SBC’s Crafty Ladies (and Gentlemen)
Gillian Smith and I were able to visit her sister Pauline’s church in Thornton Heath for an Art Exhibition last year. We so enjoyed it, seeing the various exhibits, children’s drawings and, of course, enjoying cups of tea!
When we left for home, Gillian suggested it might be something we could do at SBC. I’m always up for outreach events and readily agreed! How good it would be to bless our community with a free event, after all the difficulties in recent months. Our minds began to whirl and it was becoming exciting, even if daunting! However, after mentioning the possibility to a few friends at church, we found we had plenty of support and that became more widely evident, as we planned.
We can’t mention the names of all those who helped us in so many ways, as we’d be sure to leave someone out, but so many took part, providing flyers, running a free pop-up Cafe, making cakes and cookies, the children making hand prints, organising the church building to hold the event, etc., and, last but not least, so many friends bringing their wonderful craft work to exhibit. There was hardly a craft/ hobby not represented! We were so, so blessed.
It was even possible to try a new skill or to be inspired to think about possibly learning one! There were some things for sale, too. Lovely cards and pyrography and beautifully made wooden items. We could even write our names in Japanese, thanks to Pat’s Japanese friends, a mum and daughter team.
We also had a Prayer Space, where friends could just sit and reflect and where they could share their thoughts if they wanted to. How very special.
Several exhibits included Bible verses and we were also able to advertise SBC events, such as Holiday at Home, Tea @ 3 and our Christmas Nativity, with the new costumes on display.
We were so happy to welcome many church friends, their friends, family members and many from the community. So many commented on how amazing it was that the day was free! One way we can show the love of Jesus, thanks to the generosity of so many.
Ladies were given a small bunch of daffodils on leaving the Show, each one having a small card attached giving details of our Easter Services.
We’d like to say huge Thank You for supporting this event and helping us in so many ways. We’re looking forward to another event but not sure what yet!
Maybe you have some ideas?
Meryl Sweeting