A wonderful and uplifting service and a very special occasion – a highlight of the Welcare year
We gathered at Bromley Parish Church for the Annual Service of Thanksgiving for the work of Welcare in Bromley on the 16th of November 2022. Reverend James Harratt officiated, and we were honoured that The Deputy Mayor, Cllr Christine Harris joined us and took the time to stay for lunch.
Reverend James Harratt’s theme was welcoming the outsider and Paddington’s journey from Peru illustrated this point brilliantly for the children who joined us from St Mark’s Primary School.
The service, organised by our Bromley Friends and Parish Reps, provided an opportunity to share information about our work and a powerful case study read by Susie Burnard, this illustrated the complexity of our family support work and some of the ways our practical support helps a family in crisis.
We were thrilled that 68 children from the choir of St Mark’s CE Primary School (part of the Aquinas Trust) joined us with their headteacher, Mr. Christopher Holland, and their teachers and parents. The children sang a spirited selection of music with several children giving solo performances.
The delicious buffet lunch organised with customary skill by Gillian Scales and her dedicated team allowed time to catch up with friends and supporters and speak with some of the parents who Welcare has worked with over the last year.
Welcare is a charity whose work is underpinned by prayer and survives because of the deep-rooted connection with our local churches and the community we serve – the service enabled us to nourish these connections and sustain us for the year ahead.
See more pictures in the slides below – all pictures taken by Iza Seabrook.
