consent for work
to commence (subject to our funds covering the tenders we receive.) Watch this space for updates!
Upcoming events:
- Kitty Brown Fashion Show - Friday 19th April at 7.30 pm in the church. Tickets are now available at £10 to include refreshments.
- Open Gardens at Hollin Head Wood, Canny Hill, Newby Bridge on Saturday and Sunday 11th and 12th May
- We are making plans for events to celebrate our 150th anniversary this summer - watch this space!
- We're working on a Recipe Book that we can sell at these and other events.
One important aspect of the work which everyone can join to help, is prayer. There will be a range of ways to participate, and the first is a prayer card. The card can be downloaded here in a form suitable for printing (4 double-sided cards), or here for passing on by email; or you can use the onscreen version below to pray right now!
Other aids to supporting the project in prayer have been suggested, including a WhatsApp group. If you use WhatsApp on your smartphone, and would like to be part of a trial group, send a text to Andrew (07563
234967) who will add you to the group. We're not sure how this will turn out yet, but it's promising so far. If you have a smartphone but don't currently use WhatsApp, you can find out more here.
Building Project prayer support
Please bring these aspects of the project to God in prayer:
- Sunday: Pray for our congregation here at Grange Methodist Church, that we may follow God’s guidance in our life together
- Monday: Pray for the Project Management group, that all work together as a team within the overall vision
- Tuesday: Pray for the building team, involved with practical issues, timescales and the planning application
- Wednesday: Pray for the local fundraising team, for those who have Jars of Thanks and for events as they are organised
- Thursday: Pray for the grants applications team, for wisdom and clarity, and for those who receive the applications
- Friday: Pray for all who currently use our building, for potential users and for the needs, fears and hopes of the whole Grange community
- Saturday: Give thanks for all progress made in whatever area of the project and for all the people involved in any way
“Unless the Lord builds the house, its builders labour in vain.”
Psalm 127 verse 1
If the design document doesn't appear in a few seconds, click Refresh in your browser, or press the F5 key. The document contains plans and computer-generated pictures.
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