A READING town centre church is one of 13 across the Thames Valley which will benefit from a major funding scheme for churches and community groups.
The Revd Sonya Wratten, vicar of Reading Minster Church in Chain Street, said the money will be used to fund a music mission project aimed at disadvantaged young people.
“We’re excited to continue the tradition of choral music at the Minster and using music for the glory of God,” she said.
“We hope that this outreach mission will offer new opportunities for young people on the margins to develop their gifts and skills, to build self-confidence and play a part in the many civic events we host each year. Our long-term plan is to establish a new community choir focusing on global music to reflect the interculturality of the city.”
The Development Fund, now in its 12th round, assists churches across the Diocese of Oxford to provide vital support for their communities and meet the needs of the growing population in the Thames Valley.
A Church of England spokesperson said: “Churches are encouraged to explore and engage with their local contexts to be a more Christ-like Church for the sake of God’s world, to discern where God is at work in their communities, and to be missionally creative and sustainable in response to local challenges.”
