ABOUT OUR CHURCH

Our church meets in this fine historic (Grade 2 Listed) building on the main shopping street of Preston in Lancashire. The building has survived for a century and a half, despite being damaged in an IRA bomb blast in 1992 which targeted the Armed Forces recruiting office next door. More recently in January 2007 the tower and roof were badly damaged in a near hurricane which hit the district. The scaffolding in this picture was erected when the repairs were in progress.

With a small, ageing congregation it sometimes feels that the church is only just surviving.  However, we are convinced there is a future for the church and for Christian ministry in this location and are praying and working to discern a way forward. After all we feel that if God had wanted us to give up or sell up, he might have made this very plain by preventing us overcoming such dramatic events.

Over the last few years under the leadership of our minister Neil Jones, a lot of time and effort has been invested in developing ministry among the homeless, and vulnerable young people who use the City Centre. When Neil arrived he was handed a sum of cash by his predecessor with a note instructing him to "look after my homeless friends". For nearly a decade the church has sought to work out this distinctive calling, setting up and running various drop in activities, offering food, friendship, prayer and pastoral care to those in need. Work has been developed in partnership with Christians from other churches and in partnership with secular caring agencies such as the Youth Service and Connexions.  Many needy people have received help to turnaround their life situations, including addressing problems with addiction. As a result a number have found a living faith in Jesus Christ. A large network of vulnerable people has developed a strong association with our church, knowing that they can trust us for a welcome and that we will try to support them with practical help and prayer.

Our Minister Rev. Neil Jones