It may seem that no matter what, we cannot escape the festivities around 31 October. In 2023, many Christians are embracing alternatives to Halloween and participating in festivities that incorporate their Christian beliefs. Church Growth Trust has gathered a selection of ideas and resources to help resource your chosen events and festivities.  

Light parties 

Some churches hold special events around this time of year.  There might be a ‘light party’ with fun activities for children and young people – these events are a lovely way to focus on all that’s life-giving and positive around All Hallows. Scripture Union has created a comprehensive guide to holding your own alternative celebration – Light Parties | Scripture Union. 

Acts of kindness and charity

Rather than participating in traditional Halloween festivities, some may choose to engage in acts of kindness and charity. They may visit nursing homes, hospitals, or shelters to distribute gifts, cards, or treats to those in need. This places emphasis on compassion, love, and service to others, reflecting the teachings of Jesus. 

‘Trunk or Treat’ events  

“Trunk or Treat” events have gained popularity among Christian communities as an alternative to traditional trick-or-treating. Church members decorate their car boots or ‘trunks’ in a festive way and park them in a designated area. Children then go from car to car, collecting sweets and participating in games. This allows for a safe and monitored Halloween experience while fostering community togetherness. Type ‘trunk or treat’ into your search engine to find lots of ideas to inspire you!

An evangelistic opportunity  

The occasion provides us with a unique evangelistic opportunity to reach out to our local communities outside of church. Visit the Faith in Kids Halloween Blog for ideas for equipping ourselves to think Biblically about Halloween. Scripture Union has created ‘Jesus is the light’ children’s session to help incorporate the message into your events. The team at Speak Life has also created an evangelistic video for Halloween, that although a couple of years old, remains relevant.  

Give out a taste of the Gospel alongside sweet treats

When trick or treaters come calling, why not give out sweet treats and some form of age-appropriate gospel or scripture-based tract, booklet, or gift? Adding Bible verses to bags of sweets (minus the scary wrapping) could be a great alternative. 

Prayer and reflection gatherings 

For some, dedicating the evening of Halloween to prayer, reflection, and contemplation is a meaningful alternative. Families or communities can gather for prayer services, scripture reading, and discussions about faith. This time can be used for spiritual growth and strengthening connections with God. 

Supporting parents  

It can be tricky to support younger children to engage with Jesus and respond to him, especially amongst the distractions of typical Halloween festivities. By sharing the ‘Faith in Kids’ video ‘Why can’t we be like everyone else?’ you can help parents navigate the difficult aspects, such as knowing how to respond to party invitations or knocks at the door.  

Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC) is a lightweight concrete material prominently utilised in construction from the 1950s to the mid-1990s. Its primary applications included the formation of lightweight structural units like roof planks, wall/floor panels, and lightweight masonry blocks. It is worth highlighting that some buildings constructed during this period may contain components made of RAAC. Given recent developments regarding school closures, concerns regarding the integrity of buildings are certainly warranted. 

Appraising the lifespan of RAAC 

Originally designed with an approximate lifespan of 30 years, most RAAC elements in buildings have now exceeded this. RAAC is also susceptible to structural compromise upon exposure to moisture due to its aerated composition, allowing moisture infiltration and subsequent degradation. As it was typically deployed within structural elements such as planks constituting intermediate floors or roofs, RAAC components are often concealed beneath ceilings or other internal finishes. 

Conducting a thorough assessment 

For those overseeing properties where RAAC may have been used, a comprehensive audit to ascertain its presence is required. A good first step is to review the historical construction documents associated with the building. It may be worth contacting the local authority for documentation if records are incomplete. However, it’s important to exercise caution, as the actual construction might deviate from the depictions in the architectural drawings. 

Pursuing in-depth investigation 

If there is a suspicion regarding the presence of RAAC within a church premises, engaging a qualified surveyor for a comprehensive investigation and confirmation is advisable. Given the time frame during which RAAC products were utilised, proximity to asbestos-containing materials such as ceiling void boarding is possible. Churches should make their asbestos survey and management plans available to any surveyors or contractors carrying out investigations. If the church does not have an asbestos survey and management plan in place, it would be prudent for one to be carried out by a qualified surveyor alongside any investigations. Should RAAC be suspected, the surveyor may need to remove parts of the building to gain access to the RAAC and check its condition. It is important to note that any subsequent recommendations made by the surveyor will need to be followed.  

Find a surveyor  

A list of suitable surveyors can be found on the RICS website.  

More information 

More detailed information about RAAC can be found on the RICS website RICS website or UK Government website. 

Church Growth Trust (CGT) is pleased to introduce its new trustee, Dan Leafe, to the Church Growth Trust team. Dan is a barrister known for his legal expertise and commitment to community causes and has recently taken on an exciting new role as a trustee with Church Growth Trust.     

Dan is married to Susie. They divide their time between Bristol, – where Dan’s work is based, and Cornwall, where he is one of the leaders of the Anchor Church, Fowey. While excelling in his legal profession, Dan has over 30 years of experience in church leadership. He has always maintained a deep connection to his community which has led him to work amongst students, to train leaders, to preach and to support many church leaders in times of crisis.     

Dan and Susie’s spare time is spent in all things Cornish – boats, beaches, food, football, and traditional singing. Most of all though, Dan is a tennis fanatic.    

As Giles Arnold CGT’s Chief Executive states, “Dan’s appointment adds a wealth of legal and strategic knowledge to CGT’s mission of supporting church growth and development. We look forward to the valuable contribution Daniel will bring to the direction of CGT.”    

Although it is good to see new trustees, it is also sad to see others leave. Trevor James, who started as a trustee in 2013, has been such a blessing on the Board and some of its committees. He has an accountancy background and is on various government advisory groups; so, was able to bring that knowledge and wisdom to help keep CGT on a good financial footing and keep the Board progressing on key strategic issues. He acted as Deputy Chairman and Chairman of the Finance Committee. Giles Arnold again, “He will be hard to replace and his sense of humour and clear thinking will be greatly missed. We wish him well on his well-earned retirement.”  

Seeking financial experience: Become a CGT Trustee   

CGT is looking for a committed Christian with an independent evangelical church background who has financial expertise that can help shape the future of the organisation. The trustee Board at CGT has changed over the years, with several of the original trustees retiring and new trustees coming on board. Recognising that a mixture of continuity and fresh blood is required with any Board, CGT is looking for new trustees who have a passion for its work.  

If you have a heart for giving and are interested in the vacancy, please contact Giles Arnold, Chief Executive for more details – giles.arnold@churchgrowth.org.uk   

Changes to Charities Act Valuation Report

The Charities Act 2022 has brought about several changes that impact charities and how they manage their assets. Over a two-year period, these changes are being implemented. One such change is the recent update to the Charities Act Valuation Report, which came into effect in mid-June 2023. Trustees who plan on selling land or property or granting a lease of more than seven years should take note of these changes. 

A Charities Act Valuation Report aims to advise a Trust as to whether the charity has achieved the best possible price for any given property asset (prior to sale or purchase). We have highlighted below the significant changes that have been made to this report and how it is produced: 

• Who provides the valuation – The first significant change is that certain members of the National Association of Estate Agents and the Central Association of Agricultural Valuers (CAAV) are now allowed to provide the valuation. This has expanded the pool of potential valuers, but they must still have the appropriate knowledge and experience of the property being evaluated. 

• Valuation report content – The second significant change concerns the contents of the valuation report. The previous regulations were narrow and prescriptive, lacking provisions for exceptional circumstances, such as a sale to a special purchaser or cases where a charity lacks funds for repairs or to secure planning permission. The revised requirements are simpler and more flexible, allowing for consideration of these matters. The Charities Act expects trustees to employ a valuer with the correct experience and understanding of the Act’s requirements. Once the valuation report is obtained, trustees should follow the valuer’s advice. The report will provide the property’s value, along with clear guidance on how to maximise its value and the best marketing strategy. 

More information  

To learn more about these changes, Church Growth Trust (CGT) has produced a briefing paper with a list of items to consider when instructing a valuer. The paper is available on CGT’s website.

If you have any questions about Charities Act valuations, please email enquiries@churchgrowth.org.uk 

A school uniform recycling project is making a big impact in the Borough of Thurrock by providing school uniforms to families in need. 

The uniform project run by the 180 Project Team at Community Church, collects used school uniform items, such as blazers, skirts, trousers and shirts, from generous donations. Uniforms have been donated by M&S, but the main source of uniforms is donations from families whose children have outgrown their uniforms.  

The school uniform project was launched as an ad-hoc initiative as part of the 180 Project in May 2022 and has continued to grow, with 30-35 families accessing the project each month, peaking at over 70 families during summer events. Another key element to its success is that the programme is available to everyone, with no need for a referral. By reusing school uniforms, the project is helping to ensure that all children have access to the resources they need to succeed in their education and attend school in full uniform. 

The uniforms are stored in a church cupboard and laid out on tables on a Friday afternoon/Saturday morning every month. During this time volunteers sort out any donated uniforms, then pack away at the end of the session in preparation for the following month. The scheme is currently run by church members, but the team is looking to recruit volunteers from their other activities too. Families who have previously accessed their other church projects are also coming forward offering to serve in this way. 

The environmental impact of this project is also a high priority for the team. By recycling used school uniforms, the 180 Project is also tackling the climate emergency by stopping good quality clothing from going to landfill as well as helping families who may not be able to afford to purchase new items with the soaring costs of school uniforms. 

In the UK, an estimated 350,000 tonnes of clothes end up in landfill every year. Encouraging families to use second-hand uniforms can reduce waste and bring down emissions from manufacturing new garments while making it cost-effective for families.  

Elle Knight, Manager of the 180 Project Team has been delighted with the results. She said: “The response from the community has been amazing. 

“I am grateful to everyone who has donated their used school uniforms, and to the small group of volunteers who work so hard to prepare them for distribution. The fact that we have been able to help so many families in need is a testament to the generosity and kindness of the people of Thurrock. Thank you also to all the people that take the time to donate outgrown uniforms. We are only as good as our donations.” 

The safety and well-being of everyone that uses our buildings is of paramount importance to Church Growth Trust. In light of recent concerns and emerging information regarding potential issues related to Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC), we are taking immediate and proactive steps to assess and address any potential risks associated with this construction material in our church buildings. 

RAAC is a construction material that has been used in various building projects, including some church structures. While RAAC itself is not inherently dangerous, certain construction practices and conditions may lead to issues that require careful evaluation and corrective action. 

Our comprehensive audit will include the following key steps: 

• Immediate assessment: An assessment will be carried out to determine those buildings, if any, that may be considered at risk of having RAAC present  
• If potential RAAC-related issues are identified, those churches affected will be contacted directly by the CGT team to discuss mitigating measures and next steps 

At Church Growth Trust we understand the concerns surrounding RAAC and its potential implications. This is why we are addressing this matter swiftly and responsibly. 

If anyone has specific concerns regarding RAAC in their church building, we encourage them to contact CGT’s Architect Jonny Heaney on 07729 082501, or jonny.heaney@churchgrowth.org.uk 

In Church Growth Trust’s (CGT) spring 2023 edition of our Foundations magazine we talked about the need for more office space. This is required for the expanding staff team (we started in our present office with five people and now have nine) and to provide meeting room space. We are pleased to announce that we have taken on some additional offices from our existing landlord. This is across the yard from the existing offices (“The Barn”) in another converted farm building (“The Stable”) and is already being used for staff meetings, trustees’ meetings, quiet space, staff breakout time and one-to-one meetings.  

CGT’s Operations Director Garryl Willis says, “We are delighted with the new space, and are already putting it to good use. Just being able to get away from our desks for meetings helps to focus on the discussions. The Stable has one main office, with some additional storage. The main room is light and airy and such a good working environment. We are grateful to our landlord for his co-operation and hope this will provide for our needs in the next few years.” 

CGT believes the extra space will enable the team to provide better services for the churches that we serve, as we continue to secure church buildings for Gospel use and work closely with occupying churches to ensure the buildings are fit for their God-given purpose. 

If you are in the Rutland area, feel free to drop in to see our new offices! 

Back in 2012, Church Growth Trust were gifted a church building in Llandudno.  Originally it was known as Bethesda Chapel, having changed its name many years ago to West Shore Baptist Church.

The building includes the original stone chapel, which has a double-height worship space, with single storey extensions to the front and side containing ancillary accommodation.

More recently it had been noted that cracks were appearing within the render high up on the front gable wall of the stone chapel, where it rises above the single storey flat roofed extension to the front. As the cracks were getting worse, CGT engaged a structural engineer to investigate. Working alongside a local contractor, they opened a hatch to access the loft space and removed sections of the finish to the gable wall to get sight of the problem.

The investigation revealed that a steel beam buried within the existing gable wall construction at high-level had delaminated and expanded significantly beyond its original size. This was most likely caused by exposure to moisture, meaning that the enlarged beam was crushing the brickwork around it, and cracking the render.

Leaving this existing beam in place was not an option given its condition and the destabilising effect it was having on the wall around it. However, the removal of this beam could not be carried out in isolation as a pair of beams at a lower level, were insufficient to support the weight of the gable wall.

A local structural engineer was then instructed, who added two new strengthening beams to the underside of the existing beams at the head of the opening into the main worship space. These were temporarily propped whilst new pad stone supports were created for the new beams at either side of the opening. With the new beams supporting the weight of the gable masonry wall above, the old defective steel beam was cut out in small sections and replaced with blockwork. The old, cracked render was removed from the affected sections and a new finish was applied and repainted.

Whilst much of the works were covered up and therefore unseen, they were critical to the stability of the external walls of the building. The contractor did an excellent job, and upon completion of the structural works, was retained to redecorate the walls and ceiling of the main worship area.

We hope and pray that these essential repair works carried out to the building will secure its use as a place of worship into the future and will continue to provide the church with a secure base in which to focus on their Gospel outreach work within their local community.

The Maybank Building at Latchett Hall, Woodford Green had been subject to subsidence over the years, which had come to light through visible cracking in the walls. Church Growth Trust (CGT) worked alongside a consulting Structural Engineer to determine the cause of the issues and possible remediations. 

A ground investigation was carried out which included the digging of trial holes to check on the make-up of the existing ground, and the foundations were exposed to check their depth and dimensions. 

The existing foundations were found to be quite shallow, with some notable voids within the surrounding ground. The mature trees in the vicinity of the Maybank Building meant shrinkage was likely to be a contributing factor. Shrinkage occurs when nearby tree roots extract most of the moisture from the ground during the warm, dry summer months. The subsequent lack of water in the ground causes the clay to shrink and, in turn, causes the foundations to shift. 

Work on these mature trees including the lopping, reduction, and removal of existing tree stumps, was a vital part of the remedial solution. This work required an application to the Local Planning Authority given that the trees had Tree Protection Orders (TPOs). 

Underpinning was then required to prevent the voids underneath the foundations from causing slippage and further cracking to the walls. There were options to carry out the underpinning via either traditional mass concrete infill (in essence to excavate under the foundations and pump in a depth of concrete to support them from below) or via geopolymer injection. 

To keep costs down and minimise disruption to the church, it was decided that rather than opting for traditional concrete infill, they would carry out the underpinning via geopolymer injection. The first step was to check the condition of the existing drains followed by an underground trace to check the area was clear of underground services. Holes were then drilled into the ground with several thin tubes fed into them. The geopolymer material was then pumped in, filling the voids, and stabilising the ground below. 

CGT is delighted to say that the works were all completed in a tidy, timely fashion and within budget. We hope and pray that these works will ensure the stability of the foundations of the Maybank Building, allowing the church to focus on their future ministry and outreach work.