1st May 2026

This weekend marks a very special moment for the Lantern Church, and in particular for Project Shine (What is Project Shine? | 4U). As you know, the Lantern Marathon Challenge (GoodHub | Lantern Marathon Challenge for Project Shine) has been met with dozens of creative and inspirational responses, all aiming to help raise money for the building project. It has been very humbling to witness the energy from so many different quarters, and we all have a chance on Saturday afternoon to gather and celebrate during our Family Fun Day. I hope to have finished my own 26 mile run in time to join in!

It is also a great joy to be able to announce that by Saturday we expect to have passed a first huge milestone in our fund raising efforts by passing the £500,000 mark. Since most of this money has been pledged by individuals and families this is a truly remarkable amount.

We now have a dedicated team of volunteers working to identify potential sponsors from charities and other groups, and the work of creating and submitting bids has begun in earnest. Most of this work could only begin once planning permission had been granted.

So this weekend provides a perfect opportunity for us to celebrate the work done so far, to say thank you to everyone who has given so generously, and, of course, to seek your help in moving forward. Do come and join us at The Lantern Church any time between 2-5pm on Saturday (May 2nd). 

How can you help? By considering giving to the project (Funding the Vision | 4U). By sharing your thoughts and suggestions for new potential donors. By sharing the word to make sure everyone understand just how special Project Shine can be, not just to the church, but to our whole community. And most especially, by praying for the project. As Psalm 127 reminds us, “Unless the Lord builds the house, they labour in vain who build it.” We pray that the Lord will guide and bless all our work together on Project Shine.

In Christ,

Graham Watts and the Project Shine Team