NEWS AND STORIES
9/8/22
Ackroydon Beach Trip
This Summer has been one of the hottest on record, so we decided to have a day out together at Ferring Beach. It was an amazing day of swimming, playing games, eating fish and chips, and spending quality time with one another!
James wrote an article for The Bridge (the Southwark Diocese newspaper) about the special vigil we held on 10.05.22
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. - Matthew 5:9
As followers of Jesus, we are called to bring peace wherever we go - including places where peace is in short supply. A South West London Fresh Expression called the Ackroydon Community Church noticed a recent uptake of knife crime and gang related violence within the estate they serve in. Local residents not only had an increased sense of fear for their safety, but were also disheartened by the message of hopelessness these acts of violence was conveying to young people in the area. What does it mean for the church to be to be peacemakers in contexts such as this?
The leaders of the Ackroydon Church believed that holding a gathered candlelit prayer vigil would be an important first step in spreading a message of not only peace, but also hope: hope that the violence and the increasing sense of darkness would be overcome by a determined community eager to spread messages of love and light.
The church gathered on 10th May outside their local community hall to hold this vigil. This event was supported and attended by Angela Ireland, a recently re-elected councillor who serves in the area. It was also attended by Jennifer Beckford, who started The Nicholas Stewart Project (a charity empowering young people to be contributing members of their community) after her son Nicholas was tragically killed as a result of knife crime. Jennifer gave an incredibly moving speech about the effects that violence can have on families and and communities. Her message, whilst containing elements of sadness, was ultimately one of hope: light can and will overcome darkness, love will overcome violence.
God's presence was felt those who attended. Whilst this vigil didn't change the circumstances of the area overnight, the Ackroydon Community Church believes this was an important first step. A first step which would lead towards a community daring to hope for a better future for them and their loved ones.
23/12/2021
Open Air Nativity 2.0
We absolutely loved gathering members of the community for our live Nativity. Our simple, yet hopeful Nativity story came to life with the farm animals - what a special event!
A huge thank you to the actors who gave some cracking performances. We cannot wait for the next one!
The Great Christmas Bundle Giveaway 2.0
In 2019 50 families received fresh Christmas bundles with all the ingredients to make a Christmas dinner. In 2020, we decided to this again, but this time with over 100 families! Although nobody could stop and chat due to restrictions, we look forward to Christmas 2022 where we expect a full-on festive atmosphere!
Special thanks to the Dons Local Action group for their generous donations of food, and of course our wonderful team of volunteers whose help made this possible.
During the first lockdown, we delivered flyers to 1,000 flats on the estate, with snacks and smiles.
22/12/2019
THE GREAT CHRISTMAS BUNDLE GIVEAWAY
Over 50 families enjoyed receiving a fresh Christmas Bundle to make Christmas dinner. We loved the atmosphere as people ate chilli-topped jacket potatoes and planned their festivities.
Special thanks go to Andrew for the giant inflatable Santa, to the Foodbank Team for their journeys to collect food, Edith for organising us all and to the team who gave everything to welcome and serve our guests.
10/12/2019
OPEN AIR NATIVITY
Huge shout out to everyone who helped pull off the nativity. The animals were a huge hit with everyone. Their noise (and smell?) drew in the crowds to have a cuddle and watch the simple Christmas story performed by what can only be described as the finest of Oscar-level actors. A memorable evening.
