Reaching Out
| alpha | care van | care shelter | scripture union |
What is Alpha?
The Alpha course is an opportunity for anyone to explore the Christian faith. It's relaxed non-threatening, low key, friendly and fun. There is a meal together at the beginning of each session which gives you an opportunity to get to know each other. Listen, learn, discuss and discover. And ask anything. Alpha is a place where no question is too simple or hostile. And it's supported by all the main Christian denominations.What's involved?
The Alpha course consists of a series of talks looking at topics such as 'Who is Jesus' and 'Why and how do I pray?' After each talk we divide into small groups for a time of discussion.Who is Alpha for?
Alpha is for everyone, especially - Those wanting to investigate Christianity - New Christians - Newcomers to the church - Those who want to brush up on the basicsWhat will it cost?
There is no charge for the course, although you may be asked to make a contribution towards food.Alpha Course in Gorgie Church
It is anticipated that the next course will begin in January 2009. See "Whats On" page for more detailsA team from Gorgie goes out on the Care Van on the 3rd Monday of every month. Gill is the main contact and we try to have two teams alternating month about.
We meet at the Church at 8pm armed with soup, rolls and clothes. We head down to the Bethany Shelter (bottom of Leith Walk) to load up the Care Van with hot water. After praying we set off for the first stop on Waverley Bridge at 9pm.
This is the busiest time of the evening - serving soup, rolls, tea and coffee and good cheer to upwards of 40 homeless people for 45 minutes. Most of the people good natured and patient and thankful for the meagre offerings from the Care Van.
The set route has stops at St Cuthberts on King Stables Road, The Grassmarket, the High Street and the Bridges. We usually finish around 11.30. Please contact me if you are interested in helping on the Carevan yourself; in giving blankets, gloves, hats, socks and other clothes; in supporting us in prayer. All help is welcome and gratefully received.
A few comments for guidance to the Care Van Teams:
Volunteers must be 21 or over
The teams preferably consist of 5 people with at least one man in the team
Food provided by the team:
Soup - homemade and/or cupasoups for 45
Buttered Rolls - approx 10 dozen
Instant Coffee; Teabags; Sugar; Milk; cold water
Non-food items to be brought along:
Blankets; gloves and hats; socks; sweatshirts; t-shirts; jeans; waterproof jackets
Kitchen towels and spray cleaner
Mobile phone
Gorgie Church opens it's doors to the Care Shelters four or five nights each year between November and March. A team provides a hot meal to the homeless in the church hall.
See "Whats On" page for details of the next dates
For full details about the Care Shelters please click here.
Night shelters provide safe and secure overnight accommodation and a hot meal for anyone whom might otherwise be rough sleeping. They are an important and necessary resource for homeless men and women in Edinburgh over the winter months.
The shelter is organised by Bethany Christian Trust in partnership with Edinburgh City Mission and is supported by 45 church groups using different church premises.
There is often more than one reason for being homeless. Relationship breakdown is the single biggest cause of homelessness. Other reasons include drugs, alcohol and rent arrears. For 15% their most recent accommodation was prison and for 25%, accommodation was with family.
The most significant part of the budget is staff costs. Running costs are kept to a minimum through the generous provision of local congregations who at their own expense cover all accommodation and catering. A number of small grants were made available last year by some trust funds but no contribution to the running costs was received from any statutory funding bodies.
In an ideal world there would be no need for a service as basic as the Care Shelter. However, there remains within Edinburgh a need for a safe warm place for people to go to who cannot get in anywhere else.
Please support the night shelters in your prayers.
Some members of the congregation are involved in leading Scripture Union in several of the local schools, including Tynecastle High School, Balgreen, Dalry and Craiglockart Primary Schools on various days and times. Please contact Norda Barber if you would like more information or click on the logo.
