Our vision is to be a church where everyone can encounter the transforming love of Jesus, and we’re raising money to maintain our building.
What’s already been done?
Water was leaking through cracks in the rooftiles and membrane and causing damage to the wooden flooring below. The building works included introducing a vapour control layer, insulation, new roof membrane, new battening, new tiles throughout, remove the spire completely and reforming of the felt gutters including introduction of ventilation.
In addition, the parquet wooden flooring was replaced by an industrial Polyflor made up of wood-effect Expona vinyl tiles.
What still needs to be done?
The old spire has been removed and is to be remoulded into a cross to fit on the front of the building. Replacement doors are also needed as they are rotting away.
How much will it cost?
The total cost us estimated to be around £70,500 with around £5,000 still needed to complete it. This includes all materials, labour and scaffolding needed.
Doesn’t the church have loads of money?
As a parish church, all our services and activities are funded solely by the generous giving of the church family, visitors and local people. This includes the upkeep and maintenance of our churchyard, and our building (under the Charities Act 2011 the church is registered charity in the Diocese of Sheffield #635175).
One step we’re already looking into is applying for external grants. Even if we are successful in attracting their support, it is likely to be contingent on our own fundraising, and much of the shortfall will need to come from the church family and local community – that’s why we’re asking for you to help us achieve this goal.
How can I help?
Thoughout 2025 we’re hosting some ‘Gift Days’ inviting everyone to consider how they might help:
- Praying for the project
- Making a one-off financial gift
- Increasing regular giving
- Orgnaising a fundraising activity
We’d love you to be part of the project and anything you can give will make a wonderful difference.
GiveaLittle help charities like us to collect donations. Every transaction is secure, and you can find out more at givealittle.co. All donations will be used for the immediate repairs and ongoing maintenance of the building
Who will do the work? How old is the church?
The Church of The Good Shepherd has been based on Church Balk since 1978.
Our overall objective is to ensure the longevity of access for local people. We’ll do this by developing a wider package of community activities, and by encouraging others to partner with us in providing their own groups and activities. Although the project is a capital building project, our underlying desire is one of helping us continue to serve community life in Kirk Sandall & Edenthorpe. This includes ensuring the space is safe for local schools, community groups and activities.
These include:
- a trusted local organisation with a track record of genuine community engagement
- a reliable and dedicated volunteer workforce already delivering hundreds of hours of community benefits each year
- a wide range of existing community groups and activities being run from our facilities including: services every Sunday and Tuesday, regular school visits, food bank donation points, weekly community groups, after-school events and more
I’d like to know more
If you’d like to know more, you can speak to our treasurer (Steve Clark), our churchwardens (Richard Lillford, Margaret Hall and Mark Taylor), or our vicar (Revd Tom Brown). Just click here!
