We want to be a church that is ‘with God in the community, with God for the community’ and our large community room is available for hire throughout the week. As a church, we run two community groups: the youth club on a Monday evening (6.30-8.00 p.m.) which provides a social place for children aged 5-12 years and a Parent & Toddler group on a Friday morning (9.30-11.00 a.m.) where Mums, Grandmas, other relatives and babies and toddlers can meet up and play. I well remember the sense of isolation I felt as a new Mum and it’s good to be able to come together with others ‘in the same boat’ and give our children a place to learn to share and play together. We’re fortunate to have helpers from the Dearne Family Centre at this group who run craft activities and talk with carers about any issues they have or help they need.
If you’re interested in helping with either of these groups, please let us know.
Other groups run various activities held throughout the week which may be of interest to people:
Dearne Stay Fit
This group meets on Tuesdays (10.00-11.00 a.m.) for gentle exercise and Keep Fit for the over 50s. It’s been going for several years now and is well attended and well run. It costs £2 per session.
Slimming World
Slimming World meets on Thursdays, running 3 separate sessions which start at 9 a.m., 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. Often, a community group is a great way to tackle issues together; there is mutual encouragement and help as we face difficulties together.
B:Friend
This is a local charity seeking to provide volunteers who can befriend those who are lonely and isolated (often the elderly and those suffering with mental health issues) and to provide opportunities when people can join together socially and learn new things together. They meet on Monday afternoons from 1.30 p.m. at our church and are hosting an open morning today (Saturday 25th January) from 10 a.m. until 12 p.m.
TADS
This group offers a drop-in service to teenagers struggling with anxiety, depression and stress and will be meeting on Wednesdays (3.15-4.45 p.m.) from 29th January.
Please pray for all these groups which use our building, for our relationships with these groups and for the opportunity to connect with our community in new and different ways.
There are tons of other community groups working in our area, often meeting at the Snap Tin Cafe (you can learn to sew there, attend other craft classes, attend a self-help group for those dealing with anxiety and depression or a social group called ‘Bringing People Together‘), at the local library or at the Salvation Army. If you’re interested in the environment and making our community look better, Twiggs do regular litter picks and tidying in specific areas and are always looking for volunteers. There’s so much we can be involved in as we are salt and light in our community.
