Church. We might think of impressive buildings, hymns, friends, worship and God, but what if you feel that for one reason or another, you don’t fit into a ‘regular’ church?
Time and time again, YMCA LSW Chaplain Jacky Bone met people who had gone to church and wanted to continue going, but said ‘I’m not going back because I don’t look like them, I don’t have money to put in the offering, I can’t read or sit still for an hour without a cigarette but I feel too bad or embarrassed to leave.
Together with the local Baptist church, Jacky decided to start an alternative. A relaxed place where everyone can truly come as they are and so The Well was born. It’s like a drop-in centre, you can play pool, have a chat over a cup of coffee or do crafts. Bible study or prayer is also offered (this takes place in a separate room and is optional).
Afterwards we always have a meal together’ says Jacky. ‘And once a month we have Communion since it’s an important part of our faith.
The Well is a place where anyone can come without feeling pressured or having to worry about not fitting in. Some call it their ‘safe place’. If you would like to come along, please let Jacky Bone or someone from the Chaplaincy team know.