CAPTION: St Andrew's church has been able to install livestreaming equipment after receiving a grant
Devon Church Gets Grant For Digital Equipment To Connect With People Online
St Andrew’s Church in Cullompton has been awarded a £52,000 grant to upgrade its digital capabilities after applying to the Government’s Culture Recovery Fund.
The fund was set up to offer support for cultural institutions whose finances were affected by the pandemic.
The funding has enabled new cameras and livestreaming equipment to be installed in the 15th Century building, as well as new staging and lighting.
It also allows the church to pay administrative team members for their time and ensure that all services are Covid-secure and maintain the Government track and trace system.
Vicar Ed Hobbs during a livestreamed Sunday service
The Vicar of St Andrew’s, the Rev’d Ed Hobbs, said “We are hugely grateful for the grant we received from the Culture Recovery Fund.
“It has enabled us to install some equipment and pay some costs that have kept us functioning in a way that otherwise would not have been possible, and which will continue to be a huge blessing to us well after Covid19 is over.
“It was quite a bit of work to get the grant bid together, but was well worth it, and the team at the Culture Recovery Fund have also been really helpful in managing the grant, and helping us to report on our costs.”
St Andrew’s now regularly livestreams its two Sunday morning services on its YouTube channel, uniting the congregation in the building with those watching online.
Weddings and funerals can now be livestreamed from St Andrew’s Church
The digital volunteer team there is also able to provide high quality livestreaming of weddings, funerals and Christenings, which enables family and friends to participate from around the world.
Since the pandemic began, millions of people have taken part in church services online.
Research by the Church of England shows that many of those attending online services were not previously churchgoers. According to a survey published in March 2021, around 20% of people watching the Church of England’s weekly service were engaging online for the first time.
The Government has just announced a third round of Culture Recovery Fund applications, with details about the date organisations need to apply by expected to be published shortly.
If you would like advice about applying for a grant please contact the diocese Mission Resources Team.
