No idea what he is doing?

We have no idea what he is doing? Answers in the post comments below please. However, the machine looks impressive.

We thank God that he gives each of us different skills and abilities, and together we work much better.

So give thanks for the builders and team from TJ Evers and all the others working on the project, who each have different skills to contribute.

Update week ending 23 September 2011

We'll forgive this builder for being an Arsenal fan! But as you can see work is progressing deep within the site. Here we see the erection of an internal wall that will mark one edge of the new hall and the other side will be the main avenue wall that leads from the new main entrance to the The Stables and other parts of the complex.

Please do also remember Graham the Site Manager, who unfortunately broke his foot last week. Pray that he won't be in pain and that his foot will heal quickly, smoothly and without complication. Get well soon Graham.

Potential BUILD Fundraiser: Garden Trail 2012

Those with green fingers and beautiful gardens (whether the size of a pocket handkerchief or on a grander scale) are invited to consider whether they would like to be part of a garden trail next year to raise funds for the BUILD project. Advance warning is given so potential participants could consider when their garden is at its best: Spring, Summer or Autumn. Please contact Jane Brookes in the Church Office or on 07974 562981 if you think this small seed of an idea could grow into something big and beautiful!

Green fingers for after BUILD needed

When that glorious moment arrives, the garden will need our attention! There will be a new patio area outside the new double doors leading into the garden and where the contractor’s compound now stands the grass will grow again. The garden is enjoyed by everybody, the little ones from Preschool and Bright Sparks, children and young people on Sundays and Thursday evenings at Energize, etc.

A couple of people have expressed an interest in enhancing and maintaining the garden when the contract is finished, if you would like to be involved in a working party please contact Jane Brookes in the Church Office or on 07974 562981.

Up on the roof - looking down on the BUILD project

Here are a couple of photographs taken by Peter from the roof yesterday! (14/09/2011). It's looking good from the top.




However, now we know why the webcam has stopped working - it's been bricked in!

Pre-school children bury BUILD time capsule at LRBC

Children from Leigh Road Baptist Church Pre-school buried a time-capsule today on the site of Leigh Road Baptist Church’s new building development.

Leigh Road Baptist Church (LRBC) embarked on a £1 million re-development project for their home on Marguerite Drive, Leigh-on-Sea in May of this year.

The work which aims to be completed by the end of 2011 will provide:

• a new inviting glass landmark entrance and meeting area
• a bright and inviting worship and performance space seating around 250-300
• an enhanced community hall for events, sports and celebrations
• a new purpose built pre-school facility with internal open-air safe play area
• a beautiful garden and open-air events space for all to enjoy

The children and staff of the pre-school were joined by LRBC Senior Minister, Rev Steven Hembery, Graham Milne and Tom Lawrence of building contractors T.J. Evers Ltd, LRBC Pre-school Managers Jannette Land and Liz Kelly and finally by Jane Brookes LRBC BUILD Project Coordinator.

The time capsule contains local items that show of snapshot of life in LRBC, Leigh-on-Sea and national news on this day in history. Local and national newspapers, photos and programmes of the many groups that meet at the church, a Bible and details of the other community services that are held from the church island site, as well as some work of the pre-school children.

An archive of church website for this day was also buried on a memory stick along with some sample recordings of different church services from LRBC’s weekly podcast.

Steven Hembery said, “We are delighted that every week hundreds of people use the church premises for a multitude of activities. We currently provide a coffee shop, community centre, auditorium, halls, retail outlets and warehouse facilities. However, we desperately needed to modernise our premises – the new development will help us to serve and welcome our neighbourhood more fully. The new upgraded hi-tech worship area, will also allow us to communicate the good news of Jesus Christ in a relevant and accessible way.

Jane Brookes, Project Coordinator added, “LRBC is transforming its complex by enhancing the Pre-School and community facilities. We are creating a contemporary, visible and inviting landmark that drives forward and builds upon over 100 years of services for the people of Leigh.

Until the work is the completed, the church is open for business as usual, with Sunday services and many of the weekly activities still taking place. Updates on what’s on, where and when can be found on the LRBC website http://www.lrbc.org.uk/