With social distancing continuing, Heather Lodge, a member of Tolworth URC, explains how this south London congregation has been holding the community together in supporting the most vulnerable in these strange times:

It is sad to see the church doors closed during this pandemic crisis. The building looks so lifeless.

So, at Tolworth URC, we decided, early on, to link up with our local foodbank to deliver food packages to shielded persons and families, at the time when the crisis first hit, and the government was looking for ways of supporting people who are locked in.

Since then, the project has expanded, not only in terms of deliveries, but also storing food and packing boxes too. In fact, such is the demand, that the church’s facilities are now being used to capacity, allowi9ng up to prepare and deliver between 80 - 120 boxes each day, as long as social distancing permits.

In addition, as the grounds of Tolworth URC are a busy thoroughfare, our minister, has been posting a one-minute message, based on the lectionary reading for each Sunday of lockdown, on the church doors for anyone who happens to pass by. This thought for the week has been so appropriate to the circumstances we face, and much appreciated by the congregation as well as the wider community.

So, there is evidence of life in the Tolworth URC community, as we keep our doors open to carry out God’s Mission in this difficult time.

Could your church offer facilities to a local foodbank or other group caring for the vulnerable during this period? Contact us to find out how you can help.