Looking back over the past few weeks we’ve had some great times together including our Create event at the end of January where Natalie Hardy led a printmaking workshop and put on an art exhibition in the upper room with work displayed from many individuals in Gateway young and old; it was brilliant to use the space at St Mark’s in such a creative and different way, seeing a number of guests join us and then all sharing lunch together afterwards – a big thankyou to Natalie for giving up her time and expertise, to Simon and Esther who worked really hard running the Café on the day and to everyone else that contributed to the event. (photos below)

 

At the beginning of Feb we held an all-together Vision Sunday where Chris outlined the core values and vision statement we hold looking forward to the next year ahead; it was great to hear about so many different outreach projects we are now involved in and how we as a church are making an impact in the local area, including… The Community Café, Make Lunch project, our links with the local primary school Quarry Mount, our Foodbank and Fuel bank projects run out of St Mark’s and the school visits we host in the building.

 

Recently the metal fencing in the grounds has been removed and there has been a big improvement to the overall upkeep of the area around St Mark’s with partnership with the community payback team – why not have a wander around and take a look this springtime.

 

A couple of weeks ago we hosted many different leaders from across the city for an evening where 16 different churches were represented and reflected the diversity and cross cultural mission we all celebrate in.

 

Sam recently visited the CU at Beckett uni to speak at their union meeting as we aim to make links with the student culture there and continue raising the profile of our student work in the city.

 

We now have a booking system for the small room off the kitchen as a dedicated space for private meetings and a space of prayer and solitude – please make contact with Bethan if this would be of use to you.