The St Mary Magdalene Church in Gorleston, a beacon of hope and transformation in its community, has been granted a significant funding of £97,000 over the next three years. This substantial award, courtesy of the Mercers Charitable Foundation, is a testament to the church’s unwavering commitment to supporting and uplifting its community. Located in the heart of Magdalen Square, the church is deeply rooted in the estate it serves, which is home to nearly 11,000 people. The area, however, faces numerous challenges, ranking in the bottom 10% nationally in terms of deprivation, with residents experiencing higher than average levels of loneliness, isolation, and poverty. Despite these difficulties, the church remains a shining example of community spirit and dedication, with a mission to be a transforming presence in the lives of those it serves.
The church’s vicar, Revd Matthew Price, is ecstatic about the funding, which will enable the church to continue its vital work in the community. “We’re blessed with a great staff team, and this funding will allow us to sustain and expand our efforts,” he said. The church’s community-focused approach has been yielding remarkable results, with an average of 200 people visiting the church each week and around 100 volunteers actively engaged in various initiatives. The Mercers Charitable Foundation, which supports churches and community-based organizations that strengthen communities and families, recognized the church’s outstanding work and potential for growth. Revd Matthew Price believes that the foundation “could see the exciting things that we see on a day-to-day basis and could see the reach that our community work is having.” The church’s model is built around an intentional journey, empowering residents to grow from a place of distress and distrust to one of participation and progression.
The church’s community work is multifaceted, offering a range of services and initiatives to support local residents. One of its notable initiatives is the Bridge, which provides a three-course meal to around 60 people each week. Additionally, the church runs an open house drop-in, a parent and toddler group, an over 60s group, and a youth club. These initiatives not only provide essential support but also foster a sense of community and belonging, helping to combat loneliness and isolation. The church also plays a critical role in providing crisis support, including food provision and services to help with homelessness. By offering opportunities for volunteering, the church enables local people to build resilience and develop new skills, empowering them to take control of their lives.
The funding awarded by the Mercers Charitable Foundation will be instrumental in helping the church to sustain and expand its community engagement initiatives. Revd Matthew Price expressed his gratitude for the support, stating that it will “hopefully give us real sustainability in what we’re aiming to do here.” The church’s commitment to its community is unwavering, and this funding will enable it to continue making a meaningful difference in the lives of local residents. As the church looks to the future, it remains dedicated to its mission of being a transforming presence in the community, inspiring hope, and fostering positive change. By working together with its partners and supporters, the church is confident that it can create a brighter, more sustainable future for all.
The story of St Mary Magdalene Church in Gorleston is a testament to the power of community spirit and the impact that dedicated individuals and organizations can have on people’s lives. The church’s work is a shining example of the difference that can be made when people come together to support and uplift each other. As the church continues to thrive and grow, it remains a beacon of hope for the community, offering a safe, welcoming space for people to connect, grow, and flourish. The funding awarded by the Mercers Charitable Foundation is a recognition of the church’s outstanding work and a vote of confidence in its ability to make a lasting, positive impact on the community.
In conclusion, the funding awarded to St Mary Magdalene Church in Gorleston is a significant milestone, marking a new chapter in the church’s journey to support and transform its community. With its committed staff team, dedicated volunteers, and the backing of the Mercers Charitable Foundation, the church is poised to continue making a meaningful difference in the lives of local residents. As the church looks to the future, it remains focused on its mission to be a transforming presence in the community, inspiring hope, and fostering positive change. The story of St Mary Magdalene Church in Gorleston is a powerful reminder of the impact that community-focused initiatives can have on people’s lives, and it serves as a model for other organizations and individuals seeking to make a positive difference in their own communities.
