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The Church family throughout the year on a regular basis supports a number of Methodist-led and other Christian-based charities. Each year a specific overseas project is promoted.
JMA (Junior Missionary Association)
Members of the S Club collect contributions from the Church family and their own extended social groups, that are used by the Methodist Church for Missionary and Outreach projects. This year JMA is supporting projects in Zimbabwe, Jamaica and Tonga.
JMA is a valuable activity for young people, as it gives them an insight into recognising the needs of other people at an early age.
Fairtrade
Once a month the TWITS (the young people's group) organises a Fairtrade stall after the morning service.
They also present the products at the various social and fundraising events. In many ways the movement of Fairtrade within the Churches, like ours, has helped to stimulate a greater awareness amongst the general public of the need to rebalance some of the inequalities associated with the globalisation of trade.
Market Lunches
These are held once a month to coincide with the Lymm Thursday Market. The money raised is split 40% to Opening Doors (A Warrington homeless charity), 40% to Age Concern, and the balance to Church funds.
As well as raising money, the Market Lunch provides a place for people to meet in a friendly environment, exchange conversation and meet with Sally, our Minister, and other members of our church.
A highlight of each month, appealing especially to the men, is the cake stall, again used to raise funds for this charity.
Wednesday Afternoon Group (WAGS)
With our friends in Churches Together Lymm and District (CTLD), lunch is provided for elderly people who under normal circumstances are housebound. Those who attend highly appreciate this social gathering.
Kings Cross Project, Widnes
A highlight of our Christmas celebrations is the Toy service. Members of the congregation and S Club bring gifts of toys which are used by this charity to provide Christmas gifts for children in families with limited income.
Annual Collections
Again with CTLD, members of the Church family participate in door-to-door collections for Christian Aid and the National Childrens Home (NCH).
At Easter a collection is made for the Methodist Homes Association (MHA) which has a network of care homes for elderly people.
"MHA exists to improve the quality of life for older people, inspired by Christian concern”.
Overseas Project
This year the special project is Tula an orphanage in Russia, supported by the Churches in the Methodist Warrington Circuit, which is led by a team of volunteers at the Stockton Heath Methodist Church. This team visits the orphanage on a regular basis to provide practical and spiritual support to these needy youngsters.
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