August 2025: Progress so far
The Jesus Loves Sidley team have been going out and about Sidley each second Saturday of the month since November.
Team numbers have varied from 11 to 4; weather has varied from blowing a gale (our first time out!) to baking hot sun,
but we are trusting God that the visibility in our hi-viz tabards, declaring ‘Jesus Loves Sidley’ is having an impact as we serve the community by litter-picking.
But also by spending time listening to, talking with and sometimes offering to pray with people we meet.
We receive appreciation from people as we pass (and on one occasion hostility!). But it has been encouraging to meet two people three or four times and been able to have meaningful conversations.
In two other cases we have had follow-up contact which we trust will continue, with deepening conversations over coffee/lunch. We were also able to spend time talking with stall-holders
and ‘punters’ at the Sidley Festival and to help with a litter clear-up at the end of the event which was much appreciated.
We have been encouraged by favour from the proprietor of the New Inn, where we assemble at 10.15am each time, and by shops in the village. Earls café,
just opposite the New Inn offer free teas to any Jesus Loves Sidley litter-pickers dropping in.
We are so grateful for two within Freedom Church who pray while the Team are out, and provide refreshments at the end of the outing.
We are encouraging folk from All Saints Church and the Methodist Church to join the team.
We give thanks to The Lord for His faithfulness as we seek to be faithful to Him in this ministry.
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