A NEW coffee shop, bookshop and community space has opened at Greyfriars Church, Reading.
The open-plan space, called the Atrium, forms the new main entrance to the church and houses a gallery displaying work by local artists and the only Christian book shop in the area.
The Revd David Walker, associate vicar at Greyfriars, said: ““This project has been 20 years in the making so we are delighted that the Atrium is complete and offering a light, transparent and welcoming space for everyone in the community.”
He continued: “The entrance is carefully designed to reflect God’s welcome to the world and the light coming out of the building reflects our vision for the space.”
One of the key elements to the new space is offering support to people from a variety of backgrounds in the community.
Mr Walker explained: “We have exciting plans to use the Atrium as a way of building bridges for people from all walks of life to be welcomed in the Kingdom of God.
“This includes being a welcome space for local refugees and the homeless, supporting those visiting the JobCentre across the road and partnering with local Christian charities to provide office space.”
Greyfriars Church is one of four resourcing hubs in the Diocese of Oxford and it is hoped the Atrium will complement the church’s wider plans.
“As a resourcing hub in the diocese we have a vision to grow the missional life of the wider church by resourcing congregation plants with people to preach and lead services, support for children and youth ministry, and growing the Kingdom of God beyond the walls of Greyfriars,” said Mr Walker.
The redevelopment has been funded by a series of grants from trusts, the national church, generous donations from the congregation, and a grant from the Diocesan Development Fund.
Opening of the Atrium marks the end of phase one of a two-part project, with the refurbishment and expansion of the existing church centre expected to be completed in 2023.
For more information, please visit greyfriars.org.uk/redevelopment
