Fifteen years ago, at St Barnabas Church, Gillingham, dedicated volunteers and sisters Pam and Mavis, played a vital role in expanding the outreach of their church.
Their vision led to the creation of the Wednesday Afternoon Club, designed to bring people into the church through activities that provide support, companionship, and faith.
What started as a way to connect with the local community has grown into a thriving space where people feel welcomed, supported, and spiritually nourished.
Dave, Deputy Warden, at St Barnabas, reflects on the church’s mission, saying,
“We are opening our doors and are always here for all people.”
The Rev Liz Cox, the Vicar, agrees:
“Our whole outreach programme here is centred on God’s love in action … we will feed people …. because you can’t tell people that God loves them when they are starving.”
Meeting people where they are
Today, one of the key outreach efforts is Café Church, held once a month at both churches.
It begins with a meal, offering a warm and friendly atmosphere for people to catch up before transitioning into a time of worship.
Alongside this, the Wednesday Afternoon Club continues, providing elderly and disadvantaged individuals with food, friendship, social interaction, and even a communion service—ensuring that no one in the community feels isolated.
But the church isn’t just about traditional services. There are bell-ringing sessions, quiz nights, and boot fairs, all serving as invitations for people to step inside, engage with the church, and find a place where they belong.
As Liz puts it:
"Really, it’s about getting the community to engage with the church so we can understand the needs of the people and meet those needs.”
Supporting Families and the Next Generation
The church is also expanding its support for families in need through the Baby Basics charity.
This initiative allows social workers and midwives to collect essential baby items from St Barnabas, providing struggling families with much-needed resources.
For young people, Chris Curtis, the church’s Community Missioner, is leading the effort to engage children, young people and families in North Gillingham. By working in partnership with other churches in the area, she is helping to build relationships and provide spaces where young people feel valued and heard.
One of the most exciting initiatives is Messy Church, a fun and interactive way for families to explore faith together. One local mum expressed her enthusiasm, saying:
“I’m so excited that I can bring my kids to Messy Church in a safe environment.”
Chris adds:
“People see Messy Church as their main church, which increases the number of people that hear about the love of Jesus.”
During every school break, the benefice hosts a lively holiday club at St. Barnabas Church Hall, bringing families together for fun, faith, and fellowship. With activities for all ages, the last session welcomed participants ranging from a 6-week-old baby to an 11-year-old.
Parents, carers, and children alike dive into crafts, step into the church to hear about Jesus, and end the day by sharing a meal. One mum expressed her gratitude, saying:
“I don’t have to worry about dinner today because I came here.”
It’s a reminder that church is more than just a place—it’s a community where people are cared for, encouraged, and fed in every sense of the word.
A Thriving and Welcoming Church
Through these outreach efforts, the church has not only grown in numbers but has also strengthened its impact within the community.
More people are coming through the doors—not just for worship, but for connection, support, and a sense of belonging.
From Pam and Mavis’ vision fifteen years ago to the continued passion of Liz, Chris, and countless volunteers, this church remains a place of welcome, hope, and faith for all, and with open doors and open hearts, they are ready to continue meeting the needs of their community for years to come.