Contained in these pages is information about the life of God’s church of St Stephen’s in Lindley. It contains official reports, summaries of the life of groups that make up our church community and information about our direction and work over the calendar year of 2023. I invite you to read through this document, prepared and collated by volunteers from our church community, to give you the opportunity to know more about the ministry and mission of our church, and to give thanks to God for this. Whether you feel you are new to our church community, an interested party or a long-term member of the church, these pages will contain information and stories of aspects of our church life which will be of news to you. I have certainly learned new things about our church community from these pages! We are blessed with a wide variety of community activities, an active church council and many volunteers who ensure that God’s parish church in Lindley is a beacon of light and faith in our community. During 2023, some of the memorable events were * held a superb Flower and Music Festival raising thousands for the works needed to our roof * celebrated the King’s Coronation * Inaugurated our St Stephen’s Concert Season * Developed and refined a church vision statement to focus our future direction and calling * held a confirmation service and reception to confirmation before communion led by our new Bishop of Huddersfield, Smitha Prasadam * launched our roof works fundraising appeal and applied for grants to protect the future of our historic building * participated in one of the busiest Lindley Scarecrow Festivals ever Please take the time to read the reports which follow, particular for the aspects of church life you are less familiar with. It highlights the breadth of activity, ministry and witness St Stephen’s has going on. I feel truly blessed to be the Priest-in-Charge of such a vibrant, faithful and caring community.
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!
