Dear All,

SUNDAY OCTOBER 26th 2025 approx @ 1pm FOLLOWING A BRING AND SHARE LUNCH.

 

As most of you are aware we agreed at a Church Meeting on

29th July 2024: “The current Church Building is no longer viable for our congregation”.

 

Since then, we have been looking at what we do.The time for you to make a clear preference is now imminent, so this letter is to inform you that there is to be a Special Church Meeting on 26th October following the service and a bring and share lunch to consider the options available to us.

 

A few things to consider:

How can we keep all church folk together?

Consider your view and also what is best for the church when making a preference.

We need to consider financial consequences of any decision.

We need to be aware of the demands on people of any decision (we currently do not have enough willing volunteers to do all the jobs needed).

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This meeting will be a chance to discuss and debate the way forward. It will also include a chance for you to give your preference so Elders have a clearer indication of where to focus their efforts.

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Realistically the options are:

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a) If the plans put forward to turn the building into an Arts centre with Stowmarket Library go forward then the only option available to stay in the Church is to go into Centre 3 with a lift/stairs to access the space. (This will have service charges as yet unknown – room will be to our design.

Probably a 99+year lease. No parking, but dropping off zone).

 

b) Find a place to rent (not easy and renting is expensive) Small shop is £12500 +VAT annually.

 

c) Find a place to hire – still have to pay; may need to alter time of service. What is available? Will likely require people to set up and put away. Possible places may be BB hall and Fire station.

 

d)Join with Stowupland and become part of their fellowship (lose individual identity). Our finances can go to Stowupland. Will probably need people to run things. Transport will be needed.

 

e) Become an Local Ecumenical Partnership and join with another denomination (possibly the Methodists).

Parking? Will we keep our identity. Not in town.

 

f) Demolish the church and build another church on this site.

Or find a plot of land to build a church (Costs would be in the £millions- likely prohibitive). Have we the people to do this – not at present?

 

g) Disband as a church and go our separate ways.

 

h) Other – don’t know what but you might have an idea – let us know. As a church meeting we will need to come to a joint decision as to our future based on a majority call - so your thoughts are important.

 

Of the above you are asked to consider which would be your preference and the one you would be prepared to commit to.

 

At the Special Church Meeting we will be asking for you to indicate your preference. (confidential)

 

Yours in faith…the Elders.

What questions would you like to ask? Let us know by 13th October your questions and comments by completing this slip and returning it to the box in the Foyer or email your responses to Brian Hewitt at ……