A local church is celebrating the success of a recent blood donation session that not only helped support the NHS but also highlighted the important role church buildings can play at the heart of their communities.
As part of Deanery Mission Planning across the Diocese, churches are being encouraged to consider new and creative ways to use their buildings for mission and community engagement.
“This is a priority for us,” said the Revd Julie Mooney. “Over the years we have run Warm Spaces, drop-ins, a Foodbank, prayer days and lots of initiatives to engage with our local community. We currently have two Pilates classes and a number of Uniformed Organisations renting our building and have built up a great relationship with them which allows us to share our faith and extend invitations to church. These rentals also provide vital funds for the running of our church.”
On 26 May, the Church of the Good Shepherd welcomed an NHS Blood Donation team, who hired the building for a full day of appointments. The event proved highly successful, with staff praising the warm welcome they received. As a result, the team has already booked a return visit in October.
Conversations throughout the day highlighted the wider value that churches bring to their communities. Blood donation staff spoke about the importance of having a church presence within local neighbourhoods and expressed their appreciation for churches making their buildings available for community use. They also noted that church venues are often more affordable than secular alternatives, making them attractive locations for future donation sessions.
Local donors likewise welcomed the opportunity to give blood closer to home, with the church’s accessible location cited as a key factor in encouraging attendance.
The event demonstrated how church buildings can serve multiple purposes: providing a valuable community resource, generating income to support ongoing ministry and contributing to life-saving NHS services.
The Revd Julie Mooney added: “It’s pretty special to think that we’re reaching our community, supporting our church financially, and helping the NHS in their amazing work to help save lives.”
The success of the blood donation session offers an inspiring example of how church buildings can be used creatively to serve local people. Other churches may wish to consider what opportunities exist within their own communities to open their doors, build new partnerships and make a difference.