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At the luncheon club |
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Everyone here can make an important contribution to the
life of the church and beyond as we serve one another. The opportunities
for service call for a wide range of skills and talents, so if you live in
our locality there is bound
to be a role for you. Within the church community Service in the church is not only a vital part of our
Christian life but is also a great way of building friendships and being
part of the community. These are just some of the ways to use your
gifts to serve others in the church: . ferrying those difficult on their feet to and from
church
. welcoming people as they enter church for worship
. singing or playing a musical instrument
. serving coffee or lunch
. operating the PA system
. maintaining the buildings and grounds. In the wider community Beyond the church, there are opportunities to serve in
circumstances that may be different from your own, where you can share the Gospel
in words and action. The services we offer to the wider community include the child
contact centre (highlighted on this page) and the luncheon club,
which provides a meal and friendly company for local people, many of whom
are infirm or live alone. We also support groups and organisations that pursue God's
work beyond our church, and we can introduce you to many opportunities for
service. They include:
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fundraising as Friends of the Samaritans
raising awareness and funds for Anvil House (a home for
people with disabilities)
supporting St Luke's Hospice
house to house collections in aid of
NCH (the children's charity) and Christian Aid. |
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Helping parents and children
stay in contact
Our church operates a child contact centre where we
provide a neutral meeting place for children of separated families.
There they can enjoy contact with a non-resident parent or other family member
in a relaxed setting. Research has shown that emotional damage to
children of these families can be minimised if they stay connected
with both parents. |
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The centre opens twice a month and families are
referred to us by their solicitors or by the courts. About 40 church
people help at the centre on a rota basis and their job is to provide a
calm and friendly atmosphere and not to get involved in disputes.
We have succeeded
in our work when families no longer need the centre and can
make their own arrangements for contact. |
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A holiday for Chernobyl children
The children of Belarus were profoundly
affected by the Chernobyl disaster in 1986. The charity Chernobyl
Children Life Line raises funds
to bring more than 4,000 children to Britain each year for four weeks of fresh
air, uncontaminated food, fun, love and attention as well as dental
and eye check ups.
In Billericay, its work is carried out by a local
Link, chaired by David Gladstone, a member of this church. Families
of the church and town receive upwards of sixteen children from
Belarus in the summer for four weeks. They have done so for the past
six years since the local Link was formed.
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More about Chernobyl Children Life Line >>
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