November Update

  • Planning permission granted
  • Project name & logo announced
  • £55,000 already received in granted

Since our last update, our church building development project has got its name, logo and identity.
Separate to, but in keeping with our church logo, we need this SPECIFICALLY for the development and fundraising project. It will identify the project and raise our profile with fundraising bodies and businesses.

The name and concept was developed by a small group nominated by Church Council. They used all of the ideas gathered at the most recent vision morning and worked with a designer on the logo itself. This is the thinking behind the final product…

The Name: CONNECT is a similar word to ‘Link’, which was the name of the previous development project. The word ‘connect’ suggests being involved, connecting community and church, connecting with each other, discovering common ground and celebrating different ideas

The Strapline: A SPACE TO SHARE can be interpreted in many ways, similarly to our church strapline –‘Loving God, Loving People’. It can mean to share our faith, to share our premises, to share our joys and sorrows, to share our ideas and activities, to share between generations, to offer a calm space for thoughts and a sanctuary.

The Image: The cross shape echoes the cross from church logo but is less distinct than in the logo for our worshipping community. The image of light coming through stained glass blends with our surroundings as church and symbolises how our faith blends with surrounding community.

The Colours: These come from a colour palette in keeping with existing SJR church logo, but the colours are brighter to reflect the light that is shared through all that the project will enable us to do. The fragments suggest different things being brought together.

‘CONNECT’ is being officially launched at the Christmas Trees and Music Festival.

Building Update

Following the receipt of planning approval from Southampton City Council, with practically no significant changes being requested, we are now able to move forward with our project on several fronts.

Firstly, it opens the doors for more Grant Applications which our Financial Controller, Neil Hitch, is currently preparing. In parallel with this it is hoped that Church giving by our Members will continue or even increase as there is a real relationship between what we ask for in a “Grant” and what we have contributed as a Church body. Any increase in giving to our project will be greatly appreciated.

Secondly, through the good works of our Architect, we are now developing the project on several fronts. One of these is to prepare invitations to tender for the work and the supporting engineering documentation (Drawings and Specifications) for Civil Foundations and Drainage works, Structural frameworks to support the new front extension, Mechanical works (Heating) and Electrical works (Lighting and Controls) for the new extension, plus the introduction of the Lift to enable the first floor to be reached by elderly and disabled persons.

In addition to the above we will need the continued services of the Architect’s Quantity Surveyors to advise the Church of the financial consequences as these work packages are developed.

Finally, we are working with the Architect to ensure that Heath and Safety are at the forefront of our concerns as the project progresses. This will have an impact on access to various parts of our church building so that our congregation’s or our external organisations’ visits are conducted in absolute safety.

Your continued support and your prayers have enabled us to achieve our goals so far and we hope this will continue into the future progress of this project.

Brian Hart, Chairman of the Building Development Group

Upcoming Events

Our fundraising events are not just about the money. They are all great entertainment, and a wonderful opportunity to invite friends along. There really is something for everyone. Please support these events whenever you can. Not only will you have an enjoyable time, but it is also a real encouragement to the people who organize them!

Saturday 9th December
City of Southampton Albion Band Concert
Tickets £5

Saturday 20th January
Join us for Breakfast

Saturday 27th January
Murder Mystery Dinner

17th February 6.30 – 9.00
Big Quiz

Please Pray For

Derek Kemp – The inspirational architect who has worked with us since the start of CONNECT. Derek officially retired a year ago, and has now decided that he needs to step back from our project. We thank him for his skills, patience and grace and pray that he will enjoy a healthy retirement. Please pray for the team at CPL Architects as they continue to work with us on CONNECT.