St John’s in Halesowen is part of the Halas benefice. It is one of our renewal projects which has received funding from the national church as part of our priority to ensure that each major area of population has at least one larger healthy and sustainable church by 2030 - one with at least 150 people attending in an average week.
Why St John’s Church Halesowen
St John’s Church has been chosen for national funding due to its central location in Halesowen within a large population, close to the main shopping area and with good transport links.
Lots of local people walk through the churchyard everyday, using it as a shortcut to the nearby schools, shops and main business district, which will provide lots of good opportunities for engagement.
Vision
This renewal the church is aiming to grow numerically, spiritually and in relationship with the wider community, recovering St Johns’ role as the centre of the community.
Plans
The church, which is part of the inclusive church network, aims to be a welcoming environment and truly meet the needs of all sections of society, engaging with different groups through multiple New Worshipping Communities.
There’s also a strong focus on increasing the number of under 18s attending the church in particular and therefore there are plans to engage local children, young people and families. The proximity of a local secondary school and the numbers of parents and pupils who pass through the churchyard every day provides some good opportunities for this.
Team
Hazel Charlton is the Renewal Leader for this project.
Claire Biggs was recruited late 2024 as New Worshipping Communities Co-ordinator
A Children and Young People’s worker is due to start summer 2025 as well.
Building works
St John’s Church needs functional facilities, in particular toilets within the church building as currently there are none. Staff feel once these are in place, the real work to engage local families with young children can begin.
It is hoped the toilets will be completed by mid-August 2025.
Find out more
St John's Church are in the process of building a new website. Currently updates are being posted on their Facebook page instead: https://www.facebook.com/StJohnsHalesowen