Monkton Chaplaincy Centenary Fund

MONKTON CHAPLAINCY Centenary Fund

Introduction

MONKTON CHAPLAINCY CENTENARY FUND FROM OUR INTERIM PRINCIPAL

It has been a real joy to celebrate 100 years of our Cchapel building through a series of special services and events over this last year. The Cchapel has always stood at the heart of Monkton, not only physically but spiritually too, and the recent celebrations reminded us that this has been true for generations of Monktonians.

One of the great highlights for me was the celebration dinner, where pupils, staff, parents, and OMs from across the decades gathered to pray for the Chaplaincy and to reflect on its importance during their time at Monkton. It was a moving reminder of the lasting impact this ministry has had on so many lives, including my own.

I hope you will be encouraged, as I am, that this work continues to flourish across the Monkton Family of Schools today. More than 100 pupils attended the Senior School Christian Union at the start of this term, year group Bible studies are thriving, and a strong Year 13 CU Committee is leading by example.

As we look to the future, we want to see this work not only sustained but strengthened. Through this Chaplaincy Appeal, we are seeking support both to enable pupils from Christian families to continue accessing a Monkton education at a time of growing financial pressure, and to invest in the refurbishment of the Cchapel so that it can continue to serve the school community for generations to come. We would be deeply grateful for any financial gift you feel able to make, and equally for your prayers as we seek to keep the Gospel at the centre of all we do at Monkton.

And should you ever find yourself passing through the beautiful Monkton valley, please do come and visit us. We would be delighted to welcome you back, to show you the school, and to share how the Chaplaincy continues to shape the lives of our pupils today.

Warmest wishes,

James, Interim Principal (OM 1994)

A Century of Spiritual Heritage

The Monkton Senior School Chapel stands as a testament to a century of unwavering commitment to Christian values and education. Since its opening in 1925, it has served as the spiritual heart of the school for generations of students and staff, providing a space for worship, reflection, and the profound impact of Gospel work. As we commemorate this rich history, we also want to look forward, to ensure that the Chaplaincy work continues to thrive and impact future generations of Monktonians.

The Chaplaincy Vision

The Chaplaincy’s 10:10 vision is taken from John 10:10 where Jesus says, “I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” This “fullness of life“ refers both to eternal life and to a rich, meaningful life in the present. Our hope is that everyone at Monkton will develop “10:10 vision”, and have the opportunity to look into this fullness of life and seek to live in the light of it.

Monkton Chaplaincy Centenary Fund

Monkton Senior School’s Chapel, consecrated on June 25, 1925, celebrated its centenary this year. For 100 years, the Chapel has been a cornerstone of spiritual life, fostering Gospel work within the school and extending its influence throughout our community. To mark this significant milestone and to ensure the continued vitality of Christian ministry at Monkton, we are launching the Chaplaincy Centenary Fund. This initiative seeks to raise vital funds for three key areas: direct support for the Chaplaincy’s 10:10 vision, establishment of Christian Leadership and Christian Ministry Bursaries, and the necessary replacement of the Chapel’s seating.

“Chapel was a safe place for me. I remember the impact that it had in shaping my faith, whether it was the daily morning service, the cosy Lenten addresses in the middle of winter, or the big services with anthems and descants.”

Project Objectives

Sustain Core Chaplaincy Work

Provide essential resources for ongoing and new initiatives aligned with the Chaplaincy’s 10:10 vision.

Nurture Christian Leadership

Enable promising students, committed to the Christian life of the school, to access a Monkton education through dedicated bursaries.

Support Ministry Families

Offer financial assistance to children of clergy and missionaries, ensuring they can benefit from the stability of a Monkton education while their families continue to serve the Lord through vital work.

Enhance Chapel Facilities

Replace the ageing Chapel chairs to improve comfort and functionality for all who utilise this space, and enrich the prayer space in the Chapel.

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Fundraising Initiatives

To achieve our objectives, we are launching three distinct fundraising streams:

Christian Leadership Bursary

Purpose: To continue to provide significant grant support for Sixth Form students who demonstrate a strong commitment to, and active involvement in, the Christian life of the school.

Eligibility: The expectation is that recipients are active in their faith and will play a key role in the life of the school (whether that be through the Christian Union Committee or the senior leadership of the school). They will be integrated into the School’s Sixth Form Leadership Programmes and receive individual mentoring from a member of the Chaplaincy team.

Impact: This bursary will attract and support students who will contribute significantly to the spiritual vibrancy and leadership within the school community.

Launched in 2021, these bursaries provide Sixth Form places for young people who will benefit from the exceptional pastoral and academic support offered at Monkton.

Recipients of this bursary will be instrumental in being part of the foundations for future generations of Monktonians who go on to a life of service to the Lord.

Christian Ministry Bursary

Purpose: To offer financial assistance to children of clergy and missionaries, ensuring they can benefit from the stability of a Monkton education while their families continue to serve the Lord through vital work.

Impact: This bursary directly supports families dedicated to ministry, enabling their children to receive an outstanding education at Monkton without compromising the family’s ability to continue the Lord’s work, both in the UK and across the world.

To coincide with the Chapel Centenary, this year we are launching a new fund specifically to support families involved in full-time Christian ministry, in the UK or overseas. Whilst many of these families have received bursaries to attend Monkton over the years, this is the first time we will have a specifically allocated fund, and hope this will enable more young people to attend the School.

Enhance Chapel Facilities

Chapel Chair Replacement

Purpose: To replace the current Chapel chairs, which are significantly aged and in need of renewal.

Impact: New chairs will enhance the comfort, aesthetics, and overall experience for all students, staff, and visitors attending services and events in the Chapel.

Prayer space

Purpose: To enhance the Chapel’s prayer space, creating a welcoming and peaceful environment that pupils can use throughout the day.

Impact: This quiet, dedicated space will help pupils pause, reflect and find calm amidst the busyness of life, supporting the Chaplaincy’s 10:10 vision by giving them room to consider and live out the “fullness of life” described in John 10:10.

Giving to this fund may also include improvements to other key areas of the Chapel.

Discover More

If you would like to hear more about the life of the Chaplaincy at Monkton, and the impact it has on our pupils today, simply scan the QR codes below.

Chaplaincy in Action A Pupil’s Story

“I’ve been able to be around Christians and make amazing friends with other missionary kids who kind of get me in a way that other people don’t.”

Elizabeth, Christian Missionary Bursary Recipient

WAYS TO GIVE

Thank you for considering making a gift to the Monkton Chaplaincy Centenary Fund; there are a number of ways you can make a donation:

Regular Giving

Regular donations to the fund would make a remarkable difference as they enable us to plan financially; many people giving small amounts really do add up to make a real impact. If you are in a position to donate regularly, please fill out the relevant section on our donation form to set up a Direct Debit to the school. Please use the QR code below to access the form.

Gift Aid

If you are a UK taxpayer, please consider Gift Aiding your donation, as we will be able to claim back the tax - that’s 25p extra for every £1 you give, and on a £100 donation that would be an additional £25!

To find out more about how you can support us and view giving options, please follow the link below or scan the QR code: https://www.monktoncombeschool.com/monktoncommunity/supporting-monkton

Making a Donation from the USA

You can make a tax-efficient gift from the USA via the British Schools and Universities Foundation (BSUF). You can do so online at bsuf.org. Please ensure you state your chosen organisation as Monkton Combe School.

Single Donation

Making a single gift couldn’t be easier. You can give online via Stewardship or set up a BACS transfer. Simply use the QR Code below for more details.

You are supporting Monkton Combe School, a company limited by guarantee and registered in England and Wales (3228456) and a registered charity in England and Wales (1057185). Monkton is registered with Fundraising Regulator.