A group at St. Clement’s Church in Worcester are reaching out to the lonely in their
area by hosting a Saturday afternoon tea party every six weeks. Sue Wright explains:
“We started by inviting people we already knew from church and provided them with
sandwiches, cakes, tea and coffee along with a bit of entertainment in the form of a
sing song or poetry reading. Others came through word of mouth and we put leaflets
through the doors of a nearby block of flats. Up to 25 people now come to each party,
which is about as many as we can fit into the space at the back of church.”
The team pick up those who need transport as well as take them home afterwards and
provide all the food themselves. “We’re here if they want to talk, or they can just sit
quietly,” says Sue.
The idea was recently honoured by the Mayor of Worcester, Coun Alan Amos, at the
‘Best of Worcester’ Community Awards where the team won the award for A Community
based Team or Organisation that has gone the extra Mile to Help Local People.
“We are very proud of our award,” continues Sue, “but that isn’t why we continue to do
it. There are an amazing number of lonely people around and it’s great that we can do
something that gets them out of their four walls.”
Please pray for the team at St. Clements and for all those who attend their Saturday
tea parties.
Kingswinford Deanery – Rural Dean: Colin Jones; Lay Chair: Helen Jones
Diocese of Kilmore, Elphin and Ardagh (Ireland): Bishop Samuel Ferran
Diocese of Aarhus (Denmark): Bishop Kjeld Holm
