George Monbiot mentions a list of community projects but fails to point out that often the local church is the driver or supporter of such schemes (This is how we capture back control: from the bottom up,8 February). In many communities it is the church that has initiated food banks, lunch clubs, and clubs for the elderly,night shelters, play schemes and community shops.
In our small rural benefice the church and church members support the local foodbank, and a monthly club for the elderly,a monthly “pub” night in a village hall and a holiday club for children. The religious services bring people together to worship, but also to socialise over coffee afterwards. The monthly family service provides breakfast beforehand and a range of activities for the children. Messy church brings families together to chat, and eat and acquire fun. The work of our ministry team in visiting the sick,the elderly and the recently bereaved is also fraction of the mutual aid which strengthens our community.
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Source: theguardian.com