A couple of weeks ago I had the pleasure of taking a “workplace blessing” (a card and a box of chocolates) to the Special Needs Library in Huxley Street, not far from the church. The library stocks a variety of educational and therapeutic toys for people with special physical, mental, emotional and sensory needs, and is staffed by a tireless team of women.
The gift was warmly accepted, and the manager was keen to show me around. Summing up what they did she said, “We try to help everyone who comes through the door however we can, even if it is just a little bit.” To that I replied, “Yes, that’s like us [at Opawa Baptist] really.”
In the sense of Luke 10 we have walked into the Special Needs Library and offered peace; that peace has been warmly reciprocated, and the Kingdom of God has come near: people find healing through that library every week.
I am so pleased to be part of a church that wants to thank those who work so hard to help people in need, to help them to know that their work does not go unnoticed, and to give something back to them.
The food bank, community chaplaincy, Mainly Music and Koru are just some of the other community focused mission we are doing. We are also asking people if they want to be part of walks and demographic seminars to get a better picture of Waltham.
If you want to be more involved with community mission, just let me know.