Follow this link if you would like to see more photos of the new building and the building process.
So, why did the Church take the decision to rebuild?
Well, although the old building had been a tremendous blessing to so many people living both on and off the Fords Farm, Beansheaf and Burghfield Gardens estates, it no longer could accommodate our growing Sunday congregation and the increasing number of weekday activities. Indeed, for two years before the new building we were grateful to Kennet Valley Primary School for allowing us to gather there for our Sunday morning meetings.
We did not choose to redevelop simply for our own comfort, but out of a real desire to be of benefit to the community around us. The old building had been home to a number of activities enjoyed and valued by residents, including a vibrant Mums and Tiddlers group; Friday clubs for children and young people, coffee club for parents to meet between dropping children off at school and waiting for the pre-school to open, and of course, the energetic group which caters for senior citizens.
We want to see new activities generated in the new building both by the church and other local groups, so if you have any ideas how the building could be used, do let us know.
The church members agreed to go ahead with the rebuild after many years of planning, and God’s encouragement during the planning application, and provision of funds. However this decision involved a step of faith. We were overwhelmed with thankfulness at the way that God provided for the full cost of the project and enabled us to raise 10% more than the total cost, so that we can encourage other church building projects both in the UK and overseas.
