Mustard Seed Programme Leader Heather Black writes:
This week we are sharing ‘Stories of Hope’ from Bridlington, where churches are responding to the challenges that Covid-19 brings in our poorest parishes, where life is already tough. Every church reaching out in their community during lockdown has made contact with new people offering new opportunities to share God’s love.
Jean Fowler, serves as a Deacon at Bridlington Priory. At the start of lockdown she was concerned for people in the parish who would need to self-isolate. Jean contacted Age Concern who were very pleased to signpost people who needed help with shopping and prescriptions to the church. Jean now has a small team of volunteers working with her providing support to around 20 local people each week.
As well as shopping and medicines, Jean recognised how easy it is for people to become down and for their mental well-being to deteriorate during lockdown. The ‘Positive Thoughts’ dairies she has distributed helps people to record the positive things they are thankful for each day, which they can return to when they are feeling low. Jean says that the diaries ‘help people to remember-change your thoughts and you can change your world.’
Emmanuel Church, Bridlington have been finding creative ways of providing food for those who are vulnerable. Partnering with Magic Breakfast and the local primary school, they are distributing family breakfast packs to local families who would normally benefit from the school breakfast club. The Tuesday evening homeless meal has now become a ‘take away’ meal, a grant from the National Emergencies Trust has helped to provide the equipment and resources needed to help make this happen
The Hope Housing Bridlington project continues to offer support to the three residents living in the house which opened in October 2019. Ian Burbridge the Housing Support Officer visits each day and whilst keeping social distancing, he chats to the residents and offers support through this difficult time.
Emma Miles from Christ Church Network Bridlington is reaching out to people on the West Hill estate, helping with practical needs with food deliveries, and also offering hope and support through prayer. Emma says that relationships with local people are growing deeper and there is a new openness to God, with people turning to prayer and faith in these difficult times.