Local Community
Christmas meal
Loneliness is a great problem, made that much worse around Christmas-time,
So, each year we hold a Christmas meal with an open invite to the local community for anyone who is going to be alone this Christmas to come along. A large team of people from the church ensures that transport is provided so everyone can get to and from the meal, the hall is decorated the day before, presents are wrapped, food is collected, prepared and cooked, and everything cleaned up again afterwards. Carol singing and entertainment follow the meal.
Some people have been known to be dressed and waiting for their ride to the hall three days before because they are so excited at having something to do. When one person was collected, they said this was the first time they'd been out in the last year.
As you can imagine, we never have a shortage of people wanting to be a part of this event.
We also invite people we have met at the Christmas meal to come along to other days out during the year.
Christians Against Poverty (CAP)
CAP is a national debt-counselling charity working through a network of centres based in local churches. CAP offers hope and a solution to people in debt through its unique, in-depth service.
Financial debt is a major concern for many in the Gillingham area. We launched the Gillingham CAP Centre in February 2008 so that we can play our part in helping to deal with this crisis that leaves many in desperate situations.
Han (centre manager) and Pete (GCC leader) at the CAP launch with the mayor and some of the volunteer support workers.