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Making the Church a Living Presence in the Community

Across Surrey, church buildings sit at the heart of towns and villages—but many are only used for a small part of the week. At the same time, communities are facing rising pressures, from cost of living to climate change. The Church of England, the Methodist Church, and other major denominations have set ambitious targets for churches to become Net-Zero by 2030, recognising that action is part of faith in practice. As St Mary’s Fetcham puts it, “care of our world is part of our discipleship in following Jesus.”

Churches, and their associated buildings (i.e. Church Halls), in Surrey have a strong ability to offer refuge from extreme heat, cold, and the pressures everyday life, as well as opportunities for connection and support.

No single organisation can meet every need, especially as demand for support grows. As St Mary’s Fetcham highlights, “we’re all working for the good of our local community and it’s best to work in partnership.” Working with local councils, charities, and community groups helps create a more joined-up, cohesive response—placing the church at the heart of community life.

The push toward Net-Zero is an opportunity for Surrey’s churches to lead by example — reducing environmental impact while supporting healthier, more resilient communities. Sustainable buildings can lower costs, protect creation, and demonstrate visible commitment to future generations.

Church is more than a service—it is a presence. It is a space to support and serve the community, to bring people together, and to respond to real needs with compassion and care. By strengthening partnerships and opening their doors wider, churches can help create communities where people feel supported, connected, and valued.

  • Consider how your building could serve your community more often—through warm spaces, drop-ins, community cafés, or simply a welcoming place to pause and rest.
  • Reach out across your local network—what could you host, support, or co-deliver together that you couldn’t achieve alone?
  • Take practical steps—whether that’s improving energy efficiency, managing land sustainably, or engaging your congregation in environmental action.
  • Start with one question: What does our Surrey community need most—and how can we respond as a church? Then take the next step together.

Watch the video below from St Mary's in Fetcham to discover how their Church has become a strong Living Presence in the community:

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