Charity shop

Details here - or scroll down if you're interested in applying for the job of manager.

The church’s charity shop is almost upon us. The vision for a charity shop with a difference has been warmly received. There are various aspects which will set the shop apart from other similar shops in the area and hopefully this will increase the profile and showcase the work of the church.

We are aiming to focus on children’s goods, games and puzzles. We will also stock clothes and books and the usual things associated with charity shops. Coffee Stop will be relocating into the shop which will give it added appeal and also make it a useful base for some of the other activities we will have to move out of the church during building. Alpha, Torch, Cruse and a number of our other meetings could take place in the hall at the back.

Another idea which we expect will take off is using the shop as a base for internet auctions eg eBay. We would get a team of perhaps younger people to sell second-hand goods on the internet where they may attract a higher price than in the shop, or be too specialised to sell in a charity shop.

The shop, we are on the point of leasing , has a billboard on the side which can be used to promote the church and the building project, the hall at the back is slightly smaller than the old church hall but could be used for a number of things.

So what are the next steps? We will be looking to appoint a manager from within the church, or our local cluster of churches, to commit to working in the shop, they will need to be committed to supporting the work of our church and the building project. But, on their own, a manger can only do so much – they will only be part time. Shops like these thrive on the passion and support of a fantastic band of volunteers. We will be looking for volunteers who want to work in the shop, maybe only one day of the week, but who can help sort, sell and express the love of Jesus to those who visit the shop. If you would like to help in other ways such as with accounts, delivery or pick up of goods or just decorating as we set up the premises, all help would be gratefully received.

The shop will have its own name and identity. It will be called Cornerstone; hosting Coffee Stop and supporting the life and work of West Leigh Baptist Church. We will also be looking to support an overseas mission project and using a tithe of the income to do so. We know that if we honour our heavenly Father in what we do with our wealth He will honour us with His abundant riches. Remember that no-one has ever claimed that we could afford to do the rebuild of the church on the basis of our own resources, this is an act of faith and we have a faithful God.

This is a great opportunity to be involved where faith and action come together, so if you can help please do, if not then make sure you tell others about the shop and save up your good quality second-hand items for us to recycle for you!

“Cornerstone” – will be a very obvious part of our church’s involvement in the local community. Let’s make sure it brings glory to God.

Matt 21:42 “The stone that the builders rejected has now become the cornerstone. This is the Lord’s doing and it is wonderful to see”

Grahame Tosh on behalf of the steering group.

Charity Shop Manager required

West Leigh Baptist Church is launching a charity shop in order to support it's building development and as a positive Christian impact in the locality. The shop will be slightly different to normal charity shops. It will incorporate "Coffee Stop" our volunteer run coffee shop presently on church premises and the rear room of the shop will be a base for some of the church meetings which will be displaced during the building works. We aim to have a children’s theme to some of the goods we recycle and involve our younger people in help with sales over the internet based in the shop. The shop will have its own identity and is located close to the church on the main London Road opposite the Elms pub. The manager's role will be to develop a team of volunteers to run the shop six days per week during normal shop opening hours. They will be responsible for the day to day business management of the shop. This will include the finances, volunteer staff development and minor upkeep, as well as serving in the shop. The manager will be supported by a steering group and will be accountable to the chair of the steering group. The manager will need to be someone who has an active commitment to the life of West Leigh Baptist Church and understands the building project which the shop supports. They will need to work well with teams, be an inspiring leader and reflect Gods glory. Experience in retail or the charitable sector would be an advantage but is not essential and training can be provided.

The post may be voluntary or paid and if paid will attract a pay rate based upon comparable local posts and in accordance with the applicants experience. The post will be part time around 20 hours per week but this is negotiable (Minimum 12 hour per week).

For more information about this exciting opportunity and a detailed job description please contact West Leigh Baptist Church, London Road Tel. 01702 472710