LET US CELEBRATE AND GIVE THANKS!
Most of us enjoy a good celebration, and a birthday is always a good excuse for such a celebration. We recently held a 5th birthday party for the Community Outreach Project. It was in October 2013 that Sue Mountford first began with us as Outreach Worker, and in the November of that year the Meeting Place café started, with four people attending the first session held in the church hall. Five years on, and about 100 people attended the celebration event on Monday 12th November.
Part of the celebration included displays of the various things that have happened, and a timeline of key moments over the subsequent 5 years, which helped us to appreciate how busy we have been. Many of those activities have continued regularly since, for example:
We are very grateful to our wonderful Outreach workers, Sue, John (and previously Ed) and also all the many volunteers who have helped to make the project such a success over all these years. But most thanks and praise are due to God who made the whole thing possible. He has provided for it, in terms of finances, person-power, energy and inspiration. Without God behind the project, it would never have grown as it has done. We serve a God who is giving, who is outward focussed. He is the Master of reaching out, of connecting with people in community. He is the source of all the love and care and peace we seek to bring to people’s lives. To Him be all the glory!
Tina Upton
Some comments from our groups and participants:
"The craft class has been a lovely experience. We have learnt many new skills and our teacher Alison has so many good ideas. The time just flies by as we are engrossed in lovely projects. The company of others plus experiencing very interesting projects makes this course something much to look forward to each week." (Art & Craft Group)
"I suffer from depression so it is very good to get out of the house and meet people in a friendly atmosphere. I also have gained confidence in attempting different art projects. I thought I did not like art but have been surprised at what I have produced. I would be at home on my own if I did not have a class like this to join in." (Art & Craft Group)
"We have enjoyed coming to all the activities and lunches. The staff are amazing and all the activities are great." (Summer activities)
"I enjoy meeting people and exercising my brain." (Scrabble Group)
"I enjoy meeting up with friends and playing scrabble every Thursday." (Scrabble Group)
"It is very good as it gets you out of the house and gives you chance to meet and talk to people. The Monday soup lunch is very good and gives us something warm on these cold days." (The Meeting Place Cafe)
"Everyone is so helpful and always there to talk to." (Meeting Place Cafe)
"A huge difference to my social life allowing me to meet new people and prevent isolation." (Meeting Place Cafe)
"A friendly meeting place which is something to look forward to each week. I meet friends, made new friends and learnt new skills." (The Meeting Place Cafe)
"I enjoy the social aspect of the group, meeting other people and chatting. Doing the craft is good as it helps my arthritic fingers. My self esteem is boosted as I am learning new skills." (Art & Craft Group)