The Good Shepherd Church
The Church of the Good Shepherd is a small, single storey building, serving the village community of Rode Heath, just outside Sandbach, on the A533, Sandbach Road. The church was built in 1906 as a “Chapel of Ease” to serve the two farming communities of Rode Heath and Thurlwood. During the second half of the 20th century the two communities grew and merged to form Rode Heath.
The Good Shepherd Church can be found at the centre of the canal side village of Rode Heath. It is a small, inclusive, friendly church, which offers a warm welcome to everyone who joins them in their worship and/or their social activities.
The Good Shepherd has a small Sunday school room attached, which is used as much as possible to provide a facility for the community. It is used for meetings of Rainbows and is available to hire for community events.
On Wednesdays, everyone is welcome to join in our "Warm Wednesday" gathering, which meets in the Sunday School room at 12 noon (after the Wednesday church service) where we join together and chat over a cuppa, cake and biscuits. This helps to maintain community links and support each other as a village.
The schoolroom set for a Christmas meal
Regular social events such as pie and pea suppers, Summer and Autumn fairs and other events are held in order to encourage fellowship as well as raising money to enable the church to meet its share of the Parish precept and running costs.
Profits made from these events can be used in several ways
- to improve the fabric or running of The Good Shepherd Church
- to subsidise needy causes locally.
- to make a donation to any local, national or international organisation or charity in need of support
Catering staff at The Good Shepherd Church have been awarded a five star rating for food hygiene by Cheshire East Council.
Activities are planned and organised by an active, open, committee and take place on a regular basis.
We also celebrate the main Christian festivals with events such as an Agape meal at Easter and Carols by Candlelight at Christmas.
The church rearranged for an Agape meal
The church is now licensed for wedding services and blessings and can accommodate up to 100 people. It offers a more informal atmosphere for those wanting a more relaxed occasion.
All services held at the Good Shepherd are relaxed and informal and all are welcome.