People in Aspley have described how a church is acting as a lifeline for many in the local community. Aspley Christ Church is located in Aspley Lane, and there are a number of ways the church is helping those struggling during a time of financial hardship, and rising bills.
The church provides spaces for young people, caters to the elderly, while there's a mother and toddlers' group, and there are English lessons for those of different nationality. More ideas are also being drawn up as to how more help and support can be provided for people during the cost of living crisis.
For retired Joan Clark, 89, the church is a vital support network. Having lived in Aspley for 22 years, she said: “It's a lifeline for me, this church has got me out. I don’t come to the services often as I can’t hear very well but I come for the meals and, sometimes, the church takes us out. It’s a lifeline because it means I’m not indoors all day and see nobody, it helps the day along.”
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Many visitors live locally in Aspley or in the surrounding areas. Jon Bass, assistant pastor at the church, said “we don’t want to be a church that just opens on Sunday”.
Jon said: “Watch this space, we have to do things as we can but this new building was funded by people giving. The people that come to this church are generous. On the second Tuesday of every month we have ‘lunch plus’ for over 60s where they’ll be table quizzes and a two-course meal of lunch and dessert.”
On how important the group is for the people who attend, Mr Bass said: “It’s an opportunity for people to be together, a lot of people that come are by themselves but when they come they get a decent meal and this is a heated space. Our parents' and toddlers' group is growing too, we just want to support and provide a supportive environment for people.”
A 62-year-old woman, who asked not to be named, volunteers at the church. She said: “We understand the pressures people will be under this winter.
“Here, we’re like a big family and reaching out to the community is so important for us. We have so many volunteers for the kids club which has been growing.”
She mentioned that many people, especially the elderly, are still worried about Covid. The church still implements Covid restrictions and practises social distancing when necessary.
The volunteer said: “A lot of our elderly people are still worried about Covid, some haven’t come back to church. We have such a mixed group at this church but when they’re ready to come back the doors will be wide open for them.”
The Aspley Christ Church has live streamed services for those who can’t make it to church. Dorette Warren, who is 74 and from Aspley, has been visiting the church since 1971.
She said: “It’s lovely here, they look after you. I used to sing in the choir, this church looks after people and because of this church, I have more faith. People here will do anything for anyone, it’s excellent.”
Aspley resident May Woma, who is 81 and has lived in the area since 1990, added: “I used to think nothing happened in Aspley. I think the best thing about this church is how inclusive it is, it’s just about preaching to people, there’s a lot more that goes on.”
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