New church still needs £90,000

ANOTHER £90,000 is still needed to complete the new, partly-built St Paul’s Church, Penketh.
The main building is completed, but some electrical installations, external lighting, security and fire alarm and plastering and painting of internal walls has still to be finished.
Local contractors and volunteers are carrying out much of the work
Kieran Layfield, of the church’s building group, said: “We’re about to work on the ceilings and lighting in the corridors and foyer and on installing toilets. The garden will be looking very different soon.”
The original St Paul’s Church was demolished in 2016 and since then work has been ongoing on the new community church. More than £835,000 has been raised by the parish.
But church treasurer Denis Bamber said: “Although many people have given generously, we still need a further £90,000 if this church is to completed to the standard appropriate for the 21st century.”
Members of the church are still hoping to be able to start using the building this year.
A special outdoor service was held outside the church on Easter Sunday but in the meantime, regular services are being held at the Oaks Centre on Stocks Lane, Penketh.
A large, metal cross has been donated by a local family with connections to the church and was in place for Easter.
Team vicar, the Rev Sarah Peppiatt said: “We will welcome ideas from community groups on how the building can best meet their needs when it is finished. Churches have always served many functions, as part of their purpose in serving God in the World.”
Picture: Members of the church at the Easter outdoor service.