The Diocese of Leeds is pleased to open up our small grants programme for new congregations, supporting new ventures to reach those not yet part of church.
The diocese is offering grants of up to £500 to small new congregations to help them get off the ground.
‘New congregations’ are gatherings that are just beginning, or will begin in the next six months, that are aimed at people who are not yet part of the church.
New congregations gather people in a place, ideally in person but could be online.
They include some form of worship, an opportunity for people to talk about or embody faith, and are committed to maintaining relationships between gatherings.
The Revd Jude Smith, Director of Church Revitalisation, said: “We know that new congregations reach different people, and often grow quickly developing new leaders as they go along.
“We also know that a small piece of investment can make a real difference as we start something new.
“I am really pleased that we are able to offer these small grants and I look forward to hearing the stories of new congregations which are sharing the good news of Jesus with different people in our parishes and benefices.”
More details on this programme can be found here.
To support applications we are holding drop in Zoom sessions for people to ask questions, and further support in writing your application is available by emailing barnabas@leeds.anglican.org.
The Zoom sessions: are taking place on Tuesday, April 9 at 12.30pm and 6pm.
The application deadline is Saturday, April 20.
A small group of people will gather to make the decisions for this cycle on Tuesday, April 23, and we will then contact churches to let them know a grant is coming.