On Sunday 19th June, Darwen Asylum seekers and Refugee Enterprise (DARE) crossed the border to Yorkshire to spend a day at St Andrew’s (Methodist/URC), Skipton, including morning worship, Messy Church and a picnic on the front lawn!
Fittingly taking place at the start of Refugee Week, the initiatve, led in part by the Revd. Daleen Ten Cate, Missional Discipleship Mentor for the Lancashire Area of the North Western Synod, was a huge s
uccess. Daleen preached a marvelous sermon talking about ‘the stranger’.
Negin, one of the refugees who attended the day wrote the following:
“We had a great time during our visit to St. Andrew’s Church in Skipton. From the minute we were picked up from our doorstep to the moment we were dropped off, every effort was made to make us feel valued. We were welcomed warmly by the people at St Andrew’s and I was amazed by their kindness and hospitality. We had the opportunity to represent the refugees, enjoy a nice meal and have a lovely walk in the woods. The children had a wonderful time at the messy church and the picnic in the end of our visit was great! I want to thank all the people at DARE. We appreciate all that you do for us. I pray that one day we could do what you’re doing for us for other asylum seekers and refugees.”
The morning service, as with every week at St Andrew’s, was livestreamed, and is available to watch here.