Community cafe needs you
By FRAN CARABOTT, pioneer minister, St Margaret’s Community Church, Eastney
ONE of the visions that we had when we re-opened St Margaret’s Church back in 2017 was that we could serve those who needed help in this part of Portsmouth.
That’s why we started a community café, so anyone could pop in during the day for a cuppa and a chat, and a Foodbank, for local families who lacked basic provisions.
What we could never have predicted is that our church would be one of the few buildings in this area that was open all the way through two lockdowns – or that so many people would need help.
Hundreds of generous people have kept donating food and basics week after week since March, and hundreds of others have been fed as a result.
It has been a real privilege to be able to welcome both those who have donated and those who need help to our church building during the pandemic.
We feel sure that no one in this area should go hungry at Christmas. If anyone is still short, we are packing ‘Hampers of Hope’ with Christmas treats and delivering them on December 23, so let us know via www.stmagsscc.uk and we’ll come to you too. If anyone wants to help us to deliver them, do get in touch as well.
The other exciting news is that we’ve been able to re-develop our church building recently to serve even more people. We’ve had a new floor laid with proper heating, and are creating a new worship area, café, children’s soft play area and community shop.
We hope things will gradually return to normal during next year. As they do, we’ll be inviting families to use our café and soft play area, running toddler groups, helping people to furnish their houses and feed their children, and finding new ways to serve this amazing area.
And you could help us with that – we’re looking to employ a new café, shop and Foodbank manager to work 15 hours each week. The details are on stmagscc.uk
The doors of our church will continue to be unlocked as often as they can be, and we’ll continue to welcome all those who need help next year and every year. We believe in a God who values everyone without exception and we’ll do our best to care for you too.