We have substantial room to grow on Sundays while we are at Binks. Although we anticipate continuing to grow to fill the space, at the moment the pressing concern is on resourcing our midweek activities. Our purpose has always been more than Sundays. We will continue to meet at Binks for the time being. 

We want to raise £150,000. This represents initial refurbishment costs and covers some running costs as we start using the space. We anticipate that most of the money will be given by those who consider themselves members of Vineyard 53. We will also seek grant funding to help us reach this total.

Each of us should give what we believe God is asking us to give. It will involve sacrifice, but we want everyone to give freely and cheerfully. All contributions are valuable, however large or small. With a pledge over 3 years for example, it is amazing how much a monthly sacrifice releases over such a period.

We believe that Vineyard 53 will have a permanent home in Chester in the future. However, after a long search and a long period of discernment, we believe that this long term rental is God’s next step for Vineyard 53. 

Because it still represents good value. If we divide the upfront costs of making the space serve God’s purposes for Vineyard 53 by the years of the lease and add these costs to the annual rent, the representative annual total is still less than we would expect to pay for a rented building that meets all our requirements.

We anticipate that we will be able to make full use of the space by September 2026. However, this depends on making a prompt start on the required work after the lease begins. 

We anticipate that the majority of the money required for the project to be viable will come from the people in this church, in both upfront gifts and ongoing pledges. We will be seeking to supplement this with grant funding to develop the activities enabled by this space. 

Yes, however, we would prefer that you sell them yourself where possible. Please contact us on finance@vineyard53.org to discuss this further. 

That would cause a delay. However, we would look to split the work into stages which we would complete as we become able to afford them. 

That would be wonderful! We would be able to proceed with everything we have planned. Anything beyond this would be allocated towards our building fund, allowing us to build towards a future permanent home. 

There is always the possibility that the project could be delayed, in which case we would persevere. However, if it becomes impossible or no longer sensible to proceed owing to a major unforeseen circumstance, then the money in the fund would at that point be offered back to those who gave it proportionally. Other than the situation above, money which has been given cannot be returned. 

The only people who will know the amount of money anyone has given is the financial administration team. John and Anna will know who has given in order to express their thanks, but will not know the amount. We want giving to be something we do between us and God, and we do not want anyone to feel pressurised to perform for anyone.  

We have structures and safeguards in place to ensure that our finances are managed faithfully and carefully. The trustees, including John Simmons, are ultimately responsible for the management of Vineyard 53’s finances. Tim Hendry presents an update on Vineyard 53’s finances at every trustee meeting. Graham Lindsay and Laura Hendry manage day-to-day financial administration. For more information about Vineyard 53’s finances see our giving page and our financial accounts on the charity commission website.

Yes. Between our trustees, staff and other contracted professionals we have the expertise to manage this project. 

Yes. 

• We can do this because we believe God is in it. 

• We can do this if we are willing to take the risk and pay the cost. 

• We can do this if we are willing make a place for purpose. 

Yes. If for any reason you wish to alter your pledge (if your financial situation changes, for example) you can either increase or decrease your commitment. We just ask that you please inform the church finance team by finance@vineyard53.org. 

The 2nd and 9th November 2025 are simply the days on which we hope to give enough to enable this vision to become a reality. However, we want everyone who would like participate to feel very much a part of our ongoing journey, by contributing to all that God has called us to as a church. 

Our hope is that people will give to the overall vision, allowing us flexibility in how we allocate resources and how we phase the work. However, if you have strong feelings as to how your gift should be allocated, then please email finance@vineyard53.org.