Archive for the ‘Social Action’ Category

A Passion for Goldington

Wednesday, February 10th, 2010

We’ve been busy planning our next Social Action weekend, and we’re temporarily re-naming it! To fit in with the Bedford-wide ‘A Passion for Life‘ events, we’re calling it ‘A Passion for Goldington’. We’ll be doing lots of gardening, litter picking and possibly some football too, so do get signed up using the form below.

You’ll need to be aged 13 or over (with parent’s consent if you’re under 18) and be free between about 1pm and 5pm on Saturday 13th March 2010. We’re organising a residential for those who are upper school age too, but places are very limited, so get in quick! It’ll cost £7 including food and an overnight stay from the Friday to Saturday (venue to be confirmed shortly).

Toasties and Tea

Thursday, October 1st, 2009

Toastie-cut-and-sealLast night, a team of volunteer students from the Christian Union at the University of Bedfordshire in Bedford did something simple, and experienced something amazing. Between about 9pm and 4am, they handed out free toasties to freshers and other students outside the halls at the university’s Polhill Avenue campus.

The toasties came with no strings attached (they did include a free piece of foil), and were available to all, no matter whether they were on their way to town, to bed or even just coming back for seconds! That said, many people chose to stop and discuss their thoughts, fears and worries with them, with questions ranging from ‘Why aren’t dinosaurs mentioned in the Bible?’, to ‘What does God think about my homosexuality?’ Some of the team were able to pray with students who wanted prayer, and all the team agreed the evening had been a huge success, both for promoting the Christian Union, but also for the simple and amazing opportunity to meet, listen to and share in people’s stories.

During the course of the evening a total of 22 loaves of bread, 6 toastie makers, 3 blocks of cheese and 2 large tubs of margarine were used – meaning the team of around 10 created and distributed a total of more than 100 toasties.

September Social Action Weekend

Wednesday, August 5th, 2009

Gardening ToolsHope in Bedfordshire is encouraging churches across Bedfordshire to undertake social action projects to serve their local communities on the first weekend of September (4th-6th).

Projects currently planned include a free car wash organised by Russell Park Baptist Church on the Sunday morning and bulb planting in Cotton End by Cotton End Baptist Church. If you’re planning a project for the weekend, do let us know – you can email chris@hopebeds.org and we’ll add you to the list.

No? Really?

Monday, April 7th, 2008

car washingThat was the comment heard throughout the week, as our team of volunteers headed out to clean up Bedford and it’s cars. ‘Most people we came across just couldn’t believe we really were doing everything for free!’

Hope on the Streets is part of a programme of events locally and nationally aiming to see churches working together to bring hope in our nation. Last week, a team of volunteers took to the streets of Bedford, picking up litter and offering a free car service from two church car parks. ‘Most people we came across just couldn’t believe we really were doing everything for free!’ commented Chris Johnson, the event organiser.

Around 20 different people of all ages and from many local churches were involved throughout the week in various ways, from making cups of tea and coffee at the free car wash, to picking up litter and catering for the team. Over 20 bags of litter and 4 of recycling were collected by the team, along with 73 cars washed for free.

Plans for the next similar event May are already well underway, and projects hoped to be undertaken include a free gardening service, more free car washing and painting a local subway. Mr Johnson said, ‘It’s a great start, now we’re looking forward to making an even greater impact in May. We’d really love to see 100 or more volunteers helping out then.’

The week has been deemed a great success by the organisers, who are looking forward to the next similar event from May 3-5. For more details, please contact Chris Johnson on 01234 217519 or register online here.