New stretch target
We need to raise £1M! The church is for the people of our village and we would love for everyone to feel included as we rebuild!
To rebuild our (falling down!) church so it can continue to love, serve and be at the heart of our community for many more years to come
by Sarah O'Neill in Reading, Berkshire, United Kingdom
We need to raise £1M! The church is for the people of our village and we would love for everyone to feel included as we rebuild!
On Sunday 26 May I am going to be running the Edinburgh marathon. Upping the distance each week has been really challenging, but I am determined to get to the start line because I am hoping to raise as much as possible for a cause very close to my heart.
We are in dire need of a new church building. It's damp, falling down, leaking, mouldy and Morris the Mouse and family occasionally come to stay... We currently worship in the local school and this is more than adequate for Sunday services, but what is a church building for and what does it do?
For me, a church building is a place where love, hope and peace can be shared. It is a place where people can be shown the love of Jesus in practical ways. Most of the people who come into our church week by week are not Christians. The church hosts toddler mornings, providing an anchor for mums. There are weekly coffee mornings providing many older and vulnerable people a place to socialise. There are events, light parties, socials and fundraisers for a range of local and international causes. We run a weekly food share project, saving food from going into landfill whilst enabling c60 local families to access good quality food, as well as a cuppa and chat.
The church building is not a fancy place to hang out on a Sunday. It's a hub of activity, a haven for those struggling and the heart of the community.
Please dig deep and help us raise money to rebuild our church! Every penny counts.
PS - My kids, Thomas and Bella (8 and 6) have now also decided to join me in running and cycling a marathon during the next month!