It’s hoped the local community can help to rally around as part of efforts to start redevelopment and transform fellowship at Christ Church Dore. The church is hosting 11 days of celebration to help raise awareness of the Step into the Light project, a move to refurbish the building and make it fit for generations to come.
The team is within £200,000 of reaching the target to start redevelopment, having already raised more than half the money needed thanks to the generosity of church members and charitable trusts and foundations. The programme of events will celebrate the rich heritage of the church members from 21 September to 1 October. Events include a zip wire teddy challenge on Friday 22 September; a home group celebration on Monday 25 September; a Step into the Light show on Saturday 30 September and a Harvest service on Sunday 1 October.
The building is watertight following the completion of Phase 1, with leaking roofs having been replaced – including natural light from new roof windows in the new multipurpose room (the old choir vestry). The planned new space for Phase 2 will be adaptable for sharing community events and drawing people into the church. The building can then be host to:
- exhibitions, including local history, and art
- concerts – with enhanced acoustics and ambience
- theatre in a versatile space
- workshops and classes
- school events and learning – developing relationships with local schools
- quiet reflection and prayer – spiritual refreshment
- advice and hospitality – for example Citizens’ Advice
- refuge from the cold – Warm Space initiative
The building will be accessible to all, regardless of mobility needs and requirements. All are welcome, and there will be additional and accessible toilet facilities. Improved lighting and overall design will meet many unseen needs and disabilities. The audiovisual support will enhance the experiences of services and other events
Priest in Charge of Christ Church Dore, Revd Andy Patrick, said:
‘Christ Church is a special place for so many people; a sanctuary of calm for the community of Dore for nearly 200 years. We want to keep it that way and so the time has come to invest in the building so that it can be a precious resource for many more years to come. This work is a combination of essential maintenance and innovative improvements, giving us a truly welcoming space that is accessible and adaptable, and hospitable to all. This is where we need your help!
‘We need one last push to get over the line. We’ve raised roughly two thirds of the overall cost and with your help we can reach our target so that the works can begin. Christ Church is where many people have marked the significant moments in their lives – weddings, baptisms, funerals and seasonal celebrations – through the highs and lows of life. If this is a special place for you then please consider contributing to this exciting, once-in-a generation building project.’
The full programme of events can be found here.
You can read more about the redevelopment plans here.