Surprised by Joy
This is a story about a growing partnership between people from Christ Church Great Ayton, the churches of St Chad’s and St Oswald’s, and the Genesis community project, a charity that was set up by Revd Kath Dean several years ago.
The churches and charity serve the Grove Hill, Saltersgill, and Beech Grove estates in Middlesbrough. The parish, like most of Middlesbrough is ranked in the top 10% most deprived communities in England. The Genesis project, working closely in partnership with St Chads and St Oswalds, has grown into an award-winning project, which fulfils the five marks of mission. It provides food, clothing and household goods, challenges violence and injustice, promotes creation care through their community garden and does so whilst unashamedly proclaiming the good news of Jesus. People have become Christians, been baptised and a new worshipping community has emerged called Hope@St Chads.
Nick Land reflects:
“Our unexpected journey started when my wife Helen and two other members of our village church became trustees and then volunteers at Genesis. We were working with the project in the same communities where Helen had been a GP. I cannot overstate the joy of seeing lives being transformed by the power and grace of God. Of being in a community of grace – where so many have so little and yet share what they have with those in need. Where when people stumble (and they do) others help them up and reassure them of God’s love and forgiveness in Jesus. A community who come to hear God’s word expectantly, where preaching is followed by raw and honest requests for prayer ministry for physical, social, psychological and spiritual healing.”
This partnership in the gospel has grown over recent years, with rich relationships developing between the two churches. Christ Church offer support with governance of the charity, people volunteer their skills and time in the community outreach, clergy and readers preaching and teaching especially during the vacancy. The church has committed regular financial support, and Grace, an older lady in Great Ayton has offered the use of her shed. ‘Grace’s Shed’ is the place where people in the village can donate clothes and household goods, which are transported down to Middlesbrough on a regular basis to support local families. A creative way for an older lady to play her part in this wonderful partnership. The amount of support given to the community in terms of food, clothing and other items has risen far beyond anything originally anticipated and the spiritual growth has kept pace – what a blessing!
It is clear that the people of Christ Church receive so much more back than they give:
“Helen and I agree that our modest contribution has been paid back tenfold in love, friendship and the joy of the gospel. It’s a great opportunity to learn humility – no-one cares about your committees or professional experience and ‘hallo you posh git’ is a term of endearment. And we have learnt what sacrificial servant leadership looks like from Kath and team of local leaders who run the project.”