CHURCH REBUILDING COMPLETE

 
click to enlarge Why We're Re-Building

Well, although the present building has been a tremendous blessing to so many people living both on and off the Fords Farm, Beansheaf and Burghfield Gardens estates, it can no longer accommodate our growing Sunday congregation and the increasing number of weekday activities. Indeed, for almost two years now we have been grateful to Kennet Valley Primary School for allowing us to gather there for our Sunday morning meetings, and it is encouraging that we are starting to outgrow the school hall.

However, we're certainly not redeveloping simply for our own comfort, but out of a real desire to be of benefit to the community around us. The present building has 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 nearer completion time.

The church members have agreed to make a start on the rebuild after many years of planning, and God’s encouragement during the planning application, and provision of funds so far. However this decision has involved a step of faith. We still have a shortfall for the actual build cost, and on top of this amount, the church has committed itself to raising 10% more than the total cost of the project, so that we can encourage other church building projects both in the UK and overseas. So we still have a considerable shortfall, but have every confidence that the Lord will provide all that we need to complete this project.

In conclusion, although the visible 'bricks and mortar' of the church will soon disappear, the work of Kennet Valley Church will continue unabated during the redevelopment period. We'll still be at the school each Sunday morning, although the Community Centre has kindly agreed to accommodate us in the school holiday periods, and our weekday activities will continue at other venues.