Reflecting Hope 2023 – Telford and Newtown District

In 2023, the Telford and Newtown district engaged in the Reflecting Hope initiative with the support and assistance of Pr Jeremy Johnson, the district pastor, and Pr Adriana Fodor, the WM Personal Ministries Sponsor.

On May bank holiday weekend, Telford and Newtown churches came together with volunteers from Carmarthen church to host a Health Expo for the community.

Newtown

Newtown church took part in a Family Festival hosted by the community with whom they have built long-standing relationships over the years. The church was invited to community festivals and events due to their strong connections. During this event, the church provided free health checks and featured a smoothie bike that captivated the children.

The Newtown church event organiser, Kizu, emphasised the importance of serving the community and building connections, beyond just inviting them to the church. She explained, ‘’People know about us and we’re hoping that by serving the community they will see that it’s not just about them coming into our church, but we’re coming to meet them where they are.’’ She added, ‘’God is opening the doors for us to make ourselves known in this community and hopefully in the future the seeds will spring into fruit.’’

Reflecting on the experience, a Telford church member Sam shared, ‘’It’s about showing them that we care about their well-being. We come together as a church, the church and community to mingle and integrate with people who may not share the same beliefs as us.’’

This event was followed by cooking classes led by Kizu and a one-week spiritual series led by Pr Adriana Fodor, which attracted participation from individuals in the community.

Telford

Telford church organized a Family Fun Day at the Millenium Village for the Rose Manor - Sanctuary Supported Living and the nearby community. The event included various activities such as a health expo, smoothie bike, bouncy castle, vegan barbecue, and interaction with horses.

Shahnina, the Sanctuary Rose Manor care team leader commended the church for hosting an enjoyable bank holiday. She expressed, ‘’I work very closely with the ladies and gentlemen from the church. It’s a day we’ve organized not just for our residents, but for the whole community over here to join and get involved in something that’s an enjoyable bank holiday.’’

Kevin, the Telford church event organizer, reflected on the successful day where residents, Sanctuary staff, families, friends, and community members came together to engage in activities and enjoy the fellowship.

The church had established a long-term connection with the Sanctuary, where they visited regularly to sing songs with the residents, demonstrating their dedication to community involvement and support.

After this event, Pr Jeremy Johnson led a one-week campaign, delivering spiritual messages on ‘’the beatitudes’’, singing together, and engaging in meaningful social interactions with the residents alongside church members. This effort resulted in two individuals from the community regularly attending Telford church.

We give thanks and praise to God for using the church to make a difference in the lives of those around us through friendship, community service, and reflecting the hope of Jesus Christ!