Sharing hope with Bags of Kindness

I believe that any church is called to have a vision for the transformation of local communities - the people who live near us, next to us, those whose lives are similar to ours and those whose lives are so different.

The Bible is full of instruction and encouragement that should lead us, as Christians to love and serve others at all times.

Jesus told us in the gospel of Matthew chapter 22, that the 2 main commandments are to “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.” This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: “Love your neighbour as yourself.”

The need around us

Jesus sets the bar high for us to put others before ourselves and to love our neighbour. He is also clear in Luke 4 that His mission is to proclaim good news to the poor, to set the captives free and bring liberty to the oppressed. And He invites us as the Church to join with Him in this mission.

Trinity has always nurtured a heart for the community but recently I was invited to join a programme, meeting with a national alliance of church-based hubs to help us build on existing Social Transformation Ministries. Over the past 9 months I have studied with others to look at how Trinity can offer our local community an even more powerful demonstration of God's hope and love.

The impact that a church can have on its community is crucial whether this is through church based projects, programmes and events or through offering time and commitment to work in partnership with local social transformation charities.

The local area around Trinity seems to have become a vibrant hub for social transformation charities - Guernsey Welfare Service, Guernsey Caring for Ex-Offenders, Action for Children, Independence, Guernsey Community Savings and Mill Street Community Cafe are all so close and all offer an opportunity for partnership to demonstrate love to our local community.

My hope now is that we will continue to explore ways in which we as a church can help those who are facing challenges in life and offer the love and hope of Jesus by offering support in a crisis, building community or helping someone make changes that will alter the course of their life for the better. As Jesus said in the parable of the sheep and goats in Matthew 25 that whatever we do for the ‘least of these’ we are doing that for Him.

This course has encouraged me to look at how Trinity can be challenged to develop our Social Transformation Initiatives. I hope to look at one project where we come alongside young men who feel like there is no escape for them apart from getting caught in a vicious cycle of unhealthy habits. Taking our place in working with Jesus to restore and repair broken lives.

Your people will rebuild the ancient ruins and will raise up the age-old foundations;
you will be called Repairer of Broken Walls, Restorer of Streets with Dwellings.

Isaiah 58:12

This Christmas

This Christmas we are going to show a bit of love to others by getting involved in the Love Christmas initiative that has been running in the UK since 2020 which shares kindness and gives hope to those who need it most at Christmas.

So, at Trinity we are going to pack and give away 200 Bags of Kindness this Christmas to groups that we have identified as needing a little hope and love this Christmas. If you would like to contribute financially towards a bag this Christmas then you can do so online today - your gift is greatly appreciated!

Social transformation is about helping to play our part in seeing people’s lives transformed by Jesus - we have the privilege of being there and providing the support and love whilst He is at work. Social transformation invites us to do what is good in God’s eyes and the prophet Micah reminds us in the Bible that what is required of us by the Lord.

Is to do justice, love kindness and walk humbly with our God.

Micah 6:8

After all, as the apostle James writes, what good is it if we claim to have faith but our deeds do not reflect that. So, let’s work together to see Gods kingdom come on earth by following His lead and loving our neighbour.