Expecting and Attempting Great Things
The economic and social consequences of the global Covid-19 pandemic, and the conflict in Ukraine with resulting energy crisis, have been far reaching and profound, creating a new set of challenges for society to address. As churches consider the stewardship of their portfolio of land and buildings over the next decade, new challenges and opportunities are arising within the emerging socio-economic landscape, which will require a strategic and often transformative approach.
Emmanuel Church are a Methodist-URC Local Ecumenical Partnership Church in Eastbourne who are implementing a strategic vision by disposing of three sites and building a new church to achieve their mission objectives.
Their approach of “Expecting great things from God … and attempting great things for God” can be seen in this transformative project. Construction of the new church centre was completed in summer 2023. The building provides modern and flexible spaces, which will be suitable for both worship and community use and will enable the church to fulfil its mission well into the 21st century.
The contemporary, energy efficient design includes a modern double height worship space with passive ventilation, flexible hall, commercial kitchen, and offices at first floor level, with a welcoming entrance foyer, community café and parking at ground floor level and nursery facilities, meetings rooms and roof gardens at second floor level.
The new building will be partly funded by the sale of three other sites, which are being redeveloped sympathetically to provide much needed housing in the town for local people. The congregation raised the remaining balance of funds through a series of imaginative local fund-raising initiatives and from generous donors.
If you are ‘expecting and attempting great things’ and would like to review how your church buildings and property portfolio can better deliver your vision and mission objectives, please contact CPL Architects to see how we can help you.