The Light House Church in Heswall has made it through to the final three in the Church Times Green Church Awards 2024. The winners are due to be announced on 26 September when three representatives of Heswall church will be in London to find out if they have been successful.
The newly built church, which opened in September 2023 was built with special consideration to the the environment. During the planning phase, part of the vision was to make the building attractive to enter and inviting, especially to those people who might not have been into a church for some time. Its position on the High Street in Heswall means that many people pass right by the church daily. The whole frontage of the building is made of glass, providing a tantalising glimpse into what's going on inside. The welcome area is deliberately positioned at the very front of the building, behind the glass, just inches away from the high street path.
The main worship area is a brightly lit modern space that can accommodate all types of groups and meetings, from Sunday worship to music events and cafe-style table layouts. There is easy access for wheelchair users and babies and toddlers.
The church has already seen a significant upturn in its congregation and engagement with local community groups. The aim is to continue to make the building work for all and explore other ways to invite and welcome more people into the space to find out more about what the church can mean to their lives.
Parishioner, Christine Wetherell, who was the driving force behind the application together to enter the awards says: "The resulting and expanding congregational and community use and activities over the past six months has astounded everyone. God is truly with us."
Find out more about the Environment: 2024 Green Church Awards on the Church Times Website