Located in the heart of South Reading, between the Trees and Shinfield North estates, Our St Barnabas Church site is more than a place of worship it's a vital community anchor. Now, it stands at a pivotal moment.
We're inviting you our church community, neighbours, friends, and supporters to help transform this space into a vibrant, seven-day-a-week Community Hub.
Why Are We Reordering the Church?
Built in 1966, St Barnabas was meant to serve a growing neighbourhood. But over time, the building is no longer meeting the needs of the church and local community. In early 2025, a failed boiler forced the congregation to relocate worship to a small hall, and the church had to be closed.
Despite the challenges, hope is alive:
- A weekly Eucharist continues in the hall
- Local community groups continue to use our hall
- Our Food Pantry now supports 25+ local families every week
- A Parish Nursing service offers emotional and practical support
- We’ve built trusted partnerships with schools, local authorities, and community groups
We know our community needs more. And we’re ready to respond.
Our Vision
We aim to refurbish and reopen our St Barnabas church site as a welcoming, multi-purpose community space that:
- Honours its spiritual roots while serving a broader community
- Offers support and gathering space for all ages from toddlers to the over-50s
- Hosts weekday community activities and social connection
- Aligns with Church of England Net Zero goals through sustainable upgrades
- Provides a new spiritual home to a growing Hong Kong Christian community
What Will Your Support Achieve?
With your help, we’ll raise £250,000 to:
- Refurbish and revitalize the church
- Install new 3 phase electrical supply, energy-efficient heating , solar PV and battery storage
- Create a flexible worship and community space
- Restore historic features and improve accessibility
- Keep vital community services like the Food Pantry running
- Provide a new spiritual home for emerging communities
This is not just a refurbishment it's a revival.
Why This Matters
Without this project:
- The church stays shut
- Families lose access to food, care, and community
- Partnerships and progress are lost
With your support:
- The doors reopen to everyone
- Refurbish and create a flexible church building and community space
- Bring care and companionship to the lonely
- Reduce our carbon footprint
- Reignite spiritual and community life for generations to come
- Hope, connection, and compassion take root
- A sustainable, community-first church flourishes
Thank you for supporting the St Barnabas Reordering Project. You are part of something truly transformative.
Join Us
We need individuals, businesses, and organisations to stand with us in this exciting transformation.
To learn more or get involved: operations@readinggateway.church
