On September 24th 2012 under the headline “Impromptu coffee morning to become a regular feature” MBC News reported that what had began as nothing other than an ad hoc gathering in the church foyer was set to change.
Today that same, simple idea of people coming together to socialise, drink coffee and chat is called Beacon. However, unlike the old days when maybe eight or ten people would pop in today five or six times that number turn up to what has become one of MBC’s most successful community projects.
That’s because under the Beacon banner, and in addition of course to there being lots of coffee and cake on offer these days are opportunities to join in craft and sewing groups, to get stuck in to some serious physical work at the allotment it manages in Meanwood, to get to know our Police Community Support Officers who use the Monday morning session as a hub but most importantly to build and develop deep and supportive relationships.
From today, though, Beacon’s focus on Wellbeing takes on yet another dimension with the appointment of a Programme coordinator. Her name is Laura King (pictured above). However, besides being on hand for everyone Laura’s brief is to extend her work beyond Monday mornings and concentrate on one seemingly neglected aspect of wellbeing… young adults, i.e. 16 to 25 year olds. The post which is funded partly by donations the scheme attracts but mainly by a grant from confectionery makers Haribo, a funding stream which Tabia sourced, will run until at least the end of March 2019.
During a recent morning service members of the Beacon group shared with us their story: Kate, Sue, Linsey and Janice (all pictured below) each approached the topic from a different perspective – something that really did spell out the width and breadth of the mutual support the group provides.
Beacon café which closes each of its sessions with a short time of prayer and reflection runs every Monday morning here at Moortown Baptist Church and everyone is welcome.
