Generous churchgoers gave up unwanted items from their houses during Lent – which will now be donated to charitable causes.
Holy Cross Church in Fenham set the Lenten challenge to its congregation, asking them to remove one item from their house each day during the 40 days of Lent.
It led to more than 1,000 items collected in bags. They included unused clothes and shoes, ornaments, pictures, in-date and non-perishable food items, unopened toiletries and more being donated.
All food items will be taken to Newcastle’s West End Food Bank, of which Bishop Helen-Ann is a patron, while clothing will go to those who need them in war-torn Ukraine. Other items will go to Tynedale Hospice at Home, which provides vital care services and support for people with life-limiting illnesses, and their families.
“We’ve had lots of positive feedback,” said Karen Derham, chair of the Worship and Nurture Committee at Holy Cross.
“It's been a really positive experience for Holy Cross. People have embraced clearing out items they no longer need, while generously donating to such worthy causes.
“It is putting Christianity into action and is also environmentally minded as we find new homes and uses for these items.”
Karen is hopeful that the initiative might inspire other congregations who are looking for a Lent challenge next year.
“We didn’t come up with this idea,” she stressed. “We came across it online, but we think it’s a great idea and it has certainly worked for us. We’d encourage other churches to give it a go if they like the sound of it.”
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