Sunday 4th Feb- Love Your Neighbour focus on homelessness

Each quarter, The Belfrey has a new Love Your Neighbour focus and for the first quarter of 2024, it’s on alleviating homelessness in York, and specifically supporting the work of Restore.

Restore is a Christian housing charity based in York. Restore was founded by Barrie Stephenson (a member of our church family at The Belfrey), and Ed Hambleton, now the pastor of York Evangelical Church. Their vision is simple; to end homelessness in York:

“… you will be called Repairer of Broken Walls, Restorer of Streets with Dwellings.” Isaiah 58:12

Restore provides accommodation and support for people from York who would otherwise be homeless. They work with people from all backgrounds, without discrimination or favour. They do this because the Bible calls us all to pursue justice for those on the fringes of society.

The services on Sunday 4th February will have an interview with a current resident. We’ll be asking how we as a church can support them. We’ll also be collecting to raise funds towards Restore’s ‘New Home Packs’ and to bring top-up gifts to add to them too.

To give through a New Home Pack (or items towards one):

Whenever a resident moves from Restore into a tenancy of their own, Restore provides a ‘New Home Welcome Pack.’ The packs contain items such as a dustpan and brush; washing up liquid; kitchen cleaner; bathroom cleaner; cleaning cloths; bin bags; lightbulbs; toilet roll, and a box of teabags. Restore package the items in a reusable bag (which comes in handy at the supermarket!) and add a welcome card, with messages of hope and encouragement.

The packs cost £15 to put together, but whatever you can contribute towards the cost will help Restore to provide as many of these packs as possible.  To give, please donate through Restore’s donation page.

We’d also like to add some top-up gifts such as chocolates or good quality biscuits.

Could you or your Belfrey group contribute for a New Home Pack, or bring chocolate/ biscuits to services on 4th February?

PRAY:

Pray for residents to feel welcome at Restore, to receive the support they need to begin this new chapter of their life, and that they encounter the love of Christ and experience the hope that only Jesus gives.

Pray for the staff team to demonstrate the love of Jesus to everyone they encounter; for wisdom and discernment in getting the residents the support they need.

Pray for ongoing financial provision so that Restore can continue to provide homes, give hope and encourage residents to flourish.

GIVE:

Donate £15 for a New Home Welcome Pack for a resident moving into their own council property

Make a one-off or regular donation through  Restore’s donation page 

Make card or cash donations to Restore in church services on 4th February