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Community

Apologies, but the following is un-attributed being taken from the transcript of a YouTube video whose creator I have forgotten. If anyone one knows who it is, please let us know via the contact form on our contacts page. Thank you.

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Once Christmas is over, the days can feel a bit empty. The parties are finished, the decorations come down, and real life creeps back in. That’s when community really matters. Because human connection is a gift, and church is one place, you’ll find it. People often think of church as the building, but for me, it’s all about the people.

You know, I remember one Sunday when someone walked into the church, not feeling well. And before I could even do anything, people were already there, offering a seat, a glass of water, and just staying with them until they got the help they needed. It wasn’t organised or planned, it was simply love in action. That’s what church looks like. Oh, I have to add this.

Not long ago, someone said to me, “I love coming to church, otherwise I’ll just be lonely at home.” That really stayed with me, because it reminded me that this isn’t just about a service or a Sunday routine, it’s about community, it’s about knowing you belong, that you are seen, cared for, and loved. That’s the gift of church. God’s love shared through people who show up for each other.

Everyone is welcome, whoever you are, wherever you are from, whatever you are carrying. We are a mix of people, different ages, backgrounds, personalities, but we come together as one family. A family that prays for each other, looks out for each other, and tries to live with love, kindness, patience, and joy. We are not perfect, far from it. We are messy people, and sometimes we get it wrong. But we believe life is better when it’s shared, when we care for one another, when we remind each other we are not alone. A place where your presence makes a difference, because the truth is, we are better with you, with us.

Church is about being part of something bigger, a community with God at the centre. And if God is at the centre, then the things around the edges will almost inevitably find themselves changing to become more like God. It’s a place where the most incredible spiritual things happen, when we touch the Divine presence. Community is a gift, and in the family of the church, that gift is for everyone. It definitely is for me. Could it be for you too?

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Christian Care

Christian CARE is a charity working in the London Borough of Merton. They are a group of 60 volunteers from 16 different churches offering help to anyone whatever their race, colour or religion. Each year over 100 families, whose lives are in crisis, are supported.

They are always in need of food, clothes and furniture, so please follow the link to their website for further details and their latest requirements.

Several people from Martin Way volunteer for Christian Care. If you are interested please look at their Volunteers page and get in touch.

Faith in Action

Alternating our Harvest gifts with Christian Care above we continue to support Merton Faith in Action, who every Wednesday and Friday throughout the year, run the Merton Homeless Drop-in with the help of volunteers. On average about 65 homeless and vulnerably housed people attend each session. These are mainly men, and a few women, for whom little other help is available. As well as a warm and friendly welcome they can get a high-quality hot lunch, internet access and help with filling in on-line forms, and help with moving on. Learn more about this charity at the FiA website.

Regular Community Events (weekly unless otherwise stated)

Check back from time to time to see the updated list.