Debra Milnes, the Church Secretary at Withernsea URC contacted us recently with a report of what they are doing in their community. Withernsea is a small place right on the edge of Yorkshire Synod and its great to share their news of how a small church can have a big impact in its community. Here is what she said:
“Withernsea URC is a small church set in a seaside town. We have 4 serving and 1 retired Elders and 11 members.
We have our Breaking of Bread Service Weekly with a time of prayer before hand for those who wish to attend, we also have a weekly Bible Study Group, Weekly Prayer Meeting.
We have a fellowship group (Fairhaven) every Tuesday for adults. We meet for Seated Aerobics each Friday. Both are open to the church family as well as those from outside of the church.
We are part of Withernsea Churches Together who are busy in the town with monthly services in three of the Residential Homes for the elderly. This is a wonderful opportunity to meet and chat with those who are unable to get to church. We also support the Messy Gazebo (Children’s Work) which is set up and manned by members of Churches Together during the festival weekends in the town, and is enjoyed by our folks as we do not have children at our Sunday Services.
The Holderness Gazette is our local weekly paper. The churches take it in turn to write the Thought of the Week Column once each month with our thought being printed every 3rd week in the month. Another wonderful opportunity to share our faith with those outside.
We have a Church Pantry with the food being donated by the church folks, with support from the Anglican church who collect food, and make small monetary gifts to support the project. Each foodbag has enough food to last for three days (similar to that of Trussell Trust), we also provide toiletries, nappies and wash powder when available. We take referrals from the Children’s Centre, Citizens Advice, Social Workers, Church Oversight, other Churches in the Town.
Pet Food Donations are gifted to us via another charity in the town who pass on to us items which they cannot use (damaged packs etc) which we pass on to those who struggle to feed their pets.
Fairtrade Project – We are matched with Tesco – Withernsea who provide us with food stuffs, flowers, plants, clothing, toys, cards, seeds and much more. The food is collected twice weekly, sorted and delivered the same evening with 7-10 bags most weeks but can rise to 17-20 bags. The deliveries are made to families who are struggling we are happy to accept self-referral as well as referral from outside agencies. Non-food items are donated to other charities such as Shoebox Appeal, Smalls for all. With seeds going to the town gardening group.
We are keen to support a number of charities including LIFT, Tear Fund, Leprosy Mission, Christian Aid, Shoe Box Appeal, MAF, and make donations as emergencies occur. We also collect new baby items and make up Baby Packs to be given to new mothers who are in need. We also make a selection of Christmas Packs for new mothers. We have folks who knit baby hats and canula sleeves for the Baby Unit and NICU as they are always in need.
We are also a keen “ECO” Church but perhaps not in the way many churches think of as eco. We have recycle bins in the church office and kitchen to encourage recycling. We also collect and deliver thin plastics to our local supermarket. We collect milk bottle tops, stamps, postcards, good quality ladies’ foundation garments to support charities.
We have a rail for good second-hand clothing and footwear, where donations can be left, and can be purchased for a small donation. We also have a supply of clothing and household items which can be gifted to anyone in great need of support.
We have a Jigsaw swap and books which can be taken for a small donation or swapped.
Our church garden houses Bird Feeders and Insect Hotels, with the bird food donated by a couple of the elders. Our caretaker has planted fruit trees, with the idea that if they fruit, it can be taken by anyone who is in need. We also have a compost bin at the rear of the car park.
We are a small church but desire to further the Lord’s work in Withernsea. To God be the glory.”