Parents on the school-run in York have been enjoying free tea and coffee outside the school gates, thanks to an initiative by the local church, St Barnabas, Leeman Road, and their Multiply minister, the Revd Matt Woodcock.
Matt is one of the more recent ‘Multiply’ ministers to be appointed by the Diocese of York to develop new worshipping communities for those in their 20s to 40s. Fourteen ordained or lay specialist ministers will be commissioned in thirteen locations as part of the church’s strategy to reach an age-group which is often under-represented in church life. Matt oversees York, chosen as a participating area because of the new ‘Teardrop’ development which will see an influx of around 5,000 people.
“In an effort to engage with St Barnabas School parents, I’ve started a weekly pop-up café. But I stole the idea from St Chad’s Church, Knavesmire” confesses Matt.
“It’s such a simple idea but a brilliant way to engage with parents. Every church near a school should try it. I'm hoping to start it outside St Paul's as soon as I can persuade some volunteers to get stuck in.
“We play music and serve tea, coffee and biscuits,” he adds. “There’s also always a nice gathering of parents who stop to chat to us and each other before or after the drop off. Some commuters, too. I’m on speaking terms with most of the parents now which is wonderful. It has led to some great faith conversations, and invitation opportunities. We’re seeing increasing numbers of parents giving church or our mid-week gatherings a try.”
The ’pop-up’ café – “basically a trestle table, a kettle and packet of Hob Nobs” according to Matt – is just one of a number of new initiatives that Matt has created to meet with those in the 20s to 40s age group, including a group which started in the local pub, the ‘Upper Room community’, which continues to expand and is now meeting on Monday and Wednesday evenings.