GOOD NEWS Inside - special report FOR & Summer, 2017: FREE Celebrate shows church in action across Norfolk The work of the Christian church The Soul in in action across Norfolk will be NORWICH FORUM showcased at three linked events across the county in June, in the Machine Norwich, King’s Lynn and at the I Saltmine Theatre Company returns to Norwich with The Soul in the Royal Norfolk Show . Machine on Saturday June 10 as part of the Celebrate Norfolk festival. Inspired by the story of YMCA elebrate Norwich & Norfolk will return to founder George Williams it will be The Forum and Millennium Plain in Nor - performed at St Stephen's Church, C wich city centre on Saturday June 10 with a Chapelfield, Norwich (NR2 1QP), from free exhibition of over 20 Christian organisations, 7.30pm. charities and churches, including OMF, Norwich George Williams is a country boy Foodbank, Community Action Norwich, Christian who comes to the city of London in Aid, Mothers Union, Christian Police Association, 1844 to find his place in the world and House of Genesis, Heartbeat, Christians Against to make his mark. Appalled by the Poverty, Pathway Café and the Leprosy Mission. spirit-crushing rhythms of the worker’s There will also be a Leaders’ Breakfast, a profes - life he fights to spread the light of God, sional theatre production of Soul in the Machine, a and create a place where the soul can combined churches choir, a children’s and youth be nurtured. programme from Norwich Youth For Christ and George, who went on to found the free food courtesy of the Norfolk Feeds 5000 YMCA, said: “We are more than bodies campaign, in conjunction with ENYP and Hope to be fed to a machine. We are made into Action - see page 3 and 9. for more than work. We have souls, we Celebrate will also take place in King's Lynn for have spirits and somewhere in this Celebrate will be showing the Christian church in the second time, on Saturday June 3 from 10am to dead city there must be a place for action at The Forum in Norwich, above, the Walks 4pm with a free, fun-filled community event for all those things.” of the family at The Walks, near the town centre. in King’s Lynn, left, and the Royal Norfolk Show, below. Commissioned by YMCA, created by A number of local churches will gather to Saltmine Trust, The Soul in the Machine celebrate the town and its community and there is suitable for age 12 and over, the pro - will be a wide variety of activities, games, sports duction will last about two hours total. and entertainment from the main stage including YMCA Norfolk CEO, Tim Sweeting, live music, free inflatables activities, free beauty said: "I am delighted that Saltmine are treatments and refreshments – see page 10. returning to Norfolk to tell the story of Celebrate will also be at this year’s Royal Norfolk how YMCA started over 170 years ago. Show on June 28 and 29, where it is joining together The issues faced back then have re - with the Diocese of Norwich to put on an exhibi - markable parallels with life today and tion of the church in action across the region. The the light that YMCA shone into these Diocese has a large exhibition marquee and a whole dark situations is also similar to the host of Christian groups and organisations will great work the charity currently does come together under the Celebrate banner to join around our county." in. Tickets: adult £12.50, concessions Features will include school choirs, children and KING’S LYNN ROYAL NORFOLK SHOW £9, from 01603 617697 or at the café youth activities, a reflective garden, interactive in St Stephen’s Church (cash only). displays and a large café area – see page 12.

Parent & toddler groups • Coffee mornings • Messy Church • Alpha • Art & creative groups Music groups & choirs • Bell ringing • Groups for older people • Dementia cafes • and many more

Add your church groups & activities to the map

Be more visible to your local community by adding your regular groups and activities to www.brightmap.org for free! 2 Good News for Norwich & Norfolk, Summer 2017 www.networknorfolk.co.uk GOOD NEWS FOR NORWICH & NORFOLK Showcasing work of Christian community

I Good News for Norwich & Norfolk is I Celebrate is back again this year in Norwich, John Betts , There will be free food on offer in all of published by Celebrate Norwich & Norfolk. King’s Lynn and at the Royal Norfolk Show director of our centres. Teas, coffees and cake plus, in Registered charity no 1141245. showcasing some of the fantastic work of the Norwich, smoothies and soup made from I Website: www.networknorfolk.co.uk Christian community right across Norfolk. Celebrate supermarket fresh food which they would I Editorial (01508) 488318. e-mail stories to At the Forum and on Millennium Plain in Norwich and otherwise have thrown away. [email protected] or Norwich city centre, at The Walks in King’s Wherever you look there are people who see send copy to Pear Tree Farmhouse, Lynn and at the Royal Norfolk Showground Norfolk , an opportunity to help others even with what Road, Wreningham, Norwich you can enjoy music, choirs, activities for the looks at some would just put in the bin. NR16 1AT. young, drama, exhibitions etc. this year’s That’s just like our message of the free grace I Advertising: Helen Baldry (01603) 926120 Our highlight this year is the Norfolk Feeds of God towards those who don’t deserve any - I Distribution: Val Dodsworth (01603) 5,000 project, which you can read about in this Celebrate thing, but whom He loves because they are, 945897 newspaper. It shows that the church in Norfolk Jesus said, his brethren. I events Editor and designer: Keith Morris is at the forefront of feeding those most in Our aim, as we celebrate the work of the I Regular writers: Mike Wiltshire, Sandie need. We are not the only people engaged in Christian community across Norwich and Shirley, Helen Baldry, Kevin Gotts, Jenny doing so, but we are very much at the heart of Norfolk, is to showcase a few of the many Seal. feeding the hungry. activities which go on 24/7 serving at all levels I Printed by Archant Print. The stories of changed lives, because some - of coffee, are wonderful to hear. We do this of our society. Frequently going where others I Churches, Christian organisations and one cared enough to freely give a generous because Jesus calls upon us to do so and don’t go because the love of Christ persuades individuals from within Norwich and Norfolk are food parcel, provide a meal or just a give a cup because we care for our communities. us to do so. invited to send news, events and pictures which relate to the demonstration of the Gospel in social action, community care and evangelism.

I The deadline for material for the Autumn edition is Friday August 18. Distribution is from Thursday September 7 .

I Celebrating at the Forum While every care has been taken in compiling this publication and the statements contained within are believed to be correct, the publishers cannot accept responsibility for any A full day of activities is inaccuracies. planned in and around the Reproduction of any part of this publication without permission is strictly forbidden. But Forum in Norwich city cen - please ask as we are usually happy to oblige tre on Saturday June 10 to for a credit line in non-commercial situations. highlight some of the wide range of work undertaken by the city’s Christian com - munity, at the Celebrate Norwich & Norfolk festival.

he official opening takes place at 10am, attended by civic T dignitaries, leaders, exhibitors and visitors. There will be a short opening speech by the Salvation Army’s Major Barry Willson, who co-ordinates the well-known nightly Norwich Soup Run. It will also provide a link to a key focus this year which is the Norfolk Feeds 5000 research project (see more from pages in a practical way. 5 to 8). Danny Doran-Smith, ENYP NYFC making tracks The main Christian Social Action Director, said: “Norfolk Feeds 5000 and Services Exhibition in The Forum provides a practical and simple way I and on Millennium Plain will be open for us to demonstrate kindness and As part of the Celebrate Norfolk event, Norwich YFC, in from 10am to 5pm (see page 9 for a love to Norwich. ENYP currently has partnership with a number of local church youth groups, will be full list of exhibitors). a number of projects we deliver, to delivering an outreach event outside on Millennium Plain. The Tracks van and a performance area will be present with Norwich YFC is bringing its Tracks provide food to those in need and musical acts lined up throughout the day between 11am and van onto Millennium Plain to provide we are excited to be supporting this 3pm, including four church choir groups performing from a performance area between 11am initiative.” 11.45am and young people that are developing their music and 3pm, which will include music, During the Celebrate event, St skills. Saltmine Theatre group will also perform a taster for their church choirs and the Saltmine Peter Mancroft Church, across from evening performance of Soul in the Machine. Theatre company. Millennium Plain, will be open for There will also be a football cage for people to challenge Local charities ENYP and Hope quiet prayer and refreshments. their friends and a variety of fete activities for families to have into Action will be working together At 12.30pm, sisters from the fun with. to highlight the Norfolk Feeds 5000 Community of All Hallows will stage NYFC’s Director, Nick Blanch said: “Our aim is to make it initiative. They will be providing free a Midday Office service at St Peter engaging and fun for young people and families and give the food and drinks and their teams will Mancroft. opportunity for them to take an interest in what the church is have a stand outside the front of the Saltmine Theatre Company returns doing and accessing information about activities that are local Forum from where they will distrib - to Norwich with The Soul in the to them.” ute food to anyone who wants it, to Machine performed at St Stephen's feed people and to share God’s love Church, Chapelfield, from 7.30pm.

Greeting Cards - Stationery Helium Balloons Cards ‘n’ Things Cylinder Hire Corporate buffets, fresh bread, cakes filled rolls, sandwiches, The Specialist Card Shop Party Products Gluten & Wheat Free Products 193 Reepham Road, , Norwich. 01603 442165 THORNTONS CHOCOLATES 187 Reepham Road, Hellesdon www.celebratenorfolk.co.uk Good News for Norwich & Norfolk, Summer 2017 3 Faith gave hope to CAFE G TEA ROOM G CHRISTIAN BOOKSHOP hostage Terry Waite Mon-Sat 9am-5pm. Cafe 9.30am-3.30pm Shop 01603 619731 : Cafe 01603 766978 Terry Waite , a former Middle www.norwichcrc.co.uk East envoy for the Archishop of St Michael-at-Plea Church, Redwell Canterbury, was captured and St, Norwich, NR2 4SN held hostage in Beirut in 1987 for five years. Now a writer and humanitarian, he spoke about his newly published poetry book at an event in Norwich recently. Helen Baldry reports.

n the long, lonely years of captivity, often chained to a wall, blindfolded and tortured, I Terry composed poetry in his head to keep himself mentally and spiritually alive. He wrote a poem about torture based on his own experience. He muses “What manner of person can inflict such indignity and pain?” Terry said that all poetry is putting experi - ence into a condensed form that somehow tries to convey the depth of feeling of the experience. The uncertainty of Terry’s time in captivity was The path to recovery very difficult for him. At any moment he could Residential rehab for drug lose his life. On one occasion he was chained up in the bath while everyone else evacuated the & alcohol dependency building during violent shelling. Are you interested in helping Terry was kept for 23.5 hours a day in solitary women find their way to a new life? confinement and only had pen and paper on two occasions. Once was during his mock exe - Could you... cution when he was told to write a note to his Become a volunteer? family – and once when a compassionate guard Be a pet sitter? allowed him to have a piece of paper. He used Terry Waite, left, with Steve Foyster, manager of the Revelation Christian resources centre, at the the opportunity to scribble a picture of a Princes St URC in Norwich. Picture by Kevin Gotts. Support us in prayer? penguin – so desperate was he to have access to a book. He hoped the guard could illegally us life while we still have earthly time.” Hostage UK, supporting the families of people Consider giving a donation? procure him some Penguin books - rather than a Terry enjoys the serenity of Quaker worship. who were killed by ISIS. breast feeding manual that was smuggled into However, he was brought up in the Anglican Terry is moved by the suffering of people. He Contact us to find out more about him when he requested a book previously – the church and was a chorister, which meant he had said: “Unless something miraculous happens, our work or to offer help guards could not read English so didn’t know memorised many psalms and collects, which humankind will destroy itself through pollution what it was! proved to be a comfort to him during his captiv - and war. We have that capacity.” However, he [email protected] After nearly five years in solitary ity. Bible verses provided great meaning when believes it is important to keep hope alive: 01603 439905 confinement, Terry was moved to be with other he was in darkness and afraid. He said, “It was “Eventually these problems will be resolved by people. Whenever he was relocated, he was there, lodged in my mind... Good language, like talking… the time will come.” always wrapped up – sometimes in masking good music, has capacity to bring harmony into Terry’s ordeal happened 30 years ago and he tape, or put in a pipe, and once in a fridge (An the soul.” has forgiven his captors. He believes that people American fridge he jokes – he is 6’7”!) the most Terry believes that words must be backed up who oppose each other must agree to put the unusual occasion was dressed as an Islamic with action, which forces people out of their past in the past and build a new life. He woman! comfort zones. He said, “Our faith is not just a believes it is possible to make something cre - Terry is very clear that the past is past. He matter of attending church. It is being a co- ative from that experience - something he has said: “We make our life now. We put everything creator and having a responsibility for the done in his work and through his poetry. we’ve got into it now because tomorrow is environment and for others.” I Terry was speaking at the URC Church on another day.” Another poem, Waiting, that was Since his release, Terry has worked in many Princes St, Norwich on March 29, at an event inspired by a visit to a friend’s mother in a prisons, particularly with the charity Storybook, organised by Revelation Christian resources nursing home, reflects on this urge to make the which enables prisoners to record a story on CD centre, where you can buy Out of the Silence: most of every day. The final line is “God grant or film for their children. He works with Memories, poems, reflections by Terry Waite. BRIGHT QUALITY PLUMBING K.P. ELECTRICS No job too small One year warranty on all work FOR ALL YOUR DOMESTIC ELECTRICAL REQUIREMENTS. Available weekends and evenings NEW ADDITIONS, REPAIRS AND EMERGENCIES. Repairs and upgrades undertaken FAST, FRIENDLY, RELIABLE SERVICE Free estimates. No extra call-out charge Handyman services also available PLEASE PHONE 01603 744208 Please phone Greg Bright MOBILE: 07770 921399 Home: 01603 479216 Mobile: 07814182940 4 Good News for Norwich & Norfolk, Summer 2017 www.networknorfolk.co.uk Insights into leadership I “There will be opportunity to network over Don’t come to A panel of Norfolk Christian leaders from the church and charity sectors will give personal breakfast with fellow Church leaders and char - insights into Christian Leadership in Today’s ity reps from our Celebrate Exhibition and the World at a free breakfast seminar to be staged official opening of our Forum and Millennium by Celebrate Norfolk in Norwich on June 10. Plain Exhibition is at 10am which participants The panel of speakers includes: Tom Chap - are invited to join.” church, says man, Pastor of Surrey Chapel, who will talk on Churches and Christian organisations from “Taking the Medicine”, Val Dodsworth, MBE, across Norfolk are invited to send one or two from The House of Genesis and an ex proba - of their leadership team to the breakfast. There tion officer and prison chaplain, who will ad - is no charge as the costs have been covered dress “From Stable to Table” and Julian Bryant, by sponsor New Hope Christian Centre. Christian Aid Regional Organiser, charity con - If you would like to attend, please email new minister sultant and ex Matthew Project Director, who [email protected] asap. Places will speak on “Preventing Spiritual Burnout”. are limited and will be allocated on a “first Their short presentations will be followed by come first served” basis. a question and answer session. A new pioneering The breakfast will take place from 8am on Norwich church Saturday, June 10 in St Stephen’s Church, Rampant Horse Street, Norwich, before the missioner, who has annual Celebrate Norwich & Norfolk exhibition ministered at car opens at 10am at the nearby Forum. Celebrate Project Director, John Betts, said: boot sales, shopping “We are very excited about the opportunity for centres and spirit attendees to meet and listen to Christian lead - fairs, says his aim is ers from across Norfolk and the possibilities which may arise from doing so. Our speakers not to get people to represent the breadth and depth of Christian go to church. Jenny leadership experience and I know are well worth listening to. Val Dodsworth after receiving her MBE. Seal reports.

ev Tim Yau was licensed by the Bishop R of Norwich on April 27 to begin an innovative new role as a Pioneer Missioner and Mission Enabler, based in , supporting Fresh Expressions of Church in the Diocese of Norwich. Tim is an Anglican priest with a calling to those outside of the church. His remit in this new role is to go beyond the existing Christian community, both in his own neighbour - hood and to support others to do so in theirs, to create new communities: Fresh Pioneer minister Rev Tim Yau. Expressions of Church. Tim said: “My aim is not shoppers and set up a free stall House Park has attracted a lot trying to get people to go to called ‘Soul Space’ at a Mind, of professional people, young church, but trying to get the Body and Spirit fair. families and a diverse ethnic Church to go to the people.” Now Tim, with his wife mix. It is a return to Norwich for Deborah and two sons, will Tim said: “As a family, we the former nurse and youth live on the Round House Park are very excited about being in worker, who lived and worked development on the outskirts Round House Park; making in the city from 1997-2002 as of Norwich in Cringleford, new friends, exploring the cul - a Schools Evangelist for building on the work of his ture of the place, discovering Norwich Youth for Christ. predecessor, Pioneer Missioner God’s future for the commu - Since then he has trained to Rev Heather Cracknell. nity and having lots of fun on be an Anglican Ordained Pio - Tim’s skillset and passion the way.” neer Minister at Ridley Hall in obviously fit the new role well. Tim’s role goes beyond Cambridge and served his Tim said: “My wife and I had Round House as 50% of his curacy in churches in Cam - been praying about what to do time will be spend as a Mis - bridgeshire and . next and we wanted to do sion Enabler for the Diocese, For the past five years Tim something where we worked supporting and stimulating has worked for the United together. Fresh Expressions of Church. Reformed Church as an “We wanted to do “In the past, mission for an ‘Emerging Church Pioneer something where we were Anglican church meant you Minister for the Eastern working in one particular just opened the doors and Synod’. Similar to his new role community. And we wanted said: ‘we are here’, but now we for the Diocese of Norwich, to do something where we need to go out and go where Tim worked 60% of his time in could really build and grow a the people are. The Anglican Ipswich establishing missional church. We went over to Church is in a good position to projects across the town, and Cringleford and thought this do that because we are every - the other 40% of his time as looks like what we’ve been where. But we need to have the synod Fresh Expressions praying about”. that ongoing outward advocate working across East “I just felt like I was the dynamic. Anglia. right person at the right time.” “We will be finding out who This innovative work led Being so close to the A11, the those people are in the church Tim to start a prayer stall at a Norwich Research Park, and that are ready to go on that regular car boot sale, run a the Norwich and Norfolk journey and we will work with monthly themed outreach to University Hospital, Round them.” Reporting team

Jenny Seal, Tony Rothe, Helen Baldry & Keith Morris from networknorfolk.co.uk special report www.norfolkfeeds5000.co.uk Church feeds 7,000 West Norfolk King’s Lynn foodbank I The King’s Lynn foodbank started in October 2011 as an initiative of Churches Together in King’s Lynn and now feeds over 300 people a month, providing emergency food to local people in crisis and providing support that is clear, a month in Norfolk practical and full of compassion. Chairman, Adam Whittle, said: “We see people with some really big needs. They come to us because they need help with food but it’s much more than that. Some - New research has times the problems are more than we can humanly revealed that Christian process, but we have a big God and we have the opportu - nity to pray with people and we’ve seen some wonderful groups and churches testimonies. We achieve incredible, life-changing things on across Norfolk feed an the budget we have.” incredible 7,000 www.kingslynn.foodbank.org.uk people every month of the year, following the example and command of Jesus Christ to ‘feed the hungry’.

he Norfolk Feeds 5000 survey of Christian

T organisations and churches right across Norfolk, L by the team behind the website Network Norfolk, has shone a light on scores of different King’s Lynn FISH Club groups who are engaged in I King’s Lynn foodbank also runs a ‘Fun and Food In nightly soup runs, weekly Soup Run - Norwich School Holidays’ (FISH) programme to support children community meals, emergency who receive free school meals in term time, but whose food parcels and lots of other parents may struggle to provide nutritious meals during the initiatives. I The Norwich Soup Run functions every night ear and compassionate support as well as warm holidays. Hot lunches plus fun and games are provided for The ubiquitous foodbank of the year, except Christmas day. Based at the clothing, footwear, sleeping bags and blankets around 35 children each day. networks, all co-ordinated by charity stall at the bottom of the Haymarket (op - as they are available. Contact: [email protected] churches and Christian groups, posite Primark), teams of volunteers serve food Major Barry Willson, The Salvation Army’s supply thousands of emergency and drink to people in need from 8.30pm. The Soup Run Volunteer Co-ordinator, said: “The The Fountain at Shouldham three-day food parcels to Soup Run is co-ordinated by the Norwich Soup Run is a great example of local people I The Fountain at Shouldham is a 'fresh expression' of families and individuals who Citadel Salvation Army and involves 14 different working together to support local people in church with a focus on children, attracting around 40 are in desperate need, usually churches on the rota as well as numerous indi - need. Our guests have a variety of needs – people who don't go to a traditional church. This includes due to circumstances beyond vidual volunteers. some may be experiencing homelessness, Messy Church and Breakfast Church in Shouldham Village their control. Numbers vary from 30-50 guests each some may be sleeping rough, while others may Hall, Forest Church in Shouldham Warren and an all-age The survey has spotlighted evening, and a range of sandwiches are avail - be living in accommodation but struggling to church service at Shouldham School. The gatherings in - dozens of churches across able, as are cakes, soup, hot chocolate, tea and make ends meet. volve food, such as bacon rolls, pizza and barbeque. Norfolk which run cafes or hold coffee. This “staple” menu is sometimes rein - “Our volunteers come from a variety of back - Angela Caley, who leads the Fresh Expression with her weekly or monthly community forced by gifts of fresh fruit and other goodies. grounds – some belong to a local church, others husband Tom, said: “Because we do always make a point meals, mostly for free or a nom - This community initiative is made possible by do not. Anyone is welcome to volunteer, al - of having food, people always know that that social aspect inal donation, bringing together more than 180 dedicated volunteers divided into though we do have a short waiting list. If you’d is going to be something at least that they will like even if vulnerable and lonely members teams. Regular supporters include Waitrose, the like to see how you can support our work we’d they are not so keen on the other activities. By eating to - of their communities for Co-op, Pret a Manger and Greggs. love to hear from you.” gether I think it provides that community that people feel breakfast, lunch or dinner and In addition to food, volunteers offer a listening Contact: [email protected] offering other activities and that they can belong to with the events we put on. It is nice services alongside them. to give people that experience at a Christian event.” The well-known nightly including free food, schemes to monopoly on this kind of activ - Of the 90 plus responses to Facebook: @thefountainatshouldham Norwich Soup Run provides gives surplus food to the home - ity and there are other non-faith the survey, Christian and hot food and drinks to around less and simply taking people to based groups in Norfolk doing church-led projects that involve Mary’s Kitchen 40 people every single night of a supermarket and then paying similar things, but our research hundreds of volunteers (some I the year and other similar initia - for the food they want to buy, shows that the Church is more Christian and some not) Volunteers at Our Lady of the Annunciation Catholic Church in King's Lynn run a weekly soup kitchen in the tives, on a smaller scale, are run are other examples of innova - than pulling its weight. reported that every month of town which feeds over 30 people a time. in King’s Lynn and to Big Issue tive activities run by Christian “Collectively the Christian the year, an average total of Contact: [email protected] sellers in Norwich for example. groups. community has come up with around 7,020 people are either Messy Churches, aimed at The research project is named dozens of innovative and inspi - fed or provided with food to I young families and offering after one of the well-known rational projects to meet the cook for themselves. St Mary’s Church at Heacham puts on quarterly com - different activities, and usually Bible miracles performed by basic needs of vulnerable and I You can see the full results munity lunches (donations only) for around 30 people. a meal of some sort, are run by Jesus - the feeding of the 5,000. sometimes desperate people in and project case studies at dozens of churches across Network Norfolk publisher our towns and villages, through www.norfolkfeeds5000.co.uk I St Peter’s at Upwell and St Mary’s in Syderstone run Norfolk. Keith Morris, who helped to the simple activity of sharing a I Follow a social media regular Messy Church events which include an afternoon Lunch clubs during the co-ordinate the research, said: free meal with them or provid - campaign about the project at tea (donation only) for around 30-40 people. school holidays, youth clubs “Christians do not have a ing food for their families.” #norfolkfeeds5000 special report

www.norfolkfeeds5000.co.uk South Norfolk Do Drop In - Sheringham I 'Do Drop In' community cafe is located in Sheringham’s St Andrew’s Methodist Church and meets every Wednes - day serving tea and coffee from 11am then a hot lunch. Those who attend are a cross-section of the community and they include lonely, vulnerable older folk and adults with learning difficulties. Team Leader Barbara George said “We seek to express the love of God in action which is the basis for building a strong community. We have seen the growth of love and care for each other among the members which is an inspiration.” The community meal attracts 30 to 40 each week and serves 140 meals per month.There is no charge but

donations mean it is self-funding.

www.sheringhammethodist.org.uk L Community Lunch I Cell Church Community Outreach Worker, Andy Cox, Community matters initiated a monthly Community Lunch in Church Room, which he runs with a team of local volunteers. Andy said: “There is a regular bunch of people from the North Norfolk village who just like to get together to have a meal and have a chat with their friends. There is nowhere else in the village that is a meeting place.” he Community Matters Cafe is a free A minibus full of residents at the local care home, Olive meal facility for anyone in the com - House, attend through the Norwich Door-to-Door service. T munity, but predominantly for the Catering staff at Newton Flotman CE Primary School, socially excluded, those in financial diffi - cook the meal which is enjoyed by around 25 people each culty and those with issues related to month for a nominal cost. substance abuse and/or poor mental health Facebook: @newtonflotmanvillage and the elderly who wrestle with isolation. Though overseen by the Methodist Village Vending Shop Church, it is run by volunteers from several I churches and the core service team come St Mary’s Church in Newton Flotman, is fundraising to mostly from the wider community. There become the first church in the country to provide a village are links with and support from Cromer & shop vending machine within its building after it identified District Foodbank. the lack of a village shop as one of the biggest needs. The cafe is now open twice a week, There is a two-year plan to raise funds and redevelop an serving over 30 meals a week and 3000 in area within the church to provide an accessible, commu - the last year. Donations come mostly from nity facility that will house the Village Vending Shop to sell members of several churches who come to a full range of groceries, milk and eggs. offer conversation and support. Rev Canon Sally Gaze said: “Our hope is that it will be The cafe is a hub for other areas of sup - stocked by a local business and would be the first one to port, including sign-posting and advocacy. go to a church. The vending machine will be a pull for The newest project is a Support Store where people to drop-in to church, and we will provide other clothing and household goods are available activities, tea and coffee alongside it.” to those who find themselves in need. https://my.give.net/StMarysFuture Methodist minister, Rev Sharon Willimott, who runs the café, said: “Early in Aylsham MakeLunch 1 in 4 children in the UK are living in First Sunday Breakfast my ministry in Cromer I became aware of poverty, and many of them receive free I the very large, usually hidden, numbers of I MakeLunch is a national initiative that school meals. During the school holidays For the past five years, St Mary’s Church in Newton many children are left without regular hot Flotman has been hosting a free drop-in breakfast on the local people who suffer social disadvantage works with churches to help fill the holiday meals. MakeLunch @ Jubilee is about first Sunday of each month, which attracts around 25 and loneliness, as evidenced by the need for hunger gap. Aylsham Community Church more than just meeting a very real people each month. It leads into a lively all-age, family the Foodbank that we host. I therefore offers a free hot meal and fun activities to practical need, it’s also about showing friendly service starting at 9.30am. Rev Canon Sally Gaze wanted to give them access to good food as families struggling on tight budgets at its God’s heart for family and friendship and said: “We just think that serving food relaxes people and a gift from the church, dispel some of the Jubilee Centre. They work together with demonstrating his love in action. gives them the opportunity to chat and to share with each social stigma surrounding exclusion by pro - the schools in the community to make The weekly sessions during school other.” www.tasvalley.org viding a safe space to enable such people to sure the families that need it the most get interact together. invited. holidays attract around 50-60 children “Clients say that the cafe is a lifeline for Children and Families worker Ann each week. Friends and Neighbours them, and for some the only place where Gallagher said: “Current statistics say that http://aylshamcommunitychurch.org/ I Retired minister Rev Joan Evans, a member of the they feel accepted and included. We have Church in Loddon (Holy Trinity and St John's Chapel), found that the non-judgmental service of all sense of community, gives the mums a I Christians in Holt work together to run started and runs Friends and Neighbours which meets has transformed the confidence of many, break and provides a good nourishing meal a weekly community meal for up to 250 monthly in St John’s Lecture Hall to share a communal and enables the community to see that the for families who are struggling to cope." people under the title Holt Community lunch or afternoon tea. church still has relevance today as we facebook.com/MessyChurchReepham Café. The group was set up in September 2003, six months express God’s love and grace in action.” www.holt-christians.net after Joan’s husband died, and she identified a group of www.northnorfolkmethodist.org.uk I Meet and Eat is a community meal of - others who had lost their spouses. fered by Lighthouse Community Church in I The Trimingham Lunch Club provides a “What they really enjoy is having food prepared for them I Reepham CofE Messy Church provides Sheringham and is available every Thurs - monthly community meal for 20 people at and having someone to eat it with. I thought initially that an hour of Bible story related crafts and day lunchtime. The meal comprises a two- the Pilgrim Shelter. people would come just in the aftermath of bereavement, activities, then a short time with songs, course set meal for only £5 (to cover costs), but they said ‘please could we meet every month’ so we’ve puppets and a prayer, followed by a two- is open to anyone in the community and I St Nicholas Church in Blakeney runs a been going ever since.” The lunches attract around 30 course meal. There is no charge but now serves 100 meals a month. monthly Messy Church with the help of people each month and the cost is divided between them. donations are welcome and it attracts “This is more than just turning up at the Holt Christians providing around 40 meals email: [email protected] around 50 people every month. café for a meal” explained café manager as part of the event. Rachel Richmond, co-ordinator, said: Maggie Rothe, “The idea is that everyone I Waveney foodbank, based at Eye Airfield near Diss, "Having a cooked two-course meal as part sits together, chats, and gets to know each I St Margaret's Church Sea Palling runs a distributes 200 boxes of emergency food every month. of our Messy Church, where helpers and other”. First Wednesday community lunch for families eat and chat together, builds our www.lighthousesheringham.org around 10 people. special report www.norfolkfeeds5000.co.uk

CAP Food Shop I This food project, run by Chris - Norwich tians Against Poverty (CAP) from Surrey Chapel in Norwich does exactly what it says on the tin... Wednesday Lunch Club people who are struggling are taken I St Luke’s Church runs a Wednesday lunch for a food shop. club which provides a nutritious two-course CAP clients who are unable to meal for around 20 elderly people in the make ends meet financially, often in community, as well as good company and quite desperate situations, are a varied programme of entertainment. accompanied to the supermarket Transport is provided if needed. with one of the CAP volunteers who Roy and Mary Hansell have run the club will pay for the shop. Project for over 30 years, a commitment which was Manager John Graver explains: “We recognised in the Queen’s birthday honours try to go to one of the discount list in 2013. supermarkets, so the money goes Vicar of St Luke’s Rev David Austin said: “I further, and the clients put what am proud of the volunteer work which has they need in the trolley. We’ll spend been established by church members who a minimum of £50 and it could be sacrificially offer their time in food prepara - up to £150 for a family”. In some tion, fundraising, transport and befriending.” cases, clients are on such a low income that CAP Food Shop will continue to buy food for them until Lunch for vulnerable their situation has stabilised. I St Augustine’s Church host a lunch club “A common response to CAP every Monday for up to 50 vulnerable or Food Shop is for people to burst out homeless members of the community. The crying. People are amazed and club is run by volunteers from the church and always ask, ‘Why are you doing it?,’ from local Christian charity City Saints in said John. “We just want to bless Action. our clients and show God’s love in The club provides a safe, welcoming, non- practical ways.” judgemental environment to people who are deprived both materially and relationally. Loaves and fish There is no charge for the hot meal served, Doorway Drop-in but a suggested donation of £1. I The Magdalene Group in Norwich Vicar, Rev David Austin, said: “It is more provides a lifeline for women work - orwich foodbank is a phenomenon. In the gap before other support services kick in.” than 'tea and sympathy' - but genuine I ing in sex work and prostitution in last 12 months it has given out 8,790 food The FISH Food (and Fun) In School Holidays friendship and concern for the welfare of Norfolk. One of its support services N parcels to families in crisis – that represents project runs school holiday clubs for low income those who attend - who often feel isolated, is a thrice-weekly lunchtime drop-in an amazing 79,100 meals (nine per box). families at multiple sites around greater Norwich, stigmatised or stressed.” at its King Street premises. The It was the first foodbank to launch in Norfolk, mostly linked to local churches. team provide a hot meal and any back in October 2010, and now receives donations The key elements are providing fun and food for other support the women may need from 150 churches plus scores of schools, children who normally rely on having free school Free community meal such as help with housing, form fill - businesses, supermarkets and community groups. It meals and over the last year, the clubs have served I Every Friday, SOUL Church in Norwich ing, access to a computer or sign - operates through distribution centres based in ten around 2,000 meals to 300 different youngsters serves a free hot meal to the community – posting to other support services. city churches. Hannah said: “'In the same vein as the foodbank and transport from the city centre so people Group CEO Suzi Heybourne said: Project Manager, Hannah Worsley, said: “A model, I am saddened that FISH is needed, but are able to access it. “Our drop-in offers a safe and posi - sudden crisis such as an illness, family breakup, encouraged and uplifted by the support we have The meal, for around 70 people, is pre - tive place with the opportunity to death, benefit delay or redundancy can leave people received from volunteers, churches and businesses. pared by volunteers with mainly donated food share a hot lunch, experience a rare unable to feed themselves and their families. Such It is a very practical response to a problem the food - from Tesco’s Fareshare scheme, which aims sense of belonging, access a listen - situations can quickly deteriorate sometimes bank identified - holiday hunger - and seemed a to reduce waste and alleviate poverty. ing ear, support and friendship.” leading to relationship breakdown, housing loss, natural progression to try and address the issues. Outreach Leader Katie Allen said: “We One woman who accessed the crime and health problems. “We have developed relationships with local hope in the future to develop what we offer service said: “You’re there for me “Norwich foodbank supports individuals and families and been able to provide emotional as well by running courses alongside, which would when no one else is. You’re like the families who find themselves on the edge of disas - as practical support, including inviting them along be of use to people. We do have a washing family I never had.” ter through the provision of emergency food to other events the church or community is putting machine and shower available for the supplies. They take the form of nutritionally bal - on, which is a great way to build up communities homeless community that visits.” In brief anced emergency foodboxes to cover an individual and friendships.” or family’s basic needs for 72 hours: the critical time www.norwichfoodbank.co.uk Messy Church meal I For more than 30 years, The Sal - vation Army has been transforming I Messy Church, at Methodist Christmases across Norfolk through Big Issue Soup Run Church, provides a home-cooked early its Toys & Tins appeal. Last year’s I Norwich Vineyard church runs two evening meal for around 30 people every appeal touched 4,793 people food projects - a weekly Soup Run for month. Both the Messy Church team and the including 12,845 toys and 1,773 Big Issue sellers in Norwich city centre families that attend say that the meal is the food parcels. and a monthly Foodstore project, most important part of the session. The I Oak Grove Community Church collecting food donations from church adults can relax and spend time with other runs a weekly community meal members and creating two-day boxes families over food and coffee or tea. Nobody project called Just Us regularly at - for local families. is ever in a hurry to leave! tended by over 100 people a month. Peter Elwick, who organizes the I Norwich Elim Church runs a Soup Run, said: “We walk a route Boxing clever weekly drop-in community meal. through the city centre seeing the Big I Issue vendors. We also look out for The Box is a long-running weekly youth I Community Action Norwich at the group run by Sprowston Methodist Church. rough sleepers and offer them hot New Hope Christian Centre runs a This year, along with the games, group drinks and sandwiches. twice weekly community meal for up activities and Christian based talk, the team “It is an opportunity to have a chat to 60 people. started to trial serving a free sit down with somebody and just see how they I evening meal for the young people who St Elizabeth’s Church and the are doing. It is really good to develop a ENYP youth project runs a commu - attend. relationship with them. Part of the nity meal and foodbox distribution Kirsty Deary, the Families Networker for motivation for me is the scripture in project reaching hundreds of people Sprowston Methodist Church, said: “I thought Matthew 25 where Jesus is saying each month. that the kids would come, eat quickly and very clearly, ‘if you are not doing this I want to get on with the games, but actually Witard Road Baptist Church runs for these people then you are not they really enjoy just sitting and chatting a monthly Messy Church project doing it for me’. I want to try to be a bit while they are having their tea.” and a weekly community meal of Jesus really as we go around.” www.rockyroad.org called The Link. Contact: [email protected] special report www.norfolkfeeds5000.co.uk Surplus food donations East Norfolk I The Horstead Centre is a residential youth activity centre set on the edge of the Norfolk Broads, run on behalf of the Diocese of Norwich. Minster Mission - Yarmouth Feeding up to 60 residents a day can lead to the I A three-course dinner is served on weekdays at The Path - problem of surplus food but Centre Manager, Josie way café and Resource Centre with soup and a one dish Barnett ensures that this is not wasted as they donate main course on Saturdays. any surplus food to Bishopbridge House night shelter in Barbara Rowe, of the Team Ministry, said: Norwich, providing around 20 meals twice a week. “Our aim is to provide a safe and comfortable space offering Josie said: “As a family we have always taken food to friendship, respect, support and a hot meal to the vulnerable, the night shelter when we have over catered. When I lonely, displaced and homeless within our community. came to work at The Horstead Centre it seemed a “Sadly, we have recently been experiencing an upsurge in natural thing to take surplus food in the same way.” the number of clients requiring our services and advice – www.horsteadcentre.org.uk around 90 meals are served each session and an increased number of clients are seeking advice and/or signposting to local support agencies.” A hot meal and the breakfast is also provided at the Living Room night shelter to a dozen people daily. This project is run in conjunction with Imagine Norfolk Together (CUF). Contact: [email protected] Foodbanks feed 100s The Well – Gorleston I The Well is a caring community which aims to be a place Mid Norfolk where people feel accepted, loved and valued. They work with partners to support people with different needs. The services are all free and include a foodbank, a community lunch, mental health support, and a group to help with addiction. oodbanks across Mid Norfolk are Manager Liz Townson says “The Well is part of Gorleston helping hundreds of people every Baptist’s ‘Drop in’ initiative; a place where our local community F month with emergency food sup - can receive support, compassion and a free meal. It is a plies. place of refuge and friendship to those who have perhaps The Mid Norfolk foodbank began in fallen on hard times or who are struggling through a variety of 2012 and last year supplied 1,849 emer - reasons to support themselves. gency three-day food parcels to people in “The Well aims to help and encourage the most hard-to- financial crisis across , reach and disadvantaged members of our local area by being and . It currently supplies witnesses of God’s love and demonstrating this through acts around 180 parcels a month. of service and compassion.” Its three distribution centres at Up to 100 are served at each session. Wellspring Family Centre in Dereham, Contact: [email protected] Swaffham Baptist Church and the Salva - tion Army in Fakenham are run mostly by volunteers of the local Churches Together groups in the three towns. Those who access the foodbank are welcome to a drink and a chance to chat as well as redeeming their foodbank voucher for a food parcel. The foodbank can only operate because of the huge level of community commit - Messy Church way for families, who generally don’t ment to the cause within the three towns. belong to another church, to come to Supermarkets including Waitrose, the Co- I The Church of the Nazarene in Thet - church. op and Tesco have hosted collections, and ford hosts a Messy Church which always Mary Welham, who leads the Messy donations have been received from many includes a home-cooked evening meal Church along with husband Paul, said:

churches and schools in the area as well as and has turned into a fully functioning “The meal often attracts people because L RAF Marham. church appealing particularly to families. we have a really, really good cook who Project Manager David Pearson said: One of the key elements of the prepares home-cooked, beautiful food. It “We are so grateful for the ongoing sup - successful Messy Church model creates a good time of fellowship.” Poppies Community Cafe On the first Saturday of each month I The café is part of St Andrew and St Peter Church in port from over 100 local organisations and includes providing hospitality in the form around 40 people gather for Messy ’s community outreach, open once a week, offering many individuals which enables us to help of a sit-down meal. Church in Thetford for a nominal costs of food, friendship and company to the lonely. those in short term financial crisis locally. This, along with Biblically themed £1 per person. It meets in the old Blofield Court House in the centre of the Without that support and the commitment crafts and the celebration of God through www.thetfordnazarene.co.uk village, allowing those from the nearby sheltered housing from our volunteers we would not be able songs and story, provides an accessible complexes and care home to walk or be brought by wheel - to be there when people need us. Thank chair and those starting on the dementia pathway are phoned you." with a reminder and lifts. www.midnorfolk.foodbank.org.uk King’s Care in Norwich Around 30 people attend each week aged from 46 to 95 based in the old science block I I Each week King’s Community Church in central years and are offered a savory and sweet buffet with soft Thetford foodbank was launched in Oc - of a former high school build - Norwich hosts a Sunday lunch from 2pm – 4pm drinks. There is no charge, just a bowl for voluntary donations. tober 2011 as a Thetford Christians To - ing, the Charles Burrell Centre, giving those who are sleeping rough, or have other Organisers John and Elizabeth Stokes said: “During the last gether project and is headed up by Liberty which is now used as a commu - needs, a place of friendship to go to. half hour we enjoy a sing-song of old familiar songs which is Church. nity and business centre. The King’s Care project also provide clothes, great fun, so we all go home laughing. We are learning ‘to Last year Thetford foodbank distributed The Foodbank can only run laundry facilities and showers to people who do not love our neighbour as ourselves’.” 719 emergency food packages for 1,397 because of the generous dona - have ready access to these things. Consultation Contact: [email protected] people living in Norfolk in desperate need tions received from local (392 of which were children). This equates churches, schools, community with other services in the city indicated a gap in provision on Sundays and so this became the focus I Great Yarmouth foodbank now provides up to 1000 people to around 13.5 tonnes of food distributed groups and individuals via for the work. with emergency food supplies each month, up from just 100 a by the team of volunteers. donation trolleys in supermar - Ralf and Linda Bowes, who lead King’s Care, year ago. As well as meeting increasing need kets plus designated donation within Thetford, the project works with points around the towns said said: “We very much see King's Care as part of the hospitality of the church. The guests who come I St Mary's Martham and All Saints in Belton both run a the local church networks to enable food - Voluntary Project Manager Ali include those who are homeless, others are sofa monthly Messy Church including a meal for around 40. bank distribution centres in Watton, James. , and Brandon in . www.thetford.foodbank.org.uk surfing, some are elderly and come for company, some struggle with addiction and other challenges.” I The TLC project in Great Yarmouth until recently ran a Each month the project dispenses around Around 60 people attend each week and there is monthly community meal called Open Door for around 15 60 packages within its Norfolk distribution I The Salvation Army in often a queue to get in. people and a weekly Craft Café serving meals to around 60. centres. Dereham run a weekly Memory The warehouse for Thetford Foodbank is Café for a dozen people. www.kingsnorwich.com/kings-care www.celebratenorfolk.co.uk Good News for Norwich & Norfolk, Summer 2017 9 Church in action showcase

The Celebrate Norwich and gramme of community care in the Laken - of any age to have a go to express their I Pathway Café and Support Centre: Norfolk Christian Services and ham and Tuckswood areas of Norwich. inner creativity. Based in the Minster Mission in Great I Good News: Good News aims to share I Heartbeat Ministries: is a Norfolk- Yarmouth the team aims to provide a safe Projects Exhibition will take place the good news about Jesus Christ through - based servant ministry that seeks to and comfortable space offering friendship, in the Forum and on Millennium out the towns and villages of Norfolk. strengthen people to become healthy and respect, support and a hot meal to the Plain, in Norwich city centre, I Christian Aid: Reaching out to help the active members within the Body of Christ. It vulnerable, lonely, displaced and homeless poorest communities around the world and has monthly meetings plus occasional within the community. Connections are also from 10am to 5pm on Saturday has a local office in Norwich. We exist to conferences and events bringing in anointed provided to local support services, health - June 10. The line-up of exhibitors change hearts in the rich world and change men and women to minister to the wider care, housing, addiction support and includes. lives in the poor world. We help churches to region of East Anglia. finance. pray, act and give to reduce poverty in some I Christians Against Poverty: is a free I The Leprosy Mission: Is an interna - of the most deprived areas of the world. debt counselling service, providing a holistic tional Christian development organisation I I Mothers Union: In the Diocese of service that supports clients until they are that diagnoses, treats and offers specialist OMF International: is a Christian care, including reconstructive surgery, to mission agency that serves the church and Norwich there are 47 branches and 900 released from the burden that debt brings. leprosy patients. It aims to transform and seeks to bring the gospel to all the peoples members, many of whom volunteer in their The service is available to all regardless of parishes and beyond. Activities include age, gender, background or belief. This na - empower the lives of people affected. of East Asia. It helps to place Christians to I share the love of Christ with East Asians parent and toddler groups, church services, tionally recognised charity is now partnering East Gate Ministries: Thrigby Barn is worldwide. community cafes, knitting projects and with a number of churches across Norfolk part of the Gillett’s windmill estate, a remote I relationship workshops. including Surrey Chapel in Norwich. and quiet 2.2 acres between and Norwich foodbank: A Christian crisis I I Caister. It is ideal for church away days, foodbank project that offers free emergency Diocese of Norwich (Church of House of Genesis: Is a Christian charity, based in Norwich, tackling the issue retreats and reflection. There is regular food parcels to needy families across England): Explore our interactive map to of homelessness through providing accom - teaching days with speakers, prayer ministry Norwich. see church activities and engagement in the community near you; find Messy Church, modation for men on a short term basis. and one-to-one help. Spend time meditating I Community of All Hallows: An Café Church, children & young people I at the cross in the secluded field. Anglican Religious Community offering a Noble Jewellery Designs: offers groups, holiday clubs, prayer spaces and fashionable jewellery to the modern Chris - I Ecumenism : What is it and why should programme of retreats at two retreat centres more! Discover resources and ideas for tian at affordable prices. We also offer a we be celebrating it 500 years after the in South Norfolk and Norwich. your church to promote their activities in small selection of gifts. Reformation? John Myhill will provide I The Norfolk Postal Bible School: your local area. I Norwich Healing Rooms: Is a place information and an opportunity for Uses the resources produced by Bible Edu - I discussion about churches in Norwich. cational Services to run correspondence Norfolk Healing Rooms: Exists to where anyone can come for prayer, no mat - offer prayer for healing to anyone, free of I St John’s Cathedral: The Roman schools through the postal system, and to ter what the need, whether physical, emo - charge and without an appointment, for Catholic Cathedral of St John the Baptist is supply groups, Bible classes, schools and tional, or spiritual concerns. Our Team is physical, emotional or spiritual needs in a beau - Sunday schools. dedicated to seeing the same healings accordance with scripture. which took place in the Bible, take place tiful I Christian Police Association: aims today. building to encourage and support Christians in the I Norfolk Feeds 5000: Is a project set and a Police Service and help them to communi - up to establish the extent to which the place of cate in words and action the truth, message Christian church across Norwich & Norfolk is prayer, and hope of the gospel of Jesus Christ to carrying out the simple command of Jesus open to colleagues and the communities they serve Christ to "feed the hungry". ENYP and Hope every - and build bridges between the Christian in Action are teaming up to provide a live one community and the police. demonstration of this at the Celebrate and Norfolk event on Millennium Plain. free to I Rafiki Creative Ministries: was #norfolkfeeds5000 enter founded by Samuel Goffe as part of his final with Tower Tours and views from one of the L major project at college, where he designed I Christian Vision for Men: is a regis - highest spots in Norwich city centre. It also his first spin art machine. Today we travel to tered charity operating across the United I Community Action Norwich: include the Narthex visitor centre with many different events taking our spin Kingdom. Its mission statement is to "con - conference facilities, the Garden Café and Meeting the needs of people through a pro - machines, armed with paint, allowing people nect men to Jesus and the church to men". the Cathedral Shop. Guesthouse accommodation We are an Anglican Religious Community of women, offering guest accommodation for retreat, rest, reflection and renewal. Visit us at our Convent or in Norwich - adjacent to the Shrine of Mother Julian. Guided retreats, spiritual direction and a listening ear are available services during your stay. Quiet days for 2017 include Saturday 30th September “Holy, Good & Peaceful” A day exploring how can each of us enflesh this in our care for creation? 10am - 4.30pm, cost £12 Saturday 2nd December “Advent Quiet Day ” A popular preached retreat to help prepare for the feast of the Birth of Jesus. 10am - 4.30pm, cost £12 Pastoral... Prayerful... Peaceful... charity registration 230143 Ditchingham, , Suffolk, NR35 2DT. 01986 892749 www.all-hallows.org 10 Good News for Norwich & Norfolk, Summer 201 www.networknorfolk.co.uk

Food bags for refugees I A life group from a Norwich church has sent almost 300 emergency food bags to a refugee camp in Dunkirk, France, which was hit by a huge fire a few weeks ago, after a plea for help. On April 10, a large fire broke out in the Grande Synthe camp at the Dunkirk, destroying shelters and volunteer-run kitchens. The camp was home to 1,700 refugees. Members of a Gateway Vineyard Norwich Life Group met at the Green Pastures Plant Centre in Bergh Apton to pack as many bags as they could. Group member Michelle Evans, also co-owner of Green Pastures, said “We knew this was something we could help with. We quickly put a shout out to all our life group members, the villagers of Bergh Apton and people attending the Yare Valley Filling Station (which meets at the garden centre). Celebrate King’s Lynn is “I also contacted our food suppliers to see if they would be willing to all set for The Walks in donate items. Each bag contains water, fruit juice, cereal and choco - the town with the College late bars, dried fruit and nuts and tins of fish” of West Anglia, left, a The group ended up packing almost 300 bags which were taken by bucking bronco ride, a CAMCrag convoy to Dunkirk a few days later. above, and Christian motorbike groups from around the country, bottom, all set to be Cards ‘n’ Things there. 193 Reepham Road, Hellesdon, Norwich (on the Bull Roundabout) Tel: 01603 442165 King’s Lynn is all We have teamed up with Thorntons and offer their range of chocolates together with our great selection of greeting cards, helium balloons and gifts. set to celebrate With last year’s he team is expecting an increase in the • King’s Lynn Christian Fellowship number attending as the people of • North Lynn Methodist Church first-time T King’s Lynn gather for the free commu - • St John The Evangelist success still nity event which will take place in King’s Lynn • Terrington Parish Church town centre park The Walks on Saturday June • Terrington Methodist Church ringing in their 3, from 10-4pm. One of the organisers, Alison Hill, said: ears, the This year’s event will include the hair and “Christian motorbike associations will be travel - Celebrate beauty department from the College of West ling from across the UK as they make Celebrate Anglia with a range of free beauty treatments, King’s Lynn an annual event. Joining together King’s Lynn provided by the students. The National Citizen with friends old and new, they are looking for - team are well Award students will be joining us again as part ward to a great weekend with us as they share of the volunteer team. their faith and testimonies of the love of God in under way to A bucking bronco ride is set to bring in the their own lives. making it crowds amongst other inflatable fun. “The Celebrate team have been blessed by the another The Bridge for Heroes will be attending for ongoing connection with the Celebrate Norwich the first time this year. Other contributions & Norfolk team as well as developing connec - memorable include Open the Book, Sally Beadle’s Bible tions with various groups within Norwich event. Circus and Key to Life with Kevin Baldwin. including the Diocese of Norwich, Lay Pioneer A number of local churches are involved with Minister in Norwich Danny Doran-Smith and Celebrate again this year including: charity Dreams & Visions for generous grants.” • Church of the Nazarene Parking is available at the nearby, town centre • King’s Lynn Baptist Church multi-storey car park. For more details contact • King’s Glory Church [email protected] or visit Kevin Cobbold Funeral Services • The Gateway Church www.celebratekingslynn.com

01603 528800 07789 586817 Christian funeral director Independent, affordable and personal Home visits, Full quotations, Funeral Plans, Memorials 104-106 Sprowston Road, Norwich, NR3 4QW www.cobboldfunerals.co.uk [email protected] www.celebratenorfolk.co.uk Good News for Norwich & Norfolk, Summer 2017 11 City churches join together

Norwich’s two Vineyard city faithfully over many years.” Geoff and Annie will remain part of churches are set to merge the church and Geoff is planning to at the end of May, continue working with the chaplaincy following the retirement of at High School where he is both a chaplain and gov - Norwich Vineyard founding ernor. They will continue to work pastors Geoff and Annie with Thorpe Town Council. Geoff said: “Although Annie and Lawton. myself will be retiring from church leadership, our heart is very much for the Vineyard family in Norwich and he merged church will be we plan to serve it as we are able. known as Gateway Vineyard “Time has gone so quickly. It only T Norwich and will be led by seems a short while ago since we Geoff and Annie’s daughter and son- were dreaming about starting a Youth in-law, Hannah and Craig Deal who for Christ Centre. We went on to founded and lead the existing Gate - work with the local church, then to way Vineyard church in the city. It leading one ourselves. We have will meet on Sundays mornings at the sought to follow His call. It was mad Norwich High School for Girls as at times but fun. We will seek to go well as in Life Groups across on loving Jesus, loving His church Norwich and surrounding areas. and to serve His cause. We will join in The church office will be at the for - wherever God leads and with the mer YMCA sports centre in energy He supplies! We are looking and ‘the place’ community hub in forward to the next season of our Thorpe St Andrew will continue lives.” running a range of activities. Hannah Deal said: “We will con - Norwich Vineyard has met in tinue to be very much one church in Thorpe St Andrew since 1997 when many communities; extending God’s Thorpe Community Church joined Kingdom together, everywhere in the Vineyard movement. Just over ten every way. Following Jesus, loving years ago, Gateway Vineyard was Annie and Geoff Lawton, left, are set to retire with daughter and son-in-law Craig and Hannah Deal leading the new combined Gateway Vineyard Norwich church. people and bringing life.” planted in central Norwich and has Geoff and Annie will be having a now outgrown its parent church in churches and we are expectant for ministries which seek to show God’s Grow Kids, football team, Baby Jam retirement service at 3pm on Sunday size. The combined congregation will this new season. We have been love in spiritual and practical ways, and toddler groups, a Hope into May 21 at Thorpe St Andrew High number around 250 on a Sunday exploring multi-site church over the bringing life to the people they Action house and Drop-in Centre. School, and the last regular Sunday morning. last two years and are open to what serve.” Craig said: “We are incredibly service there will be on May 28 at Craig Deal said: “We are really this could look like in the future. The combined church runs social blessed and thankful for Geoff and 10.30am. All are welcome at both positive about the change which will “Our leadership team is also action ministries including a food - Annie, for their leadership, love and services. draw together the strengths of both focused on city-wide compassion bank, Saturday soup run, Food Store, sacrifice in serving the church and www.gatewayvineyardnorwich.org.uk Join leprosy battle CELEBRATING 160 YEARS OF COMMUNITY SUPPORT ACROSS NORFOLK I The vital work of the Leprosy Mission will be highlighted in Norwich on June 10 at the Celebrate Norfolk event, including stories like Munia, a young woman from India whose family set her on fire and chased her away with knives when they suspected she had leprosy. Victoria Granger, Regional Manager East of England for the Leprosy Mission, said: “Leprosy can see someone outcast from their family, sacked from their job, thrown off public transport and pushed to the very fringes of society? “Munia, a young woman from West Bengal in India, can testify that leprosy still destroys lives. She is pro - foundly disabled because her leprosy went unchecked for many years. A devastat - ing combination of physical sickness and rejection led to a kind stranger rescuing Munia from her begging site at an Indian railway station. The railway station had become her home after her family had set fire to her and chased her away from her community with knives when they suspected she had leprosy. She was taken, traumatised, to The Leprosy Mission’s Purulia hospital where she remains today.” Although leprosy is now curable, more than three million people globally live with irreversible disabilities because of late treatment from the disease. You can hear more about the work of The Leprosy Mission at a seminar at Chantry Hall, The Chantry, NR2 1RF, in Norwich city centre at 11am on Saturday June 10, as part of the Celebrate Norfolk event at the nearby Forum. 12 Good News for Norwich & Norfolk, Summer 2017 www.networknorfolk.co.uk Christian presence at Royal Norfolk Show

Once again this year the Christian organisations coming together to highlight the work they do Diocese of Norwich will across the county is great to see. We have a significant presence want to showcase the church in action at the Royal Norfolk Show through a vibrant, colourful and engaging presence which gives just a highlighting the church in taste of the love God has for all.” action across Norfolk. The Diocese launched a Photogra - phy Competition in March to put the county’s creative photography skills hroughout the large marquee to the test. Open to all, the brief was to there will be opportunities for capture what entrants thought the T visitors to enjoy refreshments in church in action looked like. The 12 the large café area; listen to school shortlisted photos will be on display choirs and music groups; join in a at the Show on June 28 and 29, and range of children and youth activities; visitors will be able to vote for their journey through a reflective garden; favourite photo before the photos go and explore interactive areas on on tour of the county this summer. poverty and homelessness, the Bible Everyone is welcome. For more and prayer. details contact Angela George at In partnership with Celebrate Nor - [email protected] folk, other local Christian charities and or on 01603 881724. organisations will also be showcasing the work they do, including; YMCA Norfolk, Norwich Cathedral, Mothers Union, Scripture Union, Christian Aid, Foodbank, Christians Against Poverty, Norwich Youth for Christ, PlayVan, Imagine Norfolk Together, Norfolk Street Partnership, Cursillo, Traidcraft, CCT Conference Centres, Premier Christianity Magazine, Bright Map and the Norfolk Postal Bible School. School choirs and a charities showcase will be part of the church in action marquee at the Royal Speaking about the vision, Gordon Norfolk Show again this year. Darley, Marketing & Communications Manager for the Diocese of Norwich, said: “We’re really excited about this year’s Show! The witness of so many

In partnership with:

VISIT US AT THE ROYAL NORFOLK SHOW 28 29 JUNE 2017

Exhibitors School Choirs

Prayer Garden Children’s Activities Large Cafe

EXHIBITORS partnering with us in this year’s marquee include:

Norfolk Street CURSILLO Partnership Printed by Archant Print, Thorpe Print Centre, Norwich