What is LMRC Refresh?
- An ambitious project to bring Landseer Road Methodist Church (LMRC) up to date.
Why is this necessary?
- There is so much happening that we need to get the premises ready to meet the growth and to support the new developments we have planned.
Where is LMRC?
- LRMC is in the heart of the Gainsborough estate in Ipswich. The area is in the bottom 5% on the Government index of deprivation for England; there are many people facing financial hardship.
What has been happening at LRMC?
- The pandemic and lockdowns really affected the church and it lost lots of its members. The church has always been involved in outreach in its community. Before the pandemic much of this took place at Gainsborough Library. During the summer of 2021 the outreach work moved to the church – we needed the extra room!
- Over the last year we have seen huge growth in the groups:
- The Friday Family Art, Craft and Play Club has grown from 25 people to 60!
- The Gainsborough Community Choir is up to 30 members
- Tea and Toast (a weekly free breakfast and social time) has an average of 25 people coming each week
- A new Home Group has started
- Little Lambs Toddler Group is in its 10th year
- Café church has started (once a month). Our aim is to reach out to people of little or no faith. Most of those who come are from the weekly groups we run.
What do we want to do next?
- We want to do more! We want to expand our work. Our plans include:
- Monthly film nights
- Youth sessions
- Music School – We will offer free music lessons to children from the Gainsborough estate
What do we need?
- We need to carry out some essential works on the building and then to improve its comfort:
- The church still has the original 1950’s toilets and they are in a poor state. The gents’ toilets don’t even have hot water!
- We need new seats
- Doors are warped and leaking, there are windows that need replacing
- We need equipment to run the activities – shelving, tables, new cups, new carpet, changes to internal doors, decorating, picnic tables and more!
How much will this cost?
- The total bill is just under £25,000.
- We already have £8000 towards the total, have the support of local councillors and applications in for grant funding but we also need to raise funds ourselves.
How can I help?
- Please pray for the work at LMRC
- Please read our updates and ask if you want to know any more.
- Consider contributing towards the project as an individual or maybe as a church (please ask for full details of the costings)
How can I find out more?
- Contact Neil or Elizabeth Hepplethwaite