BUILD Bi-Weekly Update: Sunday 12th December 2010

What have we been up to since our last report?

• One hundred church members attended the Special Church Meeting on Thursday 18 November; 98 people voted to support the resolution proposed by the Leadership regarding funding. Hallelujah! It was fabulous for so many to be present and to witness unanimity amongst God's people here at LRBC.
• Of further encouragement was the generosity evident by the giving at the Church Anniversary. The total of gifts and pledges now stands in excess of £437,000. (please speak to Julie if you would like further details on this)
• The Development Team has met with Clifford, our Architect and Ray and Ken Kettridge, our M&E Consultants on 3 November and 9 December to discuss all the final details of the Project
• Our fabulous Christmas Fayre which took place on 20 November raised over £2000 for the project, not only this but lots of people volunteered to be involved and lots of people crossed the threshold to purchase goods.
• The Project Board met on 29 November to discuss and pray over all components of the project.
• We have made a grant submission to Cory Environmental Trust and look forward to making a formal presentation to them at the end of January.

What are we going to be up to in the next couple of weeks?

• The Professional and Development Teams are working hard so that the project will go out to tender directly after Christmas.
• Further to the Church Meeting, Julie is continuing to work hard on the funding plan which is required by the Baptist Union before the loan is first drawn down.

• Fund-raising events are being planned for next year; should you have any cunning ideas please speak directly to Martin and Priscilla Scott. Should you be considering a sponsored event to raise funds for the BUILD project, we are now set-up on the Virgin 'just-giving' website so speak to Julie if you require any further info on this.
• We are continuing to work on site logistics! While the contractor is on site we will not be able to use the Main Hall, Pre-school Room and Parlour. Pre-school will relocate to the Stables for the duration. Furthermore, because new boilers are being installed and new pipework and radiators fitted in the Sanctuary, we will not be able to use the Sanctuary during August. We are aiming to accommodate the majority of existing users during this period by using the Sanctuary during the week. Early in the New Year we are planning to meet with children's and youth leaders to discuss this further. Should you have any queries on this please speak directly to either Alan or Jane.

So how exciting is 2011 going to be?In the meantime enjoy Christmas and keep praying.