‘The privilege and highlight of our week is to... serve in the café... by the local prison.’
It’s been almost a year now since we moved from Halesowen to Winson Green. We felt God’s leading to move here where there was already a well-established community ministry, and where we could learn from others and see where God may be taking us.
It’s been a learning curve over these last few months. We are learning that community ministry takes time to build and grow. Sometimes projects and events work and other times they just fizzle out.
There are people of many cultures and nationalities living in Winson Green. It’s an area where there is lots of temporary accommodation for families who may be refugees/asylum seekers, so relationships with the neighbours can change quickly as families come and go!
We helped out at a big Easter Fun Day held at Newbigin House which was attended by around 150-200 people. Bouncy castle, craft, food and face-painting were on offer, together with having your photo taken alongside the animals living at the house, or at least usually in the garden!
We are regularly involved with the Tuesday community meal at Newbigin House and are now providing a community meal from our house on a Thursday! This is a new venture for us and we would value prayer as we serve our community and open up our home. We join with others on Sunday lunchtimes to have a Peace Meal together and attend the Fresh Expressions church at Newbigin House.
The privilege and highlight of our week is to volunteer and serve in the café at the visitors centre, close to the local prison. It’s an opportunity to be a warm, welcoming face to the visiting families and friends. We are building up a team of people from St John’s who are interested in helping to volunteer here. We are also holding a prayer meeting for those who want to pray for prison ministry.
Chris was able to be part of a six week course run by prison Fellowship called The Sycamore Tree which was all about restorative justice and was run in another local prison. If you’re interested in any of the above please come and chat with us!
Chris and Lorraine Milton
(OM Birmingham)