The scaffolding comes down, revealing the fantastic plasterwork and decoration. Anyone feel like coming to the thanksgiving and rededication service on 25th January?

A labyrinth helps us today as we reflect on the direction our church is going and the way we will make use of the wonderful building we'll get back from the contractors in a month's time.

Funding application submitted on Thursday for the final repairs and development: A further £250K

Let there be light!

One of the magnificent new LED down-lighters fires up for the first time in its newly-painted surround. It's about to be joined by wall-mounted up-lighters and a remote control dimmer system. Very swish!

'Bi-unial Oxy Hydrogen Lime-Light Lantern'

Hands up up those who thought they were smart setting up a digital projector? I take my hat off to Mr RS Blackburn who '... kindly consented to manipulate the Lantern'. 

Busy on Sunday mornings?
Asking about life's big questions?
Click the links under 'The Church'

This magnificent picture has come to light, along with others of the Hope Rose Queen. Anyone with memories of this ... or know where the sceptre and crown might be?

We're currently working with a historian and will be looking for folk with stories, photos, etc about the chapel. So please get in touch if you think you can help. 

Still life with builder's mug:

An art installation by Mather & Ellis

Art direction probably by Jason

Coffee provided by Jean, Vikki, etc

The decorators are now applying paint in line with the colour scheme: Old White, Light Gray, Off White and Mouse's Back (yes, really).

Meanwhile, Ian and Ray are checking out the source of water that's pouring in from above. Hold your breath as they find out the cause!

Jean is ALWAYS all smiles!

She and others in our church are an inspiration. John Fawcett would be proud.

Work still on schedule to finish just before Christmas. Re-dedication service now booked for Sat 25th Jan.

Our old pitch pine pews alongside the new windows, beautifully glazed in sandblasted glass

The plaster starts to go onto the ceiling!

No more panoramic views into the roof space - but a lot of bags to haul up four levels of scaffolding - and that's after the guys have removed dozens of bags of filthy broken old plaster.

Perhaps not the right time to mention that it's getting a little bit dusty in the rooms at the back. 

The poster that will be displayed in front of the church from this morning. 

I nipped in before this morning's service to see how things are progressing in the chapel. I know more than most members about this project, but I was amazed. 

The builders have just discovered £29K worth of extra plaster repairs to the chapel ceiling. That's almost exactly the amount set aside for roof repairs to above community rooms. So, it looks like the leaks there might continue for a while longer. In the meantime, we are exploring other funding options ... and praying for a dry autumn/winter!

Coping stones on and fencing removed:

Now, that's a BIG improvement. Three cheers for WY Metro and Geoff, Fran and Gillian from the contractor, GSM.

Now we just need to make the view pretty in the garden!

'Birdcage' scaffolding erected;
Plaster stripped off the wall;
A little bit more dry rot found;
Selected frosted glass today;
And shown the colour scheme.

All the works on schedule
... and hopefully on budget:

Three cheers for Ian, Ray and the team from Mather & Ellis!

It's not all hymn-singing for church members at Hope Baptist Church

Ruth Ryder

1932 - 2013

We loved you dearly

We will miss you greatly

Hope Collective

'Hope Collective'
Contributing to Open Studios
Artists' Friday evening preview

Paintings, textiles, photography
Refreshments being served

Also open Saturday 11.00am -5.00pm
and Sunday 12.00 noon - 5.00pm

The old, ugly stone bus shelter: Going ... going ...

Two days into the repair works in Hope Chapel and the view starts to look a little different!

Interviews on Friday for the part-time post of Development Manager - and three great candidates.

Exciting times!

The official photographer has some fantastic shots from the Blues festival - but just look what he chose as the first in his series: 
Click here

Is a Baptist chapel a suitable venue for a Blues Festival? These people think so:

'... strange, but it's good'

'... quite unique'

'... venue for music. It's amazing'

'... brings people closer together'

'There's an intimacy and intensity you wouldn't normally get in other venues'

'... makes people realise there's something lively in here'

To find out what else people said about this weekend, Click here

First night of the Hebden Bridge Blues Festival, with the main stage at Hope Baptist Church (and we were given a 2 minute slot after the first session).

Great music, great organisation and a great crowd. It should be a very good weekend. 

Hope Chapel waits for the Blues Festival. Beneath the stage are two 8,000 watt speakers! That might avoid English Heritage paying for the plaster to be hacked off the walls.

http://yorkshirebluesfestival.co.uk/

Hope Baptist Church at 'Love Calderdale'

Hope Baptist church had the joy on the 19th of May to be part of the Love Calderdale event held in the Piece Hall in Halifax. Though the  weather could have been better a large number of people visited the event. Many churches and organisations had stalls through which they showed how  love and goodness can and does make a difference in our communities.

There was a childrens' choir and music to suit every taste. Young people could test their head for heights on a climbing wall or get involved in some of the other activities provided like the human fruit machine.

Hope Baptist Church's contribution to the the day was to provide get people of all ages involved in stone painting. From 12:00pm, when the event opened, until 4:00pm when it finished. (There were some outdoor Baptisms planned for later) we engaged with a steady flow of people wanting to have a go at painting.

It was great to be part of this day of mission as part of the Pentecost weekend celebrations. A big thanks to Vicky, Christine, Sybil and everyone who gave up their Saturday to bless others. God's love and goodness was very much in evidence.

Poster for outside the church while we provide the main stage for the Hebden Bridge Blues Festival

Need we say more?  Watch this ... sanctuary ... space! For the full story, Click here

Development Manager

Job Type: Part-Time (10hrs/week)

Salary: £7,000
Location: Hebden Bridge
Start date: July 2013
Duration: One year

Alongside major repair and refurbishment of its chapel buildings in the centre of Hebden Bridge, Hope Baptist Church is seeking a Business Development Manager to explore how this unique space can be used in imaginative ways to promote and support spiritual and mental well-being.

The successful candidate will need to build relationships with a variety of community stakeholders and develop a programme of activities to support the theme of the centre and create sufficient income to safeguard its future. Responsibilities will include business planning and funding applications, as well as setting up and running events. 

It is hoped that, if the Business Development Manager is successful, this role can develop into a long-term and possibly full-time role. 

For a full job description: Click here

Closing date for applications is 31 May. Call Gerard Liston for nore information on 07973 837 342.  Applicants should submit a CV and letter of application, including two referees, to jobs@hope-baptist.org.uk   

Garden 'Ground Force' - Before and 6 hours later

The Victorians knew how to ask for money. It's been suggested that Mr Osborne might like this idea for his next budget!

Chatty Crochet: More than just a set of pretty faces! Look who benefits:

The Ebenezer Drop in Centre in Halifax received lots of hats, scarves, and gloves,as did the children of Chernobyl. Baby clothes and blankets have been donated to a charity called Crisis Pregnancy based in Halifax. Large crochet blankets have been given to The Salvation Army, again in Halifax.

Fancy joining in?
Mondays 1.30-3.30pm

Rahila - winner of ITV's 'Food Glorious Food' - as also seen at Hope Baptist Church last summer!

'... on the main stage at Hope Baptist Church ...'