All Saints' Theydon Garnon - "raise the roof" appeal
Since 1275, there have been Vicars of the Parish of Theydon Garnon, and it is a privilege to be able to write to you in that capacity today. For nearly 750 years our grade 1 listed parish church of All Saints, has been offering people in the parish, a place of spiritual encounter where the teachings of Jesus have been heard and Christian worship offered. Generations have come to the church to mark significant life events such as Christenings following the birth of a child, weddings and funerals.
Everyone is always warmly welcome, the church being there for people at the best and worst of times. Week by week people gather, bringing joys, share sorrows and questions along the journey of life and at significant moments, such as Christmas, the church is often full as people gather to celebrate with one another.
Today, the church faces a significant challenge and without your help may not be able to keep offering the welcome we seek to provide. The church roof is over 100 years old and is showing significant wear and tear with tiles damaged and slipping, allowing some ingress of rain water. The estimated current cost to re-tile the main roof is £153,000. The Parochial Church Council ( PCC) currently has a total of £84,000 which has been boosted by 2 recent grants. We are grateful for the offer of £10,000 from the Friends of Essex Churches Trust and £3,250 recently received from the Benefact Trust. We are also grateful for all of the significant fund raising activity and kind donations from everyone who has already contributed.
However, there is still a significant way to go. The sum needed is well beyond anything the church can fund from current income and unfortunately the Church of England does not fund repairs to church buildings, it being the responsibility of the local congregation through the PCC.
We have launched our 'raise the roof' appeal to raise funds for this important work. A small fundraising group has been formed and will be applying for grant funding but we are also asking everyone who feels able to donate some funds to help us renew our roof.
How to donate
1. Bank transfer to Barclays Bank sort code: 20 29 86 account: 10871788
Name: Theydon Garnon Parochial Church Council ( please use "Roof" as a reference)
2.Cheque payable to "Theydon Garnon PCC" (please send to All Saints Church, Church Lane, Theydon Garnon, Epping. CM16 7NX.)
3.Cash at the church
4.Donations can also be made by clicking on the link to our Just Giving Page
Whichever method you choose, we would also kindly ask you to complete the form a little farther down this page as it will make sure we can keep track of all donations no matter how they are given.
A small incentive
If you give more than £10, then we are inviting you to leave a brief message or simply your name, that can be written onto one of the tiles on our new roof - a lasting token of our appreciation of your generosity.
Please kindly consider helping conserve your special listed church building for generations to come.
Anything you feel able to contribute would be greatly appreciated. Rev John Fry