“ You ’ re Welcome Here ”
We are thrilled to say that when St Francis ’ Church , Valley Park says ‘ You ’ re welcome here ” they really want to consider the needs of disabled people in their welcome . We are celebrating its addition as the 100th church / ministry on the Through the Roof online map !
Our online map shows churches and ministries that are positive about disability inclusion and have a Roofbreaker / contact person to discuss any disability issues with . Being on the map gives a message of wanting to welcome and fully include disabled people . It ’ s such an important message .
The new Roofbreaker at St Francis ’ Church is Christine Grew . Christine says : “’ You ’ re welcome here ’ is the strapline at St Francis Valley Park . When Nick and I , newlyrelocated to the area , walked into the church garden on a sunny Sunday last August that is exactly how we felt – welcome ! Over the last 18 months we have discovered that everyone here has a heart to see newcomers drawn in . The church is an ecumenical partnership between Church of England , Methodist and United Reform churches , set at the heart of the modern community of Valley Park , Chandlers Ford in Hampshire . We run a twice weekly cafe which draws in young and old , disabled and non-disabled . We want everyone to feel welcome ! I have known about the wonderful work of Through the Roof through being part of Wheels for the World for several years and am excited about us coming under the Roofbreakers umbrella to help us grow awareness and inclusivity for those with a disability in our community .”
Rev Sarah McClelland , Lead Minister says : “ At St Francis ’ Church we ’ re delighted to become Roofbreakers - and we ’ re grateful for your help to mean what we say , that all really are welcome here !”
Does your church give a clear message to disabled people that they are welcome ? We would love more churches and ministries to join our online map – to give that vital message to disabled people . Could your church join the 100 already on the map ?
Find out how by visiting www . throughtheroof . org , scanning the QR code , or calling us on 01372 749955 .
Scan the QR code to go directly to our website
Changes in the Office
Now that Michael Jamison has retired , it ’ s taken two people to fill his shoes ! Helen Goddard has stepped in to assist with some of the financial aspects of the work , whilst Jan Nicholson has added to her existing job of managing the administration of Holidays and Events to take on oversight
www . throughtheroof . org of the finances and charitable operations , including Company Secretary . This is a role she already plays at another Christian charity , so we ’ re really pleased that she is happy doing the same thing for two charities . Please pray for them in their new roles .