The GREENHOUSE is moving into the FOREST

In November 2021, a family of 6 moved into a very old house in the English countryside and invited some friends to meet, worship and pray together every Sunday in their living room. A few months later, that core group agreed these were the beginnings of a new church in the Reading area, we called it The Greenhouse with a focus on sowing seeds for the church of 50 years into the future, particularly discipling the next generation of leaders. You can read more of that story here.

Miraculously, a marquee was donated with glass sides - a physical greenhouse to keep the vision front and centre. The prophetic slogan critical to the past 2 years has been "SOW | GROW | TEND | SEND" a helpful reminder of the privilege and the responsibility: to sow seeds of the gospel, to disciple young believers in authentic faith, to tend to those hurt and disillusioned by their pasts and to be an equipping and sending base for those called to other nations.

Over the past two and a half years we have realised there is a particular grace on this church to reach, disciple and provide genuine community for teenagers. Friday evenings, we host 15-18 year olds with food, firepits and friendship; Monday evenings we partner with YoungLife ministries to facilitate their Wyldlife programme for 11-14 year olds in our neighbourhood and Roots and Shoots happens most Sundays for the 5-11 age group in a dining room with loud laughter, crazy crafts and the goodness of the gospel. Across the week, our homes are hosting Alpha courses, prayer meetings, parties, baptisms - whatever we can to cultivate life and faith in these young people. Young leaders are emerging, serving in Sunday meetings, leading at Wyldlife and volunteering across summer camps.

It's time to move beyond the available space in a garden, and to take what has been cultivated in a home and 'transplant' it into our community. As of June 9th, we will be meeting at the Forest School in Winnersh in their Sixth Form building - same timeslot just different venue!

How can you partner with The Greenhouse?

1. If you know young families in the area between Wargrave, Winnersh and Wokingham looking for a church community, encourage them to come and visit The Greenhouse. Share this post with them, they can fins on Insta (@greenhousehurst) or send them our website details. For more information, contact info@thegreenhousehurst.co.uk

2. Support us financially as we serve this school and larger community. Visit our GIVE page for details.

3. Please pray for opportunities for us to reach more teens and families and to contribute to the Kingdom rebuilding on ancient foundations.