‘Wayfarer is an initiative of Emmanuel St John’s church in Scarborough, aimed at taking the church out into the community. After starting small as a winter Warm Space, it has grown into an important part of the church’s – and the community’s – life’
Dr Lesley Coote, Church Secretary, takes up their story: After a brief Warm Space venture during the first ‘Covid’ period back in 2020-21 and its lack of presence, Sharon and Ian Hall were called in prayer to Jesus’ instruction to ‘Feed my sheep’. They knew that this was God nudging them, so they sought and obtained Emmanuel St John’s agreement to start it up again, and this time with meals provided, not just tea/coffee and biccies!
For over three months they have had at least twenty present (sometimes those include our congregation’s support at ESJ). Entirely on faith they have provided food and drinks, and a donations dish left out, has in the main, financed the following week’s shopping for WAYFARER! They never cease to be ‘wowed’ by the windows of heaven’s blessings making this venture possible.
By joining three long tables they often make a ‘family meal’ of it! Smaller tables round the room have newspapers and activities (of which people have their favourites): some were provided by the members of our neighbouring church, St Saviour’s. A member of our own congregation has provided rhubarb crumble from their allotment, plus biscuits from her son’s employment. An initial stranger, now familiar, has weekly provided cutlery from her hunts in charity shops!
Table and chair lifting, washing up, and my sister’s skills with food all come together and have become a recognisable support framework for the work being done through WAYFARER. A member of church has provided (ad hoc) a surprise pudding of strawberries and cream, so the dessert we’d prepared went in the freezer for the following week!
Homeless people (two with their dogs at times), all are welcome, and there is no US and THEM, we are all God’s sheep! Some have hard circumstances, but a listening ear and a sandwich to take home at the end brings them a brief respite. A gentleman who had attended recently said as he was being given a lift home “I’ve got a really warm feeling in the bottom of my stomach – thank you for all your hospitality”.
Sharon has shared this prayer and invites us to join with her: “God, we pray you will fan that ‘feeling’ into a flame for that gent, and may each visitor find you present at Wayfarer, in each empty chair! Fill the room and all hearts, Father… AMEN.”
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