St Francis Church, Radford is celebrating the completion of their new roof, just in time for the winter.
St Francis is the home of St Francis Employability, which provides vital support for unemployed people. Based within the church, it was registered as a separate charity in 2019.
Services provided within the church are wide ranging, involving skills training (including English classes), volunteering placements, a community café, and friendship groups. The building is open and a hive of activity throughout the week, supported by an enthusiastic team of staff and volunteers.
For many years the dreadful state of the church building has been a huge concern, notably the leaking roof, which often has allowed rainwater to disrupt activities and cause damage. The church wondered how long this could continue.
Together for Change, partnering with the Diocese of Coventry, has been looking at how to assist Radford Parish, commissioning surveys, and finding some resources to fund the work of Employability – including funding for their Warm Space during the Cost-of-Living Crisis. But a solution to the leaking roof problem was getting more urgent.
To the rescue came Orbit House, Fortnem and other local businesses who recognised the value of the work being done for the local community. They put together the resources needed to re-roof the church and carried out the task very quickly over the summer of 2024. Such provision of the new roof is a miracle!
The Venerable Barry Dugmore, Archdeacon Missioner says;
"This is a wonderful heartwarming example of appreciation and recognition of the way local churches serve their communities, living out the Good news of Jesus in practical ways that results in others in the wider community offering their generosity to partner with the church to serve a common purpose for human flourishing and well-being."
With the immediate threat now removed, St Francis Employability are now looking to take on new trustees to take the charity forward. If you share a passion of supporting the Radford community, please contact Rev Aggy Palairet the vicar of St Francis Radford on 07727275157.