Our Vision: “St Stephen’s aspires to be an inclusive church celebrating and sharing the love of God, connecting with all in our community through living faith in Jesus Christ.”This is a vision statement. A statement of our intention and direction as a church community. Everything we do over the next few years as a church will be directed and determined by how it helps us move further towards achieving this vision. Our PCC, subgroups and affiliated organisations will be challenged to work towards this vision.As individuals active in this parish we are asked to consider the following prompts in our daily lives. 1. Am I living out my faith in Jesus Christ? 2. Whom am I including / have I excluded? 3. Am I celebrating and sharing God’s love? 4. What can I do to help our church be a blessing to others in our community?The full sermon text & readings from the service are available for download.Credit card sized prompt cards with the vision statement on one side and the questions on the other were distributed during the service. If you were not there you are welcome to pick up a card next time you are in church.Rev'd Abbie will help us explore further what this vision statement means for all of us over the coming weeks and months.
After costs for these works rose considerably from original estimates, we have changed the project scope. We now have permission to complete ALL of the required roof and drainage works to the south side of the nave roof. This will include roof insulation and re-roofing as well as the guttering improvements and repairs previously planned. The north side is in better condition and so will wait until the next phase of works. The project is now anticipated at £124,000. We have already raised an incredible £42,000 through individual donations and fundraising (including a recent individual anonymous donation of £10,000). We have also been successful in being awarded grants from the Yorkshire Historic Churches Trust (£8000), Congregational and General Trust (11,300), Benefact Trust (£3,250) and Diocese of Leeds Grant (£2,000). We are still applying for further grants and have plans for further fundraising schemes, but would welcome any further financial support. You can support this appeal via our JustGiving page www.justgiving.com/ststephens-lindley or pick up an appeal leaflet in church (also attached). We hope to complete the project in early summer 2024 or 2025. Thank you to the buildings and grants teams and to all who have donated or raised funds. By God’s grace, we can do this!
