Dear Supporters,
It gives me great pleasure to write in support of the appeal to raise the necessary funds to enable a vital refurbishment of one of our strategically key city-centre church buildings, St Matthew’s Carver St. St Matthew’s is already home to a suite of vigorous outreach ministries, serving the residents and businesses of Sheffield’s Devonshire Quarter, as well as the Moor Market and part of the University of Sheffield. The Parish Nursing Scheme, launched in 2018, has been a revelation. In addition, lively worship is offered on-site daily in the Anglo Catholic tradition.
The Grade II listed building has served the parish well over the course of the last 150 years, but is now in need of investment if it is to be fit for mission in the 21st century. In particular, it is time to increase accessibility into the building, and the flexibility of the nave, as well as to enhance the facilities of the Art House. I applaud the ambition of the project, which is to embed it as a cherished resource in the city centre, as a place of hospitality, where people of all faiths and none can feel at home; it is to beautify the interior of the church, to make it yet more worthy of the Saviour in whose name bread is broken daily and wine outpoured.
I commend this appeal to you wholeheartedly.
The Rt Revd Dr Pete Wilcox
Bishop of Sheffield
