HOPE 08 is a year long national Christian initiative designed to encourage churches to work together, in their communities and promote Christianity in doing so. A number of Warrington churches are involved. In the Birchwood area Thomas Risley church (based in Locking Stumps) and Birchwood Evangelical Church (based at the high school) teamed up to make an impact during the weekend of
9th – 11th May.
On Friday 9th May there was an advice day at Thomas Risley Church. Between 10am – 2pm the church became a drop in centre for free advice. There were solicitors from Fiona Bruce & Co, the Citizens Advice Bureau, the Disability Partnership, the Police, Church Ministers, Credit Union Bank and a Healthy Eating advisor. There was a steady stream of people who called in, spoke to the advisors and enjoyed free refreshments in our “TR eats” coffee shop.
On Saturday 10th May there was an action day based at Thomas Risley church and going out into the community. There was an Art Project for children and adults. A Car Wash, we reckon about 70 cars were washed! A Pamper Room, hands and feet were massaged in a relaxing quiet room. Over 40 local children were coached at the Kids Football Skills event. Refreshments were available all day; “TR eats” Coffee shop, Lunch and Afternoon Tea with some beautiful home made cakes. There was also a Book stall and a Tin stall. Ironing was tackled by a team of adults and guides for some lucky local people. A Gardening team went out to seven gardens in the Birchwood area and helped with gardening jobs such as weeding, clearing and mowing. A team went litter picking in Locking Stumps in the afternoon! Everything was free! The day was very busy, with lots of people coming in, seeing what was happening and enjoying a free pamper or car wash. The people from the two churches, young and old, enjoyed the day immensely. It was so much fun working together and being kind in our community!
Our next HOPE event will be at the Birchwood Carnival on 8th June, see you there!!
If you would like to know more about our two churches or the Christian faith, please call:
Andrew and Sally Willett (Thomas Risley Church) on 487851 or
John Rockley (Birchwood Evangelical Church) on 435252
Hope08 Weekend