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Mark TubbyChurch Community Worker |
Dovercourt Central Church's heart is in making this community a better place
to live and work and visit, and show this in what we do as much as what we say.
to live and work and visit, and show this in what we do as much as what we say.
CHRISTMAS TOY AND GIFT APPEAL
Firstly, a big thanks to you all for your generosity, it was wonderful to see so many gifts donated to the appeal so that local families can have a better Christmas.
I've been busy working with the Salvation Army on this to ensure struggling families have something to celebrate at Christmas. Through contact with local schools, Social Services, Homestart and others we have been able to provide both food hampers and toys/gifts for over 100 local families. it's been slightly hectic this year, with volunteers limited due to restrictions, but it has been a privilege for Debbie and I to be part of this. it also helps you to appreciate how much need there is and helps us to be grateful for all we have. I must say though, it has been fun doing this so it hasn't been all about giving but also receiving.
ADVENT WINDOW TRAIL
This was part of what the local churches did together this year. We contacted local businesses and groups to ask if they would be willing to participate in a town trail that took folk around Harwich and Dovercourt searching for stars. Each business or group would decorate a window with something Christmassy and we would hide a star or two within that which people would need to spot. Many were willing and able to take part, though lockdown 2 caused a few issues, and we were able to get printing done locally and sponsored for free. We were one of the participants and below is our effort, which was dreamt up by Beth Reason, so a massive thank you to her. Hopefully you will get the chance to do the trail yourself. Those who complete the trail and entered into a prize draw. Thanks to all who made this happen and we wish you a happy and blessed Christmas.
This was part of what the local churches did together this year. We contacted local businesses and groups to ask if they would be willing to participate in a town trail that took folk around Harwich and Dovercourt searching for stars. Each business or group would decorate a window with something Christmassy and we would hide a star or two within that which people would need to spot. Many were willing and able to take part, though lockdown 2 caused a few issues, and we were able to get printing done locally and sponsored for free. We were one of the participants and below is our effort, which was dreamt up by Beth Reason, so a massive thank you to her. Hopefully you will get the chance to do the trail yourself. Those who complete the trail and entered into a prize draw. Thanks to all who made this happen and we wish you a happy and blessed Christmas.
HUMAN ADVENT CALENDAR
What's that? Well, for those of you on Facebook you can go onto the church's Facebook page and each day you will find a door. from behind that door a local person will appear and share with you a bit of encouragement and love taken from the bible. We would like you all to know how much you are loved and cared for, both by God and the local churches here. So pop along and take a look.
There will also be a short reflection each Wednesday during Advent by one of the local church leaders, so have a listen to that too, it's only about 3 minutes long.
We wish you all a wonderful and blessed Christmas, whatever that may look like for you this year.
What's that? Well, for those of you on Facebook you can go onto the church's Facebook page and each day you will find a door. from behind that door a local person will appear and share with you a bit of encouragement and love taken from the bible. We would like you all to know how much you are loved and cared for, both by God and the local churches here. So pop along and take a look.
There will also be a short reflection each Wednesday during Advent by one of the local church leaders, so have a listen to that too, it's only about 3 minutes long.
We wish you all a wonderful and blessed Christmas, whatever that may look like for you this year.
If you have any thoughts or ideas about what may make this town a better place to live and work then Mark is always happy to hear from you. We are hear to serve the local community in action and word so feel free to call 07446817625 or email MarkTubby1965@gmail.com and we'll see what we can do together. Many blessings, Mark