Rev Roberta Topham, Minister at Christchurch (UM), Ilkley shared news of two valuable experiences their church has recently enjoyed. Here is what Roberta said:
“Our first experience was led by myself, as we booked a table at the Ilkley Pride event to show Christchurch’s belief that God Loves and welcomes us all. To enable conversations, we had butterflies for folk to write their hopes on, whether personal or for the wider community, and these were hung on their tree to be taken into Christchurch afterwards and used for prayer. They were also given a butterfly to take home with the word HOPE printed across. This was a new experience for many of the 14 church people who stood by our table during the day to help. It was a lovely, friendly, family occasion and one the church hopes to repeat next year. Dan’s Den shared the time with us with their own family-friendly table next to us. We were very welcome as the only Christian presence at PRIDE.”
“Our second experience in engaging with the local community when 24 church goers visited Caring for Life at Crag House farm in Otley on their Sponsors Day, when we were able to visit areas normally out of bounds, eat in their lovely restaurant and share in worship with over a thousand others. This is Christchurch’s chosen charity for the year. A great experience.
Crag House Farm is the headquarters of the Christian charity, Caring For Life, whose motto is ‘Sharing the love of Jesus’. The charity supports disadvantaged people, many of whom have known only abuse and a lack of love since their earliest days: providing residential homes for the most vulnerable and independent housing support for many others, throughout Leeds.”
The 125-acre farm provides 12 therapeutic daytime projects for those housed and supported by the charity. Scores of damaged individuals come to the farm each week to enjoy caring for our animals; art and music; learn life skills, and much more. Since 1987 over 5000 individuals have been housed and supported and the farm has played a crucial part in helping people maintain their tenancies and lead more settled lives.”
The words on their stone says it all – Matthew 25 v40 “Whatever you did for one of the least of these, you did for me.”