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A WARM WELCOME FOR ALL
Our 2026 appeal for new heating for our church
We currently have a very chilly Christ Church as the heating system has been condemned. Without heat we cannot use the church in the colder months, and internal damp is beginning to affect the fabric and contents of the church, not least our excellent organ. Through this Appeal, we are seeking to raise the funds needed for a new heating system by drawing together the generosity of our church and wider community. We will be using some of the reserves we have built up over many years, and we hope to be securing support from grant-making bodies. Our Grade II listed church will turn 163 years old this May and is still here for everyone in the parish of Ottershaw. Through your generosity, we hope you can help us to make it a warm welcoming place for all once again. Do come and visit us!
Reverend Mark Potter
Why is there an appeal?
Our current church heating system was installed in 1996 and has served us well for 30 years. However, it has been condemned, and no spare parts are now made. A new system is urgently needed, requiring Diocesan approval.
Can the Christ Church members finance this?
We are a small church family and each year we need to raise over £130,000 for the day to day running of services, activities and the maintenance of the church and the parish centre. This ensures that our church buildings are available for use for any village activities, for our youth and Baby and Toddler groups. Christ Church is also where we celebrate weddings and baptisms and where we offer family and friends support at the end of life.
We receive no funding from the Church of England, of which we are a part, and our Parish Share to Guildford Diocese this year is approximately £90,000. This covers our vicar's employment costs, Diocesan costs, which include vicarage maintenance costs, and clergy pensions now and in the future. Our projected income for this year is approximately £133,00 and projected expenditure is more than £138,000.
Can you help to raise these funds?
If you value our church as a building for the whole community of Ottershaw, please consider:
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making a donation and gift aid it if you can. Please complete the form overleaf and send donations to our treasurer
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supporting any fundraising events which the church announces.
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Please note that if this appeal fundraising exceeds its £10,000 target, any unused funds will be held in church reserves for future needs
Roger Pashley, Christ Church Hon. Treasurer,
A Warm Welcome for All Appeal, 50 Slade Road,
Ottershaw, KT16 0HZ
