Back in early December, Jan Pike, a dedicated volunteer at Easton Christian Family Centre (ECFC), received an invitation to the Prime Ministers Christmas reception at 10 Downing Street to thank her for all she does for her local community. Here is what she had to say:
'In early December I unexpectedly received a surprising invitation to Downing Street, to be a guest at the Prime Minister’s Christmas reception to “Thank you for your service.”
With only a few days’ notice, some re-arranging of my week had to be done – I’m grateful to those who so graciously facilitated that – and, with train tickets booked, I made my way from Bristol to the capital.
Arriving in Westminster, I joined the long queue snaking its way down Whitehall as invited guests had to undergo security checks and have bags x-rayed before entrance was permitted to Downing Street. A big, beautifully decorated and lit Christmas tree marked the house that is no.10. As I used the knocker and the door opened, Larry the cat slipped past my ankles and onto the street.
Inside and up the staircase lined with photos of past Prime Ministers; guests were ushered into 3 connecting reception rooms where canapes and drinks were served. In observing the crowd of around 70 people gathered, there were 3 or 4 clergy, Salvation Army officers in uniform and the rest of us were those who, when asked “and why are you here?” were only able to give the slightly bemused answer “I’m not really sure.”
We were all Christians, members of local churches who are heavily involved in our communities in some way – running CAP debt advice clinics, youth workers, foodbank volunteers, those championing the need for family support, and others offering a range of services which tackle isolation and loneliness. I was there, I think, as a representative of ECFC, which seeks to open its doors to both the Muslim community around it and the refugee population drawn to its Sunday gatherings. Most, if not all of us are engaged with communities which have been subject to decades of underinvestment from national and local government, leading to significant socio-economic disadvantages and marginalisation. People living in these communities experience multiple indices of deprivation.
We were welcomed and then shared a couple of carols around the keyboard led by Carrie and David Grant and their small choir. It seemed so apposite that here, gathered in the seat of human power, were Christians from a range of denominations who had heard the call of Jesus to incarnate the message of the Good News of which the angels sang and that Jesus declared in His Nazareth manifesto. That is to look beyond themselves and to the needs of others, sacrificially giving of their time and energy so that others too might come to know the Good News. Good news which speaks a better story of the rule and reign of God’s justice and righteousness where all are invited to a share of the good and all flourish.'
ECFC is a church passionate about serving their local community and welcoming people from all backgrounds. They seek to create space where people can find connection, hope and the love of Christ through Sunday services, Bible study groups, a community cafe and much more. Please join us in praying for them as they share the love of God with those around them.