Logo

 

Banner Image:   Baptist-Times-banner-2000x370-
Template Mode:   Baptist Times
Icon
    Post     Tweet

Church Helps to Transform Eyesore

April 2012

A church’s desire to show God’s love in its community has resulted in the transforming of a local eyesore

 
As recently as the middle of March the open piece of land near Worcester Park rail station was overgrown, littered and damaged after past maintenance work.

Thanks to Worcester Park Baptist Church the land now looks a different proposition – tidied up, landscaped and brimming with new flowers and shrubs.

The work has been achieved by a small army of volunteers and in partnership with Kingston Council.

It came about after the church wanted to do something for the community in time for Easter.

Lucy Wright, the church’s associate minister, said, ‘We wanted to express God’s love in Worcester Park in a very practical way, and by partnering with others.

‘We came up with the idea of clearing this piece of ground near the station, which is near the church.

‘It’s a piece of land that is used by a lot of people who are using the station each day.’

Lucy and John Smith – the congregation member from whom the idea originated – met officers at Kingston. The council was supportive of the plans, organising some of the tidying up to be done by those on the youth offending register, with Lucy and others serving coffee and cake as they worked. It also laid a new path.

For its part the church arranged two volunteer days, cutting back trees, restoring flower beds and planting. Each involved around 20 members and attracted favourable comments from passers-by.

The church is delighted with the result and the connections made.

‘We think it’s a massive improvement,’ said Lucy. ‘Lots of people worked really hard.

‘We had some really good comments from people passing by, with people saying “Doesn’t it make the place look brighter!” It was an opportunity to tell them where we are and what we are about.

‘And it was really heartening that the council was very accommodating. We felt the whole community was engaged.’

The church subsequently received permission from Kingston Council to place a cross in the area between Good Friday and Easter Monday.

Lucy added that Worcester Park is looking for other ways to engage with the community.

 
 
    Post     Tweet
LBA Home Mission Stories
Examples of how Home Mission funds are being used in the London Baptist Association
SubArticleD2019
Fit for mission? 
Albany Park Baptist Church in London is offering a ministry of community fitness and is investing in leadership as this outreach develops
Faith leaders gather in solidarity event for social justice
More than 150 leaders from faith communities across London gathered at Bloomsbury Central Baptist Church as part of a powerful demonstration of unity and a shared commitment to social change
'Bringing the community together to work as one so our young people can thrive and be safe' 
Romford Baptist Church hosted a knife crime summit following a rise in violent crime in the area
Prayer walk for Gaza in South and East London 
On Maundy Thursday a group of Christians, including several Baptists, will be undertaking a pilgrimage in prayerful solidarity with the people of Gaza
Baptist minister signs Nelson Mandela tribute book  
The Revd Dr Simon Woodman, Minister of Bloomsbury Central Baptist Church in London, has become the first Baptist to sign the House of Commons Book of Tribute to Nelson Mandela
'His work epitomises what it means to give back to your community and inspire change'
Baptist minister Dave Mann who founded a community association more than 25 years ago has received a prestigious award from his local council
     Regional News 
    Posted: 19/06/2024
    Posted: 04/11/2020
    Posted: 22/09/2020
    Posted: 22/09/2020
    Posted: 22/09/2020
    Posted: 03/01/2020
    Posted: 27/11/2019
    Posted: 18/10/2018
    Posted: 25/05/2018