Over the next few weeks Shildon Methodist Church will be replacing its hall roof, writes Susan Horner.
The cost of this work is £26,600. The Church has raised over £20,000 towards this cost through the tremendous fundraising efforts of church members and grant applications.
The remaining cost, around £6,000 is having to be met from church balances, which is a significant amount for a small church, which survives only through the generosity of its members and supporters.
The church has provided many activities over the years that have benefitted the community of Shildon.
Many readers will remember the Methodist Sunday Schools, Parent & Toddler Groups, youth work through the Wes and Youth Connection, and the Homemakers and Women’s Fellowship etc.
It continues to serve the community through its Kurling Club, Crafty, Chatty Café and weekly Coffee Mornings as well as the regular Quiz Nights, and is starting a new Men’s Group in September that will meet on the first Wednesday of the month starting at 1.00pm.
Given the long history of Methodism in Shildon and its focus on outreach and the community the church is inviting donations from people in the town, perhaps who have benefitted from its activities, or wish to see it continue its activities in the future, to make a donation towards costs of replacing the hall roof.
If you feel able to help you can give leave your donation in the hall during July on Tuesday afternoons, between 1.00pm and 3.00pm, or on Thursday mornings between 9.45am and 11.00am.
You can also see our large display of historical artefacts all relating to the history of both Timothy Hackworth the man and his legacy for Methodism in the town at these times.
You can leave a donation when the church meets for regular Sunday Worship at 10.30am or 2.30pm, details are on the church website at www.shildonmethodistchurch.org.
You can also make a donation by post addressed to Shildon Methodist Church Office, Main Street, Shildon, DL4 1AH.
Shildon Methodist Church is proud to have served the people of Shildon for 200 years and hopes to continue to be able to do so for the future. All donations however big or small will be most welcome.
Susan Horner
Shildon & District's local community newspaper.
