Church building schemes

I always said I wouldn't get involved in another building scheme when I left my last appointment to come and live in Sheffield. But here I am with an amazing church community in the inner city  seeking to transform a listed building ( and whoever put the listing on should have been shot!) .

We have two congregations. Our morning is multicutural drawn from countries around the world, Thailand, Malaysia, iraq, Carribean oh and some people from Yorkshire. While our afternoon congregation comes mainly from the continent of Africa bringing afresh vibrancy. Then we have two boy brigade companies which are growing with great leadership, 'Food for thought' offering great value meals and company for many senior people, an entertainemnet s group who produce plays and Pantos,  over 800 came through the doors last time) , mid week communion and a food bank, an open youth group, a nursery and much more. We are a vibrant and great church community to be a part of and we are at the centre of a community- The Church on the roundabout. 

Yet its not easy finding our way forward in making our buildings fit for the 21st century as the Methodist Conference has urged our church buildings across the country to become. Slightly annoying then when our own connexional conservation officer is the one who appears to not get this. More concerned about what sort of chairs we will replace pews with, than the fact that unless we get the traditional worship space transformed to help generate income we won't have a church community left.

None the less we continue to make progress with new external doors so the world knows we are open. A new church  office and prayer chapel so we can serve the community is just being completed. We pray that our scheme to give Firth Park its own bespoke soft play centre as well as a modern worship space which can be used for other gatherings will come to fruition. All we need is for our bids for grants to  be accepted and our fundraising to be blessed. 

Who knows who reads this blog? Perhaps  you a complete stranger might hear the cry from the inner city facing up to challenging issues and want to help if so drop us an e.mail at firthparkmethodistchurch@gmail.com better still come and visit.

We are not posh we don't have lots of money. The people we serve are some of the poorest in the country and disadvantaged. Yet our congregation is amazing with their time and generosity as they serve the wider community.

So though its tough and I'd rather not spend time on a redevelopment project I believe somewhere in it  all God us calling us to be a place of welcome, acceptance and service. To transform lives and give people hope. So I press on as I see signs of God's kingdom in this place.