Being connected with so many churches, Church Growth Trust (CGT) is privileged to hear stories of how many of these churches have not only coped, but have thrived during the last year of lockdowns and restrictions.
Cornerstone Church at Crewe took the Tenancy of Bethany Gospel Hall in the middle of the pandemic, but between lockdowns. This meant they were able to refurbish the property, after vandals had broken in, and start using the hall and the grounds in the summer for socially distanced events. They were also able to hold various Christmas activities, including outdoor carol singing and a nativity play. Having started as a church plant within the north of Crewe in the last few years, they are delighted to have their own building, as this enables them to establish a base in the community they are serving. CGT has purchased some Portacabins for their children’s work and these are now being installed, ready for the church to use after the current restrictions end.
Another one of CGT’s properties, this one in Hampton (south west London), has also recently been let to a new church – Calvary Chapel Twickenham for their church plant in Hampton. The church was prevented from meeting in a local school due to Covid-19 and were determined to have somewhere they could use for the run up to Christmas. They took the Tenancy from the start of November and were able to hold their first (socially distanced) Christmas Day service since they started as a church plant. Elaine Roberts, CGT’s Property Administrator says, “you could tell how joyful they were to be able to meet. They even sent a video of the service. It is so satisfying to not only see one of our buildings back in Gospel use, but the enthusiasm with which the church has embraced it.”
