The final section of flooring was laid at St Elizabeth’s Church in Earlham last week, marking five years since the church began its pioneer ministry. However, the impact the church is having on the local community goes far beyond flooring and furnishings.
In 2014 a new five year partnership was started at St Elizabeth’s Church in Earlham for a Pioneer Ministry with an ENYP Team approach. The final section of new flooring for the church was laid this week, and marked the celebration of the 5 year licensing.
When the pioneer ministry approach began in 2014 there was little engagement from the local community at St Elizabeth’s even though the church had a central position within the estate. Over the past five years much has been achieved. In addition to a number of different improvements to the building, including new flooring, redecoration and internal changes to make it a more of a welcoming space, mission has been the focus and has included:
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A community café ‘The Beacon Cafe’ running throughout the week which sees hundreds of people come together to enjoy breakfast and light meals. As well as providing food and refreshments the café is a central place and entry point for the community to receive support, build relationships, be signposted to relevant agencies and feel included in community life. -
The development of children’s and youth ministries and activities led by ENYP to cater for children from 5 to 16 through groups on Sundays, after-school clubs, youth clubs, fresh expression groups, holiday activities and work in the local schools. -
Outreach and social action activities and events to bring the community together. -
The ‘Picnic project’ which has distributed food to over 8,500 people in 2018 in partnership with ENYP. -
A pastoral support programme at the local sheltered housing complex providing an important opportunity for the elderly to share a meal, build friendships and reduce isolation. -
A partnership with Hope into Action to house vulnerable families. -
Support projects providing a tailored programme and mentoring support to help families improve their wellbeing. -
A distribution centre for Foodbank.
Danny Doran-Smith, Lay Pioneer Minister for St Elizabeth’s and Director of ENYP said; “Five years ago we embarked on a journey which was new and which gave us the opportunity to make a real difference to one of the most poorest and deprived areas of the county. St Elizabeth’s has become a thriving church, and a ‘beacon’ for the local community where they feel welcomed and safe, and where they have made steps in their own journey with faith. The church has a presence within the community, and it has been humbling to see how outreach and mission has met the needs of some of the most vulnerable children and families. Many residents have taken the lead on overseeing and coordinating the mission elements of the church, which we have been really encouraged by, and this is a legacy that will continue.”
For more information on St Elizabeth’s Church please contact [email protected]
Pictured: new flooring at the church
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