If you are new in St Paul’s, you may not know that:
We have seen strong growth in the last few years
That’s both Sunday worshippers, and community users
We all have to use our worn-out, 70-year-old church halls.
We are planning a big redesign and renewal of the hall complex.
We launched the Project last year, and members of the congregation
gave and pledged over £300k. That generosity encouraged other
donors: for example, Leeds Council gave £100k. We are so thankful and
encouraged to see God’s blessing through gifts and grants.
Our upbeat, creative architects, Caroline and Alexa, have drawn up
plans to totally re-roof and extend the halls, and remodel the buildings
inside. We are fine tuning the design now as we consult many different
users, and we are busy getting two lots of planning permission: from the local
council, and also from the Church authorities. As well as explaining the
design, we have to show that our new building will be eco-friendly and
sustainable.
It is clear that the whole project is too big for us to do in one go, so we
have split it into phases to make it manageable. The first phase is likely
to cost around £750k plus VAT. We have about half of the money for
Phase 1 – but there is a still a gap to close. We believe that God will
show each of us what we can give, so that the project can be completed.
It's important to stay excited about what God is calling us to do. As well
as encouraging gifts, we are planning fundraising activities which can
involve friends and neighbours as well. Truthfully the money events raise
is relatively minor in the total; but the enthusiasm and fun is vital!
The next big event is the BIG Fundraising Quiz on Saturday 8th March,
4.00 - 6.30pm. It is suitable for all ages, from 4 to 94 years. Book here
Please pray for the project! We want God’s blessing and guidance to
transform the hall buildings.
For more information look at our website
https://www.stpaulsirelandwood.org/buildingproject or talk to one of the
Building Committee: Sarah Ayres, Eleanor Benson, Angela Betts, Nick
Fry, Rev. Mark Harlow, Ed Jackson and Geoff King.
Eleanor Benson
PS. Did you know that you can raise money for the Project at no extra
cost to yourself every time you shop online? Over 8,000 retailers will
donate to us when you use easyfundraising to shop with them. So far,
we have raised £320 this way. You can find our easyfundraising page at