A year of change and blessing for Compassion at Birmingham Vineyard!
Last March, Maddy Bunker started as the Compassion Coordinator for Birmingham Vineyard. Her vision is to encourage the development of a culture, throughout the church, where people take initiative and are released in demonstrating Christ’s compassion. This can be carried out by projects working within the church or by individuals working alongside others in the community.
Our Foodbank continues to provide emergency food and toiletry parcels to partner organisations in the city including Waits who work with victims of domestic violence and the Refugee and Migrant Centre. We recently gave 40 bags to the Womans’ hospital for women who are leaving hospital having had a baby who have very little at home.
Growbaby in the city centre and at East Birmingham continues to meet needs of many families by providing clothing, nappies and equipment. Some of the exciting moments are when members of the team pray with people and we hear of people finding peace in their situations.
For Christmas we ran a toy appeal which collected over one hundred toys that were given to families coming to Growbaby in December, as well as a local charity.
Tuck in Tuesday provides a meal once a week in Northfield and has about 15 guests each week. They recently provided furniture for a guest in need.
Last year we also ran our first employability workshop at the University of Birmingham school for 14 year olds with 22 volunteers. One of the teachers said afterwards that it was lovely to see the children glowing with confidence.
If you’re part of this story because you donate money, food or children’s equipment, or because you’re on the team then thank you so much!
If you want to get involved or find out more have a look at our website or get in touch with me, Maddy Bunker.