Feature: How a multifunction faith space is transforming Christ Church URC Haydock

Caption: Christ Church URC Haydock

In the New Testament, Matthew 19:26 proclaims, “…God all things are possible.”

Christ Church URC Haydock has repurposed their building so that the hall is now a multifunction space - sanctuary on a Sunday, a room for youth clubs, Girl’s Brigade, the parents and toddlers groups and Messy Church through the week. The church feels like it has a new life and is growing through the changes.

Brian Taylor, an Elder at Christ Church URC Haydock, explains. Brian worked together with the URC Mersey Synod Resources Committee for the sale of the main sanctuary and to develop the design of the new hall.

“The main sanctuary was sold and will be converted into accommodation, providing more community links. The Church is also looking to extend the small hall with a new and bigger kitchen which would allow them to do even more in the community. Through all this, the Church feels like it has a new life and is growing through the changes.

“We have toy and clothes give away for vulnerable families in the community. Messy Church provides all the families in the community who attend a craft session, a gospel talk and sing and a free two course meal to finish. We have started a Cafe Church for the families who come to Messy Church and those families who don’t normally come to church. The services are lighter, with a craft time for the children, a quiz, songs to sing and a gospel message for the children and for the adults. We even have the local council elections in here.

“The church fellowship like it and have grown closer together; it’s warmer, more comfortable and we are more of a family. Through all the alterations we have never ceased to function our activities.”

“It’s exciting and that’s what the Gospel is. As in the New Testament, when Matthew 19:26 proclaims, “…God all things are possible.” 

Caption: Ukrainian Independence Day at the Uniting Church in Garden Lane