Published: 24 May 2021
Benefact Trust’s Methodist Grants Programme is supporting 10 Methodist churches with grants totalling £187,350 in the latest round of funding.
The Methodist Grants Programme is funded primarily by donations from Methodist Insurance PLC, with the aim to enhance the mission and ministry of the Methodist Church in the UK and Ireland.
Grants support Methodist churches to run building and development projects focussed on church growth, community engagement, and improved accessibility.
Four examples of churches to benefit from this funding boost, are focussing on making their buildings and grounds the best they can be to support the community:
Barnes Methodist Church, London
Barnes Methodist Church is undergoing an ambitious renewal project, which started almost 20 years ago, to transform a typical Methodist chapel into a multipurpose community hub.
To ensure the future of the community hub, the Methodist church is ‘Raising the Roof’! After 113 British winters, and more than a few leaks, the Edwardian slate roof is showing its age and is in urgent need of replacement.
£11,900 of benefact Trust Methodist funding will go towards the roof repair, installation of eco-friendly solar tiles, and internal improvements.
Westbury Park Local Ecumenical Partnership (The Church in Westbury Park), Bristol
In partnership with Bristol City Council and CHARIS, The Church in Westbury Park aims to provide accommodation for refugee families, giving them the foundations they need to start a new life.
The house at No.6, North View is next door to the church, set within a vibrant community close to schools, shops, the cinema and parks.
£8,000 funding from Benefact Trust’s Methodist Grants Programme will support major internal and external restoration work to the property, and transform it into an inviting, safe space to help vulnerable families to thrive.
Darwen Methodist Church @ Bright Street, Darwen, Lancashire
Darwen Methodist is turning a negative into a big positive, reinstating its building following vandalism and arson in 2020 and taking the opportunity to make improvements.
£7,500 funding from the Methodist Grants Programme will support Darwen Methodist to extend and install an industrial kitchen to reach more people with hot meals, and give the church the opportunity to work in conjunction with Darwen Food Larder to provide emergency food and basic cooking lessons.
Perry Hall Methodist Church, Birmingham
A Methodist Grant of £7,800 will help Perry Hall Methodist Church to develop its church grounds into a welcoming community space on its mission to be a ‘Church Without Walls’.
Perry Hall will used its grounds to connect with the community in a safe way as the UK moves cautiously out of lockdown. The Methodist church will create a space where older people can meet; a family environment for fun outdoor activities; and a place for prayer and reflection.
Header Image: Westbury Park Local Ecumenical Partnership (The Church in Westbury Park), Bristol
