THE STORY SO FAR
Back in 1976 the Lantern Church in Merley was opened for worship; the vision for the church was originally planted in the hearts and minds of the congregation of Canford Magna Parish Church years before under the ministry of John Collins. The vision eventually became a bricks and mortar reality in that year.
At the beginning of the 1980's the Holy Spirit was challenging the congregations once more and called them again to build; to build another Church at the centre of the new housing development in Bearwood, to reach out to this growing, and more socially diverse community.
At the beginning of the 1980's the Holy Spirit was challenging the congregations once more and called them again to build; to build another Church at the centre of the new housing development in Bearwood, to reach out to this growing, and more socially diverse community.
At Easter time 1982 a new church was duly opened, debt free, with around £100,000 raised by the congregation, mostly in two gift days, and it was named Bearwood Church Centre. Over the years there have been a few necessary changes.
In 1993 the flat and living accommodation at the back of the church was converted into more useable rooms so that the youth and children's work could grow and develop. In November 2003 following a leaking roof, the whole of the interior ceiling and lighting in the worship area was replaced, and a mini- refurbishment took place with blinds, wall furnishings and a brand new set of chairs creating a much more comfortable and welcoming environment.
Over the past 3-4 years the church here at Bearwood has grown in numbers and maturity and has a stronger profile in the community as a whole. It was also dedicated in 2005 by the Bishop of Sherborne and given the name ‘St Barnabas’.
THE PROBLEM
Actually, it's an exciting and wonderful problem: God is growing his kingdom in Bearwood
The consequences of this are:
1 .As we have welcomed and discipled new Christians our worship space has become increasingly cramped.
2. The limited space to grow and develop the youth and children's work at the back of the church is a growing problem.
3. Storage space is desperately needed.
4. Disabled toilets need to be built.
5. Practically speaking after 25 years of ministry the building needs some major repairs. At the front of the building the large cross window and all of the front doors need replacing,
THE VISION
For a number of years people within the church have expressed their ' hearts desire ' to see an even better church facility being developed at the heart of Bearwood estate. Prophetic words have been shared over those years too. The following is just one from 2002.
' Whilst the praise and worship was going on I received a picture I believe is from the Lord. The front of the church was completely open. Two massive glass doors opened up. Then people came from all directions to the church, there were young children skipping, old people walking, all with one purpose to praise and worship the Lord. The inside of the church was like the Tardis although more people came the church grew with them, so it was never too small or crowded'.
A growing voice within the church, inspired by the Holy Spirit we believe has rekindled that first vision for the development of the
church here in Bearwood.
We have been working with the architect Ian Jolly and have sought to
interpret the heart desires of a church that with God's help can make
an even greater impact in the area in which it was planted 25 years
ago.
WHAT ARE THE PROPOSED CHANGES?
1 . A larger worship area by extending the existing space which would create 80 more seats and a more flexible seating plan.
2. An attractive frontage that is more eye catching, more aesthetically interesting and welcoming, reaching out and better expressing the life of the church a building with more light and more transparency.
3. A new hall at the back of the church, almost the same size as the Lantern Lounge. A space which could still be divided, but practically gives us many more options for meetings than we have at the moment.
4. Brand new toilets plus two new disabled toilets (required by legislation)
5. An enlarged office.
6. The possibility of a multi - functional ' upper room ' in the roof space for intercessory prayer, on- going personal prayer ministry, and other requirements of gods growing kingdom
7: The new design provides increased storage capacity, solving a long standing problem.
HOW MUCH IS THE PROJECTED COST?
The architect instructed a firm of quantity surveyors and we have an initial costing from them which is £800,000
This figure is indeed a ' Giant ' but we believe it is right to step out in faith and see if God through his people is desiring to conquer ' another ' giant.
ARE YOU WILLING TO GIVE FINANCIALLY AND BE PARTNERS WITH OUR
GIANT-KILLING GOD?
GIANT-
