CAPTION: The Star GALA was an evening of music, refreshments, hearing from the local community and celebrating friendship
Church’s STAR appeal shines brightly on creating a community space for generations to come
A church in North Devon has launched their fundraising appeal with a Gala that celebrates friendship and community.
St John the Baptist Church in Newport, Barnstaple, recently held an evening of music, refreshments, and sharing of stories to officially launch their new STAR appeal.
St John the Baptist Church in Newport Church has been a key part of the local community over many generations.
The Start the Appeal for Restoration (STAR) was officially launched with the aim to raise £250K to repair and restore the integrity of the church building. The church building was completed in 1882, and for nearly 150 years the church has been a big part of the Newport history and community.
The church holds regular Christian worship, baby and toddler groups, community coffee mornings, concerts, school visits and community gatherings. It has also held weddings, baptisms and funerals.
With help of the STAR appeal, the necessary repairs and restorations can ensure the church is preserved for generations to come.
As part of their fundraising, St John the Baptist Church launched their STAR Gala, which was themed ‘This is your Church’. This was an opportunity for the congregation and community to celebrate the ways in which the church has supported people and local groups in the community, and the friendships that have been made along the way.
There was an opportunity to hear about charitable work in the local community.
During the evening there were contributions from a number of charitable organisations in Barnstaple. This included St John’s Hospice Care, Northern Devon Food Bank, Christians Against Poverty (CAP) and a video from the Freedom Centre. The Major of Barnstaple, Janet Coates, also attended the special evening.
There was also an opportunity to hear from the church congregation. Rev’d Selina Garner, Vicar of St John the Baptist Church in Newport and Bishops Tawton, Janet Benson-Hoad, churchwarden, and Sophie Brand spoke about friendship within the church and the wider community.
They also shared about the work they have been doing to show support and care for Newport Community School Primary Academy, Lampard Community School, and Park Lane Care Home.
Maddie Jane Warren led a performance of Leonard Cohen’s Hallelujah.
Local singer and songwriter Maddie Jane Warren led an acoustic performance, and the group also enjoyed refreshments.
The evening was concluded with a talk about love, the preciousness of the building, and reflecting on ways that the church has been a community space for nearly 150 years.
A Tree of Restoration was presented, with stars placed on it. Each star laced on the tree represented £1000 raised for the STAR appeal. The evening ended with 5 stars being placed on the tree.
Rev’d Selina Garner said, “Our STAR gala was a chance for us to celebrate the many ways the church in Newport has supported people and local community groups over the years and to gather with some pretty amazing people.
“Following Jesus makes us passionate about creating opportunities for friendship, love and community to flourish in Newport for people of all faiths and none.
“We are hoping that the STAR appeal will enable the church to continue to be a positive presence in the local community in the years to come.”
Sue Brand, who organised the event and has played a key part in the STAR appeal, said, “This is a huge project to raise money to make the repairs which will help the long-term life of this wonderful building.
Friendship, love, and community were key themes of the evening.
“However, this is not only about donations and fundraising, but also ideas and support to maximise the use of this beautiful community space.
“We see this as an opportunity, not only to restore the bricks and mortar, but to look to the future. Ensure our children and grandchildren are able to enjoy this space as we have.”
If you would like to learn more about the STAR appeal, click here to find out more.
