Building
Our present site was given to Baptists in Northampton by the developer of this area in the 1920's so that there would be a Christian presence on the new Eastfield estate. The vision, then, as now, was to reach the local community with the message and love of Christ. The vision was for a large church building which would have extended across the grass area to Park Avenue North, in fact some of the documents from the 1920's it was called 'Park Avenue Baptist Church'. The picture below shows what the church building might have looked like.
The school room was built first, the building on the left, and quickly became a well used facility. However the depression and World War Two intervened and the main church was never built. Today that is a grassy area much enjoyed by our youth groups.
Today we want our building to be appropriate for the work God has called us to do. We want to serve the area of Eastfield with improved, modern facilities.
As a church our Vision for the Future is:
Connecting
- with God and each other
Connecting with God's mission in Eastfield, Northampton, United Kingdom and the World.
- Connecting Out
- Connecting Further With Those We Serve
- Connecting With Others
- Connecting Throughout God's World - short and long term mission opportunities
Early in 2008 we set up a Building Team to look into what our next steps might be. This team is working with an architect to develop plans that will:
- bring glory to God
- meet the needs of the church (including those who currently use the building)
- benefit the community
- satisfy the planners
This process will continue but we now need to start fundraising, because the likely cost will be considerable, even before we get planning approval.
A Fundraising Team has been established and this consists of:
- Adam Eakins
- Andrew Coleman
- Owen Dawkins
- Lesley Grantham
- Joe Lee
- Mark McKechnie
- Sandra Richardson
The Fundraising Team has set out terms of reference (see downloads) but a key aim is to ensure that at least 10% of the funds raised (through the fellowship) are used for the benefit of other Christian organisations and workers.
A strategy is being developed which will involve funding from a variety of sources:
- Internal:members giving in a variety of ways: regular giving, one off events, money boxes and smartie tubes
- External: there is the possibility of grants and loans but potential funders will want to see that we are committed before writing out their cheques!
Our fundraising efforts were launched on 30/31 January 2010 with an evening of food and information on Saturday, followed by a further presentation in the Sunday service. Each family has been given a D-I-Y fundraising kit to help get us started. The kit includes a money box for change, a Smartie tube for each member of the family to fill with coins, a loyalty card, a letter of explanation and a commitment form (see downloads).
The fundraising Team are hoping for lots of help from across the church and want to hear your fundraising ideas.
If you have any questions, comments or ideas please contact the team using the email address fundraising@broadmead.org.uk
Broadmead Baptist Church, Northampton has also registered for Everyclick so that you can raise money as you surf the internet - more information is available from our downloads section.
As the total increases, watch the wall grow....
