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National church network celebration in Gorleston
National church network celebration in Gorleston
A birthday party at St Mary Magdalene Church in Gorleston has marked 20 years since the formation of the National Estate Churches Network
St Mary Magdalene Church in Gorleston hosted a party at its Mags Youth Club to celebrate the 20-year milestone for the National Estates Church Network (NECN). In keeping with the network’s purpose, the gathering invited children and young people from the local community to celebrate with a birthday cake and activities including a giant inflatable human ‘whack-a-mole’
Since 2004 the ecumenical network has been working closely with churches located in or nearby areas of deprivation, while also holding conferences, conducting research and making the case to the government about improving the lives of society’s poorest communities
Sara Barron, Executive Director of the NECN, attended the event and was full of praise for the work being done by St Mary Magdalene to engage young people:
“What a wonderful way to celebrate our last birthday party of year. The highlight for me was the opportunity to hear the prayers of the young people in Gorleston. We made bunting for the party with our 'what's good in your life' prayer one side and 'what would you like to be different' prayer on the other
“Young people shared freely, writing and drawing what came to mind. What a privilege to hear the longings of their heart. I shared that God is in the good in our lives and he deeply cares about what we want to be different. Whether we pray with others or in the quiet of our bedrooms”
The vicar at St Mary Magdalene, Revd Matthew Price, who is passionate about the role churches can play in deprived communities, noted:
“NECN provides invaluable support and encouragement to churches like us who are seeking to serve communities in some of the most deprived neighbourhoods of our area
“We were delighted to celebrate this significant milestone in the life and development of NECN and the young people at our youth club were particularly grateful for the cake and extra fun in the form of human whack-a-mole
“I am hugely grateful for the way NECN equips, encourages and strengthens those of working in these kind of contexts”
St Mary Magdalene is situated within one of the most deprived parishes in Norfolk, with the church working tirelessly with partner organisations to provide support for local residents such crisis food parcels, hot meals and company, and advice and signposting
Photo of the event courtesy of St Mary Magdalene Church
Do you have a news story about yourself, church, or organisation; or forthcoming event relating to Christians or a church in Great Yarmouth or surrounding district?
If so, email office@networkyarmouth.co.uk with details and, if possible, a suitable picture(s)
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Anna Heydon, 16/11/2024
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