Yarmouth church celebrates café's impact

As the work of the coffee shop at Christchurch in Great Yarmouth comes to an end, the church invites the community to join them in celebrating the value and joy it has brought to the community over about 30 years.

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The cafe, which is part of Christchurch Methodist / URC church in Great Yarmouth, will have its last day of trading on December 15, and this will be marked with an act of worship to celebrate the coffee shop’s legacy at 2.00pm on this day to which all are welcome.

A scrapbook is also available for people to write their memories of times in the café, or these can be emailed to Rev Judith Bell at judith.bell@methodist.org.uk

Judith says “The Christchurch coffee shop has been going for many decades, and we give thanks to God for the ways in which we have been able to provide a place of hospitality and community through this programme.

“However, as a church council we have needed to recognise a changing situation. As a church membership we are no longer able to provide the strategic oversight and day to day management which the coffee shop needs to help it develop, grow and flourish either from within or through the employment of a new member of staff. We have therefore taken the decision to close the coffee shop, and then engage in a time of listening to discern what the mission of Christchurch might be going forward.”

Although the coffee shop is closing, the Methodist / URC church itself continues to operate and plans and hopes the building will continue to function as a community hub.

Photo of Christchurch courtesy of Simon Knott, norfolkchurches.co.uk