Lincoln methodist church opens new venue to connect with community

A Lincoln methodist church has unveiled a new facility after a £236,000 investment, which it hopes will become a popular venue for the local community.

Moorland Park Methodist Church on Skellingthorpe Road has opened a new community room, called ‘Connect’, to the public on Tuesday, May 17 after completing major building works.

It was funded through £151,000 of grants and £85,000 through local fund-raising.

The new facility features a coffee bar, and better storage for the church’s ‘Thrift Shop’ and the Lincoln Food Bank distribution centre.

Money for the redevelopment came in the forms of grants from the methodist church at national, regional and local levels, as well as fundraising and donations from church members.

Connect was officially opened on Saturday, May 15 when 150 people witnessed the dedication of the building and ribbon-cutting, followed by a service of thanksgiving and a barbecue.

The ribbon was cut by James Goulden, 10, one of the youngest church members, and helped by property stewards Peter Butcher and Janet Reaveley.

The ceremonies were led by the Minister Reverend Christine Jewitt, with speakers Jamie Stephenson from Lincoln Food Bank, and Howard Smedley from Lincolnshire Methodist District.

Sue Eizzard from the church said: “We are now well equipped for a whole host of community activities and we are already running a thrift shop, toddler group, girls’ brigade and boys’ brigade, coffee and conversation mornings, ‘Messy Church’ sessions, and a distribution centre for the Lincoln Food Bank.

“The church’s vision is to run several new regular events at Connect, including a new songs café, open mic nights, homework clubs and discussion groups.

“The church would love to work with the local community to make these happen.”

For more information visit Moorland Park Methodist Church’s website, or phone Lincoln South Circuit office on 01522 697536 (open Tuesdays 9.30 – 1.30).