This is a text-only version of an article first published on Thursday, 20 August 2015. Information shown on this page may no longer be current.
Posted on 22. 8. 15A REDESIGN has transformed the space available for worship and events at the Fairford Leys Ecumenical Church in Aylesbury.
Funding included a £6,000 Mission Development Fund grant, and the project has seen a new entrance porch with better access for all, and the original space opened up to provide a function space.
The URC minister who leads the church, the Revd Anthony Howells, said: "We've also turned the rear wall of the church into a big, sliding glass screen so we can create one enormous space if we need to for big confirmation services and community events. "Anthony said the building now also has a well equipped conference room for up to a dozen people along with a gallery area that has been turned into a youth space with cushions and bean bags.
Other space gains have meant that the side chapel is now always available for prayer and reflection, rather than being a multi-purpose room.
The previous entrance space is used by children's groups on a Sunday morning. Rather than extend the kitchen, a servery/bar has been created. "The facilities are enabling the church to extend their midweek ministry and community activities. The whole process has been really good and we've had several community events in there already and we are getting lots more enquiries.
It has changed the dynamics of the whole church," added Anthony.